EL Magazine MAR-APR 2019 PAGETURNER
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Products with a Conscience<br />
Sew and Grow is an exciting local social enterprise project which creates<br />
hand-crafted, artisan products using recycled and naturally-dyed fabrics.<br />
Developing Skills<br />
Sew and Grow offers young people a different, more<br />
practical kind of training. They may have struggled in<br />
a traditional educational setting; here they can learn<br />
within a working environment and reconnect with the<br />
making process.<br />
Sustainable and Kind to the Environment<br />
Every product produced is natural and its impact on<br />
the environment kept to a minimum.<br />
When we say natural, we mean natural. Plants like<br />
indigo and woad and food waste such as avocado<br />
skins, blackberries, turmeric and even red onion skins<br />
are used to dye fabrics into an incredible array of<br />
colours. Many of the plants are even grown at the Urb<br />
Farm while others like coffee, tea and black beans are<br />
easily accessed from the store cupboard. Each dye is<br />
kind to the environment, animals and humans – with<br />
no harmful chemicals.<br />
To Dye For<br />
These natural dyes produce some amazing vibrant<br />
colours. This team has experimented and the<br />
outcomes reflect the seasons and natural environment<br />
and are bright enough to be eye-catching.<br />
Experiments with Hapa Zome, which translates as<br />
‘leaf bashing’ produced incredible colourful, abstract<br />
artworks.<br />
Let it Bee<br />
Once dyed and sewn, the trainees apply beeswax to<br />
finish certain products. This gives a tougher more<br />
resistant, waterproof finish. The beeswax is sourced<br />
locally from Sew and Grow’s sister enterprise Urban<br />
Beelievers.<br />
Quality Gifts<br />
The products make perfect practical gifts, with designs<br />
for men and women. You can buy tote bags, toilet<br />
bags and even cushions that become even more<br />
beautiful with age and use. Some products are also<br />
lined giving better durability and a chic look.<br />
With Mother’s Day coming up...<br />
That’s Not Nearly all<br />
This year Sew and Grew began work on researching<br />
products which are sustainable as well practical. A<br />
new range is planned to include reusable menstrual<br />
pads, sponges and bags.<br />
Mission with a Passion<br />
Sew and Grow is passionate about developing<br />
young people’s skills, being kind to environment and<br />
producing products that we love and value.<br />
Keep an Eye Out<br />
For natural dyeing workshops this summer<br />
Follow them Sewandgrowmk<br />
TOP TIP<br />
Recycle, mend<br />
and DON'T send<br />
your clothes to<br />
landfill<br />
Facts<br />
Fashion is the third most polluting industry in the<br />
world and one of the largest consumers of water<br />
Where to Buy: folksy.com/shops/SewandGrow<br />
On the High Street, Stony Stratford<br />
38<br />
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