Say Hello to the s w a t c h m o n s t e r !

Like the subtitle says, this site is a source for ideas for what to do with the odds and ends of fabric and other textiles that some of us accumulate as a result of our knitting, sewing, collage, or other artistic projects.  Rather than trashing these test pieces, or letting them pile up in a closet, I propose that we crafters use them as inspiration to make something beautiful, or funny, or useful.

Knitters and crocheters who dutifully make their gauge swatches before starting a project know what I mean about all those test squares.  You took the time to make them; now what?  Please do not add to the 70 lbs. of clothing per person that ends up in our landfills each year.  There are better solutions.

Following that thread ;-) there are other textiles that most people never think about. Discontinued fabric samples from the garment and interior design industries, mill ends of carpeting, yarn, tile, wallpaper, leather, and the like also end up in landfills with each new fashion season -- unless enterprising people like you and me step up and do something about it, whether it be recycling, upcycling, repurposing, etc.

This site is my small contribution in regards to spreading the word about some of the global problems involved in textile production, such as environmental abuses, labor exploitation, "fast fashion" and disposal.

Future s w a t c h m o n s t e r  posts may feature:
* project ideas (mine as well as others collected from around the internet)
* tutorials for more involved projects
* information about textile waste, with sources provided
* ongoing efforts by agencies and individuals

Until next time!
                     
s w a t c h m o n s t e r