Fabric Rescue: How Deadstock Finds New Life in Creativity

Where creativity meets sustainability! In this inspiring episode of Creative Living, host Jane Clauss sits down with Sarah Torres, the founder of SewbySew.com, to uncover the hidden world of deadstock fabric, the textile industry's best-kept secret.

Sarah is on a mission to rescue high-quality surplus fabrics from fashion production and put them into the hands of makers, designers, and upcyclers instead of landfills. Through her innovative business, she's turning textile waste into creative opportunity offering one-of-a-kind fabric finds and mystery bundles that spark imagination and promote sustainable sewing.

Ever wondered what happens to the fabric fashion houses don't use? Sarah has the answer, and it's more exciting than you think!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sustainable fashion, upcycling, and how small changes, like choosing deadstock fabric, can make a big impact. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just fabric-curious, this episode will change the way you think about textiles forever!

Episode Log Notes – Fabric Rescue with Sarah Torres

[0:00:10 - 0:02:32] Upcycling, Fabric Waste & A Creative Solution
Jane kicks things off with a deep dive into textile waste and why deadstock fabric is the ultimate sustainable sewing hack! Meet Sarah Torres, the fabric rescuer behind @SewbySew.

 

[0:02:32 - 0:04:50] What Exactly is Deadstock Fabric?
Sarah breaks down the hidden world of deadstock; where it comes from, how overproduction, quality control issues, and end-of-season trends create it, and why it's a goldmine for sustainable sewing, indie designers, and fabric lovers.

 

[0:04:50 - 0:07:41] A Love Story: Sarah's Journey with Fabric
From childhood fabric shopping trips to uncovering treasure troves of forgotten textiles, Sarah shares how she went from thrifter to fabric-saving entrepreneur.

 

[0:07:41 - 0:10:30] The Mystery Bundle Magic
What's inside a mystery fabric bundle? Sarah explains how she curates surprise collections by aesthetic and vibe (think cottagecore, grunge, retro, and more!).

 

[0:10:30 - 0:14:35] Going Viral & Growing a Business
One TikTok moment changed everything! Sarah reveals how social media helped her turn a passion into a thriving business—with just her and her husband running the show.

 

[0:14:35 - 0:18:49] Saving Fabric, One Roll at a Time
With nearly 5,000 pounds of fabric diverted from landfills, Sarah talks about how small actions create big change and how she sources leftover materials straight from manufacturers.

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