Small Steps, Big Impact: Our Zero-Waste Initiatives in the Shop

Hello Crafting Friends,

At Little Sew and Sew, I am passionate about making a real difference when it comes to sustainability. I believe that even small steps can lead to a big impact, and I'm excited to share the zero-waste initiatives I've implemented so far on my journey towards becoming a truly sustainable fabric and craft shop.

Our Commitment to Minimal Packaging:

I've made the switch to eco-friendly packaging! You'll now receive your parcels lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and sturdy brown paper, both made from recycled fibres. I also reuse boxes whenever possible, and any new boxes we purchase are made from recycled materials.

I'm aware that some of you may receive parcels in grey plastic envelopes. These are leftovers from my previous stock, and I want to assure you that I've made a firm commitment to not purchasing any more plastic packaging.

Empowering You to Reduce Waste:

• Buy Only What You Need: I offer fabrics by the half-meter, allowing you to purchase the precise amount you need for your projects, minimising waste. I also sell fat quarters separately.
• Zero-Waste Options Coming Soon: I'm working hard to introduce a range of zero-waste crafting supplies to my shop. Stay tuned for exciting new additions!
• Fabric Scrap Love: I am now offering fabric scraps for sale at a very low price, giving these valuable materials a second life and keeping them out of landfills.

Our Fabric Scrap Return Program:

I want to make it easy for you to contribute to our zero-waste mission! Here's how my fabric scrap return program works:

• Simply collect your clean fabric scraps (any size or type!).
• Request a "Scrap Return Pack" from my online store. This pack will include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope and a sturdy, reusable bag.
• Fill the bag with your fabric scraps and send it back to us.
• I will sort the scraps by colour and offer them for sale on my website at a minimal price, covering the cost of shipping and sorting. This allows other crafters to access affordable materials and reduces textile waste.

I believe this is a great way to give back to my crafting community and promote a circular economy.

Creative Ways to Use Fabric Scraps: Patchwork Coasters Tutorial

To inspire your own scrap-busting creativity, here's a simple tutorial for making patchwork coasters:

Materials:

• Assorted fabric scraps
• Cotton batting or felt (for the coaster backing)
• Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle and thread
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Iron

Instructions:

1. Cut your scraps: Cut your fabric scraps into squares or rectangles of various sizes.
2. Arrange your patchwork: Lay out your fabric pieces in a pleasing arrangement.
3. Sew the pieces together: Sew the fabric pieces together to create a patchwork square or rectangle.
4. Cut the coaster: Cut the patchwork fabric into a square or circle.
5. Add the backing: Cut a piece of cotton batting or felt to the same size as your patchwork piece. Place the patchwork piece on top of the batting/felt, right sides together.
6. Sew around the edge: Sew around the edge of the coaster, leaving a small opening.
7. Turn right side out: Turn the coaster right side out and press it flat.
8. Close the opening: Hand-stitch the opening closed.
9. Enjoy your coaster!

These patchwork coasters make great gifts and are a fun way to use up your fabric scraps.

We hope these initiatives inspire you to make small changes in your own crafting practices. Together, we can create a more sustainable and beautiful crafting world.

From my crafting table to yours,

Ashley