Episode 173: Sewing As A Part of Slow Fashion with Zoe of Check Your Thread (part 1)

Amanda is joined by Zoe Edwards, host of Check Your Thread.  This is part one of their conversation. They will be talking about how and why Zoe started a podcast about sewing and her relationship with sewing. They will also unpack the privileges that make sewing more challenging or inaccessible for many people (and how it could be better).  Amanda explains the connection between Temu, "996" work culture, and forced labor.

Get connected with Zoe:
Check Your Thread
Introduction to Garment Fabrics (by Zoe)
Zoe's personal sewing blog

Instagram: @checkyourthread

Further reading:
"New employee death at Chinese tech giant Pinduoduo prompts calls for boycott," Lily Kuo and Lyric Li, The Washington Post.
"The Truth About Temu, the Most Downloaded New App in America," Andrew R. Chow, Time.
"Worker Deaths Put Big Tech in China Under Scrutiny," Vivian Wang, The New York Times.
"China’s latest tech darling is selling a treasure trove of fake goods," Echo Huang, Quartz.
"The Latest Hot E-Commerce Idea in China: The Bargain Bin," Raymond Zhong, The New York Times.
"China’s ‘996’ Work Culture Under Scrutiny After Employee’s Death," Heather Mowbray, CX Tech.
"Tired of 996? Get Ready for 715 and the Return of China’s ‘Evil Capitalists’," Han Xu, CX Tech.
"Rise at 11? China’s Single Time Zone Means Keeping Odd Hours," Javier C. Hernandez, The New York Times.
"What to know about Temu, one of the most downloaded shopping apps," Shira Ovide, The Washington Post.
"Shein and Temu’s battle for US bargain shoppers is getting nasty," Michelle Toh, CNN.
"Congress Spotlights ‘Serious’ Forced Labor Concerns With Chinese Shopping Sites," Ana Swanson and Claire Fu,The New York Times.
Congressional report on forced labor.

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Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

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Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts.  Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come.  Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats:  purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

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