What textiles might qualify for ReDesign?

KNITS: At this time, I’m mostly looking for knit textiles for a darning project. Ideally, hand knit garments like sweaters, vests, jackets, shawls, and scarves. No socks. Also wool, cashmere, or linen blankets. I want biodegradable fibers like wool, angora, yak, cashmere, alpaca, silk, linen, or cotton. These can be quality knits that are store bought, hand knit by you, or knit by someone you love. Ideally, these would be in neutral colors like brown, gray, white, blue, or green. Maybe red. Black and navy, maybe, but those stitches are so hard to see. Solids are best but I would consider prints or color work, if minimal. That 80s beige sweater your Mom made you but you just don’t wear anymore? I’m interested. Yes, even with the torn cuffs.

WOVENS: I’m also interested in select, quality work wear like vintage denim and canvas. Vintage and antique quilts are one of my love languages, send me photos if you want to donate one. Vintage and antique household linens like handwoven tablecloths, runners, or bedspreads are great too. Yes, I’ll gladly accept your antique French handspun linen table runner even with the coffee stains—thank you! I’m potentially interested in vintage silk, linen, and denim garments and household textiles only in good, clean condition. For garments, it’s best if they are not very fitted so they might be worn by me or a model in my projects. That vintage denim jacket you got at a flea market and never wore? Let me see it.

DAMAGE: I’m looking for textiles that are clean, moth-free, and still have life in them. I am not looking for scrap fabric, tattered garments, or household garments that are severally stained or sun damaged. Some holes, torn cuffs, and a few small stains are expected. (The exception is handknit or designer sweaters, I’ll consider severe damage.) I want the textiles that have been sitting in your mending pile or your find-a-place-to-donate pile not the ones that are plentiful in textile waste. I do not want your old t-shirts or leggings. No undergarments or socks. You must wash the textile before you send it to me! And you must agree that you will not get it back. It’s a donation to my studio. I want to mend your beautiful textiles that are handmade, hand knit, antique and/or special and moderately damaged! Not be a waste destination. Thank you!

RECIPROCITY: Yes, I make donations too. I make annual donations to organizations that focus in craft-based and/or earth-based solutions. I donate hundreds of dollars every year. In addition, I work tirelessly to have a very low-waste studio. I am always interested in experimenting with ways to reduce waste and create textile circularity. I know some folks just don’t have the time or confidence to mend things—so I’m hoping I might save some of those lovely textiles. I’m often asked if I’ll accept textiles by folks who are downsizing and don’t have willing recipients or relatives interested in handcraft. Maybe, let’s try. Lastly, I will offer you a signed copy of one of my books, Mending Matters, or, Make Thrift Mend, or a signed copy of my limited edition print, 10 Ways to Feel…, in exchange. I will mail it to you.

AGREEMENT: You will NOT just send things to my studio, even if you’ve been here for a retreat and have my address. I will not be able to accept all offers and cannot manage the extra labor of discarding other people’s unwanted things. First, send me a written description through the contact form button above. If I’m interested, I’ll reply and ask for photos. If I accept your textile, you will wash it and make sure it’s 100% dry before shipping. You will not send me anything that is moth or bug-infested, that would be tragic for my fiber studio. You will pay for shipping—the slowest option is fine. I will send you a signed copy of one of my mending books or limited edition prints and I will pay for shipping that to you. Your textile might show up on my newsletter, website, social media, classes, books or publications. I might alter it severely or not at all. I might sell it someday, probably not, but I might. It will be considered part of my portfolio and studio property.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!