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...

102: A Mindful Christmas - Finding Contentment Beyond the Wrapping Paper Episode Summary: In this episode of Beyond the Fabric, I explore the art of celebrating Christmas with mindfulness, simplicity, and contentment. In a season often associated with over-consumption, I share insights on how to focus on what truly matters. From crafting meaningful, handmade gifts to resisting the pressure to buy and consume, this episode invites listeners to find joy beyond material things. Key Topics Covered: Why contentment is the key to a meaningful holiday season How to resi...

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 ...

Debunking Myths: Working with Organic Fabric In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives across various industries, including fashion and textiles. As a result, organic fabric has gained significant attention for its environmental benefits. However, with this growing interest comes a common misconception: that working with organic fabric is more challenging than conventional fabric. Concerns about texture, weight, and handling often deter designers and artisans from incorporating orga...

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...

The Benefits of Sewing as a Form of Self-Care and Mindfulness In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's so important to take some time off and engage in activities that help us relax and rejuvenate. Sewing is not only a practical skill but it also offers a plethora of benefits related to self-care and mindfulness. Enhances Focus and Concentration One of the primary benefits of sewing is that it requires a high level of focus and concentration. From threading the needle to following a pattern, each step requires attention. This kind of focu...

Scissors! Have you seen the Organic Fabric Company selection of scissors lately? They have ALL been reduced in price.

So much new inventory! Hello friends! My family and I enjoyed a beauiful few days in Prescott, Arizona visiting my mom. The last time I had been to Prescott was long before she lived there and back in 2015. One of my highlights was visiting the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Utah. The sand was amazing and the views were incredible! This is a close up of the same area. Most of us took off our shoes and enjoyed the sand between our toes! It was a really fun trip, but I'm glad to be back home! When I got h...

Instagram Giveaway! Hi friends! In case you haven't seen, we are running a giveaway on Instagram this week! It ends on Sunday, March 17th! Be sure to visit Instagram to enter! In other news, we have some restocks of some Made by Rae favorite patterns along with some new selections! Things have been seeming like they are warming up here and then we get hit again with an unexpected snow! I am so eager for the warm weather! I have seen some little blooms on a couple of our trees and some of our perennia...

Handmade Gifts and Craft Kits at Organic Fabric Company Did you know that we offer ready to ship handmade gifts and Craft Kits?! It came to my attention this past week that some customers were happy to find that we offer some ready to ship items! Here are some of our offerings:

Reducing Microplastic Pollution: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Textile Care at Home Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that measure less than 5mm, and they're found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, cleaning products, and textiles. In textiles, microplastics are shed from synthetic fibers during the washing process. These particles then enter our waterways and oceans, where they can cause damage to marine life and enter the food chain. The impact of microplastics on the environment is still being studied, but it is clear that they are a growing pro...

Crafting Your Capsule Wardrobe: Tips for Building a Sustainable Wardrobe with Handmade Pieces In a world inundated with fast fashion trends and fleeting styles, there's something truly special about curating a timeless wardrobe that reflects your personal style while minimizing environmental impact. Enter the concept of a capsule wardrobe—a thoughtfully curated collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create countless outfits. And what better way to build your capsule wardrobe than with handmade pieces crafted with love and care? Join me as we explore some ...

What are low-impact dyes? Hello friends! "What are low-impact dyes?" This is a question I get fairly regularly. The most common questions pertain to what low-impact dyes are. A lot of you wonder if they are plant-based dyes and made from organic substances (note: organic as in material composition, not certification). To cut right to the point, no, low-impact dyes are not classified as natural or organic. They are synthetic dyes that made to very strict standards overseen by bodies such as GOTS and OEKO-...

To Prewash or Not to Prewash? That is the Question. Hi Friends! I get asked a lot about whether or not their new fabric should be washed before sewing with it. The answer depends on multiple factors and often just to personal preferences, but I want to help demystify this a little bit! When it comes to prewashing organic cotton fabric before sewing, there are both pros and cons to consider. Here are some points to help you make an informed decision: Pros of prewashing new fabric: Shrinkage: Prewashing helps to remove any residual shrinkag...

Christmas in July: Embrace the Joy of Summer Sewing for the Holidays While the summer sun warms our days, the thought of Christmas might seem distant. However, there's something magical about embracing the spirit of the holiday season in the midst of summer. By purchasing Christmas-themed fabric now and starting your festive sewing projects, you can enjoy a stress-free, delightful experience that brings joy to both you and your loved ones. Here are my top 6 reasons you should start that Christmas sewing now! Less Stress: Picture this: a cozy summer afte...