Check the label for natural fibers – blended fibers break down more quickly. Check the stitching is secure and straight – holes are better avoided than repaired. Check that patterns match at the seams. Check the garment comes with spare buttons- you may be thankful for this later. Avoid over-washing and air dry rather than tumble dry, as the lint you take out of the dryer is actually your clothes disintegrating. Ask someone to teach you how to sew on a button and darn a hole to extend the life of your clothes.
Selvedge Magazine is a UK publication dedicated to “exploring the culture of cloth.” Launched in 2004 by textiles enthusiast and teacher Polly Leonard, Selvedge is published bimonthly (every two months) and each issue has a theme covering international fabric topics. The current issue (#93) is all about repair, recycle, and encouraging “no waste” in fabric manufacturing.
But there’s more! The team also sponsors or organizes events, including the upcoming World Fair in September. For three days fabric artisans from around the world will gather in London to show their beautiful wares.
Back issues are often on sale so … I couldn’t resist picking up the May/June 2011 issue, which focuses on British textiles.
Even the newsletter is special. I recommend signing up for that – find the subscription box on the bottom right hand side of the main page.
OverDressed for Life 
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