Sewing Green with Betz White

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to Betz White, author of Sewing Green, 25 Projects Made with Repurposed and Organic Materials.  If you don't already have a copy of this book, I think you are missing out.  Betz has filled it with fantastic projects, aimed at the advanced beginner to intermediate sewer.  There is everything from a reversible skirt and produce bags to a car sunshade and log shaped draft buster.  We talked about two of the baby projects.

. . . . .

Erin:       Hi, Betz.  Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me about your new book, Sewing Green.  I received my copy a few weeks ago and really have enjoyed looking through it.  It’s so inspiring!  There are many projects that I want to make.  I chose to start with the baby quilt because a dear friend of mine just had her first baby and I wanted to make her something special. 

 

Putting this quilt together was fun and easy!  You did a great job on the project design and instructions.  I love that you call for organic materials for this quilt.  Why do you think using organics for babies is so important?

Betz: Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed making it. It’s very sweet! Organic cotton fabrics are such a natural choice for babies. Everything from the cultivation of the fiber to the production of the fabric is done without the use of toxic chemicals. (Inversely, the production of conventional cotton uses 25% of the world’s pesticides!) We do so much to protect our babies and their sensitive systems from the time we are pregnant to their earliest days and on through their youth. We feed them healthy and organic foods, wash their clothing in mild detergent, etc. Wrapping them in organic cotton is just one more way to be gentle to their bodies.

Erin:       When my girls were born seven and nine years ago, there weren’t many organic fabrics on the market.  The few options that were available were all very similar, as well – mostly unbleached and undyed cottons.  There are so many more choices now!  Both the darling aqua print on the front of the quilt and the snuggly sherpa on the back are organic cottons.  Have you also noticed that organic fabrics are easier to find?  Why do you think that is?

Betz: I agree! My boys are the same ages as your girls and the market has definitely started to change since they were babies. However, there is still a long way to go. I encourage everyone to consider organics when buying new fabrics. You’ll be doing right by the environment and yourself. Money talks and we can increase demand for these sustainable practices by choosing organics. (Shown here: Aqua print by Harmony Art Organics. Organic sherpa backing from NearSea Naturals) Look for more organic fabric options hitting the market soon, including (fingers crossed) a line from yours truly!

Erin:   Really?  That's exciting!  The batting you sent me for the quilt is made out of corn!  So cool!  It was wonderful to use and it’s better for the planet than a traditional cotton batting.  Why is using eco-friendly materials a better choice?

Betz: Crazy that your quilt is made with corn, huh? The fiber is referred to as PLA, a polymer made from lactic acid found in corn. It’s manmade but 100% nature based, breathable, washable and biodegradable. Other batting made from poylester is not biodegradable, but there are some made with recycled polyester. Sometimes the most “eco-friendly” option isn’t clear, so it’s up to us to educates ourselves and be aware of false “eco” claims, otherwise known as “green-washing”.

E:       The stuffed dog is such a sweet toy!  I really enjoyed making it.  It’s made with a felted cashmere sweater.  I love taking something that was meant for one use and giving it a second life as something else.  I know you do a lot of that, too.  Can you recommend other items that can be repurposed for children and babies?

Betz: A washed cashmere sweater has got to be my number one favorite repurposed material for babies. Dad’s soft sweats or flannel shirt are also nice materials for baby pants or tops.

Erin:       I think you did a fabulous job with this book.  After reading it, I find myself thinking twice before running out to the fabric store.  Instead I’m looking around me and seeing how I can use what I have.  Thanks for the inspiration and for taking time to chat with me.

Betz: Thanks for hosting me on the tour!

. . . . .

There's more!  Betz and STC Craft are generously giving away a copy of her book, Sewing Green.  To be eligible for the drawing, leave a comment on this post before Thursday, April 30th at 1:00 p.m. EST.  I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

As a side note:  I followed Betz's directions exactly on the quilt and the dog.  Everything in these two patterns - amounts of materials needed, directions, etc. - was completely accurate.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Comments

[Tracy Lee]

The dog is so cute!! I need to make 2 for my sister - she is having twins in June! Looks like a great book!

[sarah]

glad all was accurate. sounds like a great book. thanks for the giveaway. this is on my list to get! please include me :)

[Rachael]

Thanks for being so generous!

[Tammie]

i so want this book.
your blanket and stuffed dog came out so nice. (great interview btw.)

[Hannah]

the dog is adorable!

I can't wait to get a hold of a book soon...there are so many things that sound so wonderful to make!

[jen j-m]

i love the projects i've seen around the web - so great!

[Crystal]

I think this is the cutest book. Thanks for offering a giveaway.

[Chriss J]

Oh MY! This is PerFECTO! I have to make a baby gift - soon, for a baby shower I am attending. Now I am excited to have a great project!

Thanks!!

[Tracee Dawn]

This book is definitly on my "Must-Have" list~ I would love to win a copy! The dog is perfectly adorable, and I must agree that it was really hard to find organic fabrics and fillings when my kids were born( 14 years ago!) So glad that's changing.

[SparklyGreenKnickers]

That quilt looks so cosy. And that dog! Well, isn't he just the cutest!

[amisha]

i really enjoyed this interview... thank you so much, erin + betz! the book looks fantastic and erin, your projects are going to make that baby very happy indeed :)
xo

[Cass Ward]

This book looks great. I can't wait to get it

[Tamara]

I definitely have to get this book.I love the two projects you made. I have been following your blog for a while now. You are very inspirational. Thanks.

[Susanna]

That quilt looks so lovely and cozy!

[Myra]

Thanks for posting the Q&A for us.

[Mandy]

Love both those projects! I can't wait to try them!

[Erin Hibshman]

Great interview, this book is on my birthday wishlist!

[Sonja Sackett]

Please oh pretty please! I want this book for the skirt pattern in the worst way:)

[Corvus]

The quilt looks fantastic! I've been thinking a lot about reusing/upcycling materials in my crafts lately and it'd be great to get more inspiration.

[Mary]

Both projects are wonderful! This book is on my Mother's Day gift idea list!

[Beth]

1) I have really enjoyed perusing your blog, House On Hill Road -- your blog is one of a handful that has inspired me to get busy with my first quilt. I already have the quilt top done, using all flannel baby receiving blankets I had on hand. I am looking to start a collection of vintage sheets and pillowcases for yet another quilt. :)

2) I LOVE vintage items, and have been frequenting my thrift stores a lot lately! Children's books are among my favorite things to shop for.

3) I saw the Sew Green book mentioned online and looked for it at my local (chain) bookstore, and was so disappointed that it wasn't there. I would be thrilled to win a copy of it!

Thanks for the post on projects from the book.

[Ilka]

thanks for the interview - swell job! I have a 9 month old boy with me - protesting because he's tired and doesn't want to sleep -so I'll get him again...but I would love to be a part of the book-game-thing
thanks!

[Beth]

That interview was great! This book is on my wish list - the projects seem wonderful. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

[Lisa Clarke]

I love that dog - so sweet! And I have had that book on my wish list for some time now. Would love to win a copy :-)

[Anthi]

Can't wait to get my hands on this book! It's already in my Amazon shopping cart, but I thought I'd take a chance on the giveaway before checking out... Thanks for the inspiration!

[rachellake]

This book looks so wonderful, I've loved seeing all of the projects people have been completing on her blog tour. I'd love a chance to win!

[Rachel]

Oh, I would love to win that book!

[Ashley]

Great interview! I've been thinking about buying Beth's book, but winning it would be even better!

Thanks!

[MoniQ in WI]

I have her first book--and this one speaks to me even MORE! My fingers are crossed...

[Erin E]

This book looks so great! i cant wait to get my hands on it!!!

[Mama Urchin]

I was just thinking last night that I hope I can get my hands on a copy of this book soon. Great interview Erin.

[Sandy H.]

One can never have enough of Betz's projects. She has made me a Good-Will Shop visitor to recycle items.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[blair]

beautiful job and such a fantastic book. I agree with you, the directions of what I've made were spot on, no mistakes, a big plus to me!

[Anna]

Thanks for sharing your talk with us!

I really like the look of that toy dog!

[Marcia]

Beautiful colors! Love the sea green...

[Courtney]

This book looks wonderful ... thanks for doing the interview!

[bess]

that dog is so adorable! thanks for the info on organic fabric.

[jaime]

Sounds like this book is worth getting...not that I needed an excuse for another book. I love to reuse fabric from other things in my projects. Nice work Erin!

[laura]

i would love to have this book! it's on my (looong)wish list already!

[Jessica R.]

I've pawed and drooled on the book at the store a few times, but I can't afford to be buying new books now. I hope I win it!

[jennielle9]

What a sweet set! I've been stalking this book in the stores and would love a copy!

[Melissa]

I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.

[Ashley Ann]

Cute! I'd love to win this book.

[Stephanie B]

I have seen this book around on the internet. It looks like another great book to have.

[coffeechris]

I have her first book and love it. New book, with those great projects would be so sweet. Erin, your design choices on the blanket and doggie are so wonderful I want to pet the cashmere.

[Darla]

I love the idea of re-purposing and would love to win a copy of this book.

[Sara]

These projects are adorable! I've been reading up on ways to make my life more green and I would love to carry that over into my crafting!

[SarahCr]

I really want this book! It looks like it has great ideas that I want to try!

sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com

[Kristin]

I'd love a new sewing book, I am just learning so I am enjoying trying lots of different things. I love the idea of repurposing materials!

[chez shoes]

That dog is adorable!