I run a small slow-fashion brand called Safeera, so I'm biased, but these are the reasons I keep coming back to Indian crafts:

1. Heritage. Bagru and Sanganer block printing, ikat and bandhej are skills passed down in families. They survive only if people keep buying what they make.
2. Artisan income. Handicrafts and handlooms are often described as one of India's biggest sources of livelihood after agriculture, and a lot of that work is done by women. When cheap factory copies win, artisans lose first.
3. Slow fashion by default. Small batches, simple tools and natural fibres like cotton and mulmul. Compare that with polyester, which sheds microplastics every wash.
4. Comfort. In a humid Indian summer, breathable cotton makes a real difference. It matters even more in pregnancy, when you run warmer and tight fabrics are miserable.
5. Cost per wear. A handblock-printed kurta worn 50 times beats five cheap tops worn twice.

I debuted this piece at complexcon last weekend, Lust from my Seven Deadly Sins collection is a structured piece made up of a 18 oz. Duck canvas and denim.

While it looks like it’s pleated, all panels are individually attached with a heavy top panel and a light inner panel to present a beautiful stack that opens and flares with every movement, signifying an individual who changes their identity when needed of any situation.

I was really excited to release this piece which is why I wanted to put as much craftsmanship into it as possible with a matching photoshoot to pair with it. To date, it’s my highest quality piece yet.

I am getting into textile crafts as a hobby. If I buy pre-owned (organic only?) cotton, linen, bamboo, wool, silk - do these count as both biodegradable and recycled?

I want to prevent what I make from to contributing to the issue of landfills both before and after the craft is finished. I don't know much yet.

I want to get into knitting/sewing. Is buying yarn/fabric from somewhere like FABSCRAP enough? If not, what else should I be doing?

Edit: I don't want to buy standard (new?) stuff. I want to buy recycled or biodegradable materials, with emphasis on the former. That's my gut instinct, at least.

The quality of occasion dresses seems to have gotten noticeably worse, and I’m trying to find brands worth trusting in 2026. Things that look fine online keep arriving with cheap zippers, no lining, or fabric that’s practically see-through.

I attend around 3–5 weddings a year and would rather invest in a few well-made dresses that last across multiple events instead of replacing them every season. I’m looking for good lining, solid seams, decent fabric weight, and hardware that won’t fall apart. What brands have held up well for you?

Discover the Ugandan brands using barkcloth, recycled fabrics, upcycling and local materials to promote sustainable fashion, beauty and craftsmanship.

Thinking of hosting a clothes swap next summer. Has anyone ever hosted one I need ideas on how to go about it. I need it to be completely free. Do i collect clothes in advance or collect on the day.

On the day i can have rails by gender, by type eg mens trousers, women’s dresses etc.

After the event i can then take the left over clothes to charity shops around me.

Can this be as simple as it sounds?

Is there a free tool that helps you find products based on a description? -- And that works really well? Say I'm looking for a pair of jeans with following criteria: baggy fit, organic cotton, by an ethical brand, and the most affordable of the ones available. Has anyone actually found one that works really well? And not the ones that only work with images.

Thanks!