Whenever I sew with rayon knits I remember how much I love working with them, usually I shop around to see if I can replace what I've just used. In googling around this weekend I happened to come across a posting on one of my all time favorite blogs fashion-incubator concerning bamboo and the controversy in labeling that type of fiber. This led me down the path to researching deeper into rayon in general and I was a bit disturbed by what I found.
In a very small nutshell:
- bamboo is rayon
- the cellulose that rayon is produced from comes from plants that are likely grown organically
- making rayon is an extremely toxic process that produces undesirable waste products
- there are various methods of making rayon (cellulose fabrics), some more toxic then others
- some rayon has lead residue in it
Gosh, rayon... I'm not feeling so hot about it now. I'll enjoy what I have remaining in my stash but I don't think I'll be purchasing any more. It's not that I'm trying to prove a point or trying to play the I'm more green then you game. If anything I'm just offended, especially by the bamboo marketing strategy and greenwashing in general.
Does this go for all cellulose based fabrics? Acetate too? I think it might.... for now. Once my stash is used up then I'll revisit need plus want divided by guilt and see how the numbers look.
Besides that... I'm sewing linen pants! I haven't worked with linen all that much and considering these new developments I might be seeking out more linen. I'll see how the pants sew up and let you know.
This weeks video is all about t-shirts of course, I also show off my awesome new Italian ski jacket and the fabric for those linen pants. I have to apologize, I forgot to turn off the auto focus on the camera so you'll notice it keeps popping the focus but not enough to make anyone dizzy (I promise). I figured it was better to keep it spontaneous then re shoot.
Another great show. Thanks for showing off your t-shirts. I always poo-poo'd making t-shirts myself because I couldn't see the point. Your t-shirts are colorful and creative, and I get it now. They look great on you.
Gregory
November 16, 2009 at 5:05 PMCool shirts!!!
Did you make the pattern from a shirt you already had? Or design it yourself?
Jonathan
November 18, 2009 at 3:57 PMHey Jonathan, the t-shirt pattern started out as Burda 8329 but I made a lot of modifications to the fit. I also redesigned it to have the yoke that was similar to a RTW t-shirt I have. At this point there's not much Burda left in my pattern... When does a pattern become self drafted anyway?
Brian Remlinger
November 18, 2009 at 4:22 PMI googled the Burda 8329 pattern. It's just a basic tee. It looks nothing like what your finished shirt. Nice job!
Jonathan
November 18, 2009 at 4:55 PMI absolutely love your t-shirts! I wish my husband would wear things like that. Love the stripping, you have a great physique that is suitable for those funky t-shirts.
Thanks for the tip on the rayon. I steer clear of that kind of thing and had no idea.
Melody
November 19, 2009 at 2:09 PMHey Brian. Another great video. I love the brown and the bits and pieces t-shirts the best.
knitmachinequeen (KMQ)
November 19, 2009 at 8:34 PMlove all your t-shirts! you inspire me to start learning how to use my serger (i've had it for a couple of months but it intimidates me). it is also good to know about rayon because i never bought any stretchy fabrics before.
you are going to brazil? so cool!
oh, and let me know what you think about linen, it is my favourite fabric, but now always the easiest to sew.
Veronica TM
November 22, 2009 at 5:24 PMTY so much for showing us all the possibilities with left over material and a simple, classic pattern. And your jacket from TJ Maxx was an absolute FIND! It's rainy and cold here in the Pacific Northwest. Days like that are made for sewing but I also miss my old home near you--in Navarre Beach, FL.
Keep up the great blog.
Anonymous
November 23, 2009 at 3:57 AMWhere are you, Brian, we miss you! Hope everything's okay...
Sew Shy
December 10, 2009 at 6:00 PMYes, missing the action on this blog.
MOAR plz.
Gregory
December 10, 2009 at 9:39 PMGreat vid; very creative and cool t-shirts.
I have much the same moral dilemma with rayon. And most rayon is made out of the country because the processes violate too many US environmental and manufacturing regulations.
And to really get depressing, silk is worse. Although there is "peace silk".
I feel your pain. sigh.
lorrwill
December 20, 2009 at 2:54 AMReally....! I was thinking silk would be my natural alternative to rayon, of course then I looked at the price. Yikes
I will admit that I used my Joanne's 50% off coupon to purchase more of that acetate satin I've been using for lining. I got 6 yards at just over $2 a yard, but the guilt is priceless.
I even eyed some rayon knits while I was there, Oh rayon knits.. how I hate to love you.
Brian Remlinger
December 20, 2009 at 8:35 AMHey Lorrwill, it's great to have you!
Brian Remlinger
December 20, 2009 at 8:36 AMHi Brian. I love the wave T-shirt. Are you going to make the pattern available? I would love to make some tees for my husband. (He really gets left out on the sewing thing b/c we have two girlie girls!). Great job and you have incredible taste on fabric. I can't believe what you are able to pick out at WALMART!???? Great job ~Page
PS What stitch did you you use to sew these up - I don't think you have a serger - hmm? (:
zees5
March 16, 2010 at 2:59 AMReally comfortable shirts. Great for the gym i use them frequently and they've held up really well. MLB
jowdjbrown
December 8, 2015 at 7:06 AMThere are just a few Limited First Edition Ballin' on a Budget T-shirts left!t shirt screen printing columbia sc
jowdjbrown
January 30, 2016 at 8:36 AMIn actuality, you can take customization one step further by making your own particular plans. In the event that you feel comfortable around paper and colored pencils, you can make the most stunning outlines conceivable; get these printed on t-shirts and inspire your companion. custom wifey t shirt visit here
darren sammy
November 8, 2016 at 7:28 AMSome truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . print windbreaker singapore
jowdjbrown
February 26, 2018 at 6:36 AM