When a duvet cover becomes an Essex dress, you have our attention, and nearly 100,000 other followers on Instagram. In this podcast episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty had the pleasure of conversing with Christine Lindbach, the founder of Sewing and the City.
Valencia, Spain, is Christine’s home base, where she talked about her platform, which offers sewing courses for all skill levels, with a focus on sustainable fashion through upcycling and repurposing textiles. You can read about the conversation highlights or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Substack, or right here on the Planet Aid website.
The Genesis of Sewing and the City
Christine's journey with sewing began at the tender age of five. Having spent her initial career in the fashion industry, sewing was the gateway that led her to this path. After achieving her career goals, she reached a crossroads in 2015, deciding to return to her true passion: sewing.
The crossroads became an epiphany about what truly made Christine happy. Following the joy she experienced as a five-year-old girl, she established her company, Sewing and the City. In 2019, she transformed her hobby into a thriving business that not only teaches sewing but also promotes sustainability.
Sewing as a Sustainable Solution
Approximately 92 million tons of fast fashion items end up in landfills, and Christine passionately advocates for alternatives to fast fashion. She explains that sewing, whether from new fabrics or through upcycling, provides a sustainable fashion option. Just one look at the Sewing and the City Instagram and you will become a believer. Items like tablecloths, curtains, or men’s dress shirts can become anything, from a blouse to a dress to a pair of pants.
This approach enables individuals to create unique pieces that are kinder to the environment, challenging the outdated notion that sustainable fashion must be minimalist or dull. Instead, Christine emphasizes the joy of expressing one's personality through clothing.
Timeless Fashion Philosophy
Upon looking at the upcycled/repurposed designs on the Sewing and the City website and social media, Sustainable Solutions host Monica Johnson agreed that the slogan “timeless, not trendy,” was spot-on. Christine said she draws inspiration from timeless fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn to design patterns that transcend seasonal trends.
Her goal is to create clothing that remains stylish regardless of the year, promoting longevity in personal wardrobes. This philosophy resonates with her followers, who appreciate the elegance and enduring appeal of her designs.
Building Confidence in Sewing
Sewing and City online courses are designed to empower beginners, breaking down sewing into manageable steps. Christine encourages students to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process, transforming potential errors into unique design choices. Her approach demystifies sewing, making it accessible to all and fostering a supportive community where learners can share their progress and challenges.
The Role of Community and Collaboration
Hearkening back to that child who loved sewing, Christine explains that her hobby wasn’t cool when she was growing up. In fact, only a small circle of family and friends knew that she sewed at all. Now, as a sewing advocate, Christine is elated that her beloved hobby is becoming more celebrated, accessible, and cool for people of all ages.
The sewing community, according to Christine, is incredibly supportive and collaborative. Her platform thrives on this communal spirit, where sharing ideas and solutions enriches everyone's sewing journey. This community aspect plays a crucial role in making Sewing and the City a sustainable and continuously evolving endeavor.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Christine plans to expand her Fit Clinic program, which helps individuals tailor clothes to fit their unique body shapes. This initiative reflects her commitment to making sewing an inclusive and rewarding experience for everyone. Christine expresses how gratifying it is to help the clinic participants learn simple steps to customize their clothes to look and feel good.
Promoting sewing, repair, upcycling, and repurposing as sustainable fashion options and a means of personal expression is a huge part of Christine’s “why?” Her story inspires us to rethink our relationship with textiles, encouraging creativity and environmental consciousness in our fashion choices, and reminds us of the power of individual choices in making a collective impact.
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You can make your community more sustainable. Planet Aid offers solutions, including:
Finding your closest yellow donation bin
Joining Planet Aid’s School Program
Hosting your own yellow bin
Click on one of the links above to start your sustainability journey.