Navigating Organic Fabric Certifications: Understanding GOTS and OEKO-TEX In an era where sustainability and eco-consciousness are at the forefront of consumer concerns, the textiles industry has witnessed a surge in demand for organic fabrics. From clothing to home furnishings, organic textiles offer a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible alternative to conventional materials. However, with the growing popularity of organic fabrics comes the need for clarity and assurance regarding their authenticity and quality. This is where certifications play...

10 Creative and Fun Uses for Wooden Rings If you have purchased some of our American grown and made maple rings —you might be surprised at how versatile they really are. Whether you’re a crafter, sewist, or a creative homemaker, these natural rings can be transformed into so many useful and beautiful things. Here are 10 ideas to inspire your next handmade project: 1. Teething Rings for BabiesWith a bit of sanding and some food-safe oil, wooden rings can become safe and soothing teething toys. Wrap them with organic cotton fabric or c...

113: Fast Fashion & How to Create a More Sustainable Wardrobe Hi, friends! In this episode of Beyond the Fabric, we’re diving deep into the world of fast fashion—what it is, why it’s so harmful, and, most importantly, how we can create a wardrobe that reflects our values and aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle. We’ll discuss the hidden costs of fast fashion, from its impact on the environment to the toll it takes on the people who make our clothes. But don’t worry, this episode is all about empowerment! I’ll be sharing practical, simple ways to t...

110: Sewn with Purpose - The Story Behind Organic Fabric Company Sometimes the most beautiful journeys begin with the smallest stitches. In this week’s episode, I invite you into the story of how Organic Fabric Company was born — a tale of slow beginnings, a mother’s longing for healthier materials, and a dream to offer something better to the sewing community. Back in 2016, while running my handmade cloth diaper business, I stumbled upon my first yards of organic cotton from Birch Fabrics and Cloud9. It was love at first sight — and even more, love at fir...

111: "The Whisper of Linen - Beauty, Breath, and the Frequencies of Fabric" There’s something sacred about linen.Its texture, its breathability, the way it cradles the body with softness and strength—it’s more than fabric. It’s a companion to slow living, a keeper of calm. In this episode of Beyond the Fabric, I share the story of a humble thrifted linen sheet that found a new life on my king-sized bed, and how it became one of the most beloved pieces in our home. From there, we journey into the ancient history of linen, explore how it's made (a process as revere...

112: The Hidden Cost of Recycled Polyester - What Sewists and Upcyclers Need to Know Recycled polyester is everywhere—in athletic wear, fast fashion, and even eco-conscious sewing lines. But is it truly the sustainable hero it’s made out to be? In Episode 112 of Beyond the Fabric, I explore the hidden downsides of recycled polyester, especially through the lens of sewing and upcycling. While it promises to reduce plastic waste, recycled polyester can also shed microplastics into waterways and has limitations when it comes to true recyclability and durability. As sewists, we’r...

Why Synthetic Cotton Blends Don’t Last as Long as You Think Why Synthetic Cotton Blends Don’t Last as Long as You Think When it comes to choosing fabrics for clothing or household goods, durability is often a key consideration. Many people believe that blending natural fibers like cotton with synthetic ones—such as polyester or nylon—makes the material stronger and longer-lasting. While this assumption may seem logical, the reality is quite the opposite: fabrics containing synthetic fibers typically have a shorter life span and wear out faster in unna...

Decoding Organic Fabric: Understanding its Definition and Characteristics Ever wondered what makes organic fabric truly 'organic' and why it's transforming the way we think about textiles? Discover the key differences between organic and conventional fabrics—and how your choices can impact the planet and your health! n an era where sustainability and eco-consciousness are increasingly becoming integral parts of consumer choices, the demand for organic products, including fabric, is on the rise. Organic fabric, in particular, has garnered attention for i...

109: Clearing Clutter & Creating Cozy – A February Refresh for Your Home & Craft Room Feeling the urge to refresh your space after the busy holiday season? In this episode, I’m diving into decluttering, organizing, and creating a cozy, intentional home—starting with your craft room! If you’ve been holding onto fabric scraps, unused supplies, or just too much “stuff” in general, it’s time for a fresh start. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to declutter your home with intention, letting go of what no longer serves you✅ The best way to clear out and organize your craf...

105: The Birth of Motherhood - Crafting a Whole Self In this episode, I invite you into a heartfelt reflection on the journey of motherhood, beginning with the powerful moment that births not just a child, but a mother. When our firstborn arrives, we undergo a transformation that forever reshapes who we are, welcoming a new self alongside the new life in our arms. Today, I explore how this shift is not a loss but a beautiful fulfillment—a crafting of a truer, more complete self. I talk about the dual birth of mother and child and the lifelong p...

103: From Wool to Cotton to Polyester – A Journey Back to What’s Real n this episode, I’m reflecting on a line from the classic movie Annie, where the orphans sing about having cotton blankets instead of wool. That small moment got me thinking about how our standards for fabric quality have changed over time. Wool, once prized for its warmth and durability, and cotton for its accessibility, have been joined—and sometimes overshadowed—by synthetic fabrics like polyester. Join me as I explore: The history and richness of wool and cotton, and the way they were v...

106: Slow Living in Winter - Savoring Seasonal Rhythms, Rest, and Renewal | Beyond the Fabric Podcast Welcome to the show notes for this cozy episode of Beyond the Fabric, where we dive into the beauty of winter’s slower rhythms. Today, I’m reflecting on what it’s like to settle into the colder months here in the Greater Salt Lake City Area, where snow brings both beauty and a chance to pause. Winter invites us to change our routines, honor the darker mornings and shorter days, and find comfort in rituals like baking bread and making stews that warm our homes and our hearts. Just as the earth...

107: Fresh Beginnings – Setting Intentions and Practicing Gratitude in the New Year Welcome to January! In this special episode of Beyond the Fabric, we’re exploring the art of setting intentions for the new year. Rather than lofty resolutions, we’re looking at small, nourishing ways to enrich our lives with meaning and connection. From deepening family routines and nurturing relationships to simplifying our spaces and working with natural fabrics, each intention serves as a gentle guide for the year ahead. I’ll share some of my personal intentions. We’ll also explore how gr...

104: Black Friday Supporting Handmade Gifts and Meaningful Traditions for Christmas Episode Summary: In this Black Friday episode of Beyond the Fabric, Gabriela explores the importance of supporting handmade goods, scaling back on consumer-driven holiday expectations, and creating family traditions that don’t revolve around excessive material gifts. She also discusses the truth behind toxic candles and offers safe alternatives for cozy holiday lighting. Key Topics: The high-consumption culture of Black Friday and the overlooked value of Shop Small Saturday. The beauty of ...

5 Simple Ways to Make Fashion More Sustainable: A Thoughtful Guide for Your Wardrobe Sustainability in fashion is more than just a buzzword—it’s a movement towards slowing down, living more mindfully, and making choices that reflect our values. 1. Buy Less, Make More: Craft High-Quality Staples We get it—fast fashion is tempting. But what if, instead of buying pieces that last only a season, you focused on creating timeless items that can be loved for years? Investing in high-quality basics, especially ones you make yourself, brings a whole new level of joy and pride. Pictur...

The Benefits of Using Organic Cotton Fabric in Your Sewing Projects The world of sewing is vast and varied, offering countless possibilities for creativity. I wanted to share some of the wonderful benefits of using organic cotton that come to my mind! Environmental Impact One of the most significant benefits of using organic cotton fabric is the positive environmental impact. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, making it a more ecologically friendly option. It also requires less water to grow compared to con...