Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to Betz White, author of Sewing Green, 25 Projects Made with Repurposed and Organic Materials. If you don't already have a copy of this book, I think you are missing out. Betz has filled it with fantastic projects, aimed at the advanced beginner to intermediate sewer. There is everything from a reversible skirt and produce bags to a car sunshade and log shaped draft buster. We talked about two of the baby projects.
. . . . .
Erin: Hi, Betz.
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me about your new book,
Sewing Green. I received my copy a few
weeks ago and really have enjoyed looking through it. It’s so inspiring! There are many projects that I want to
make. I chose to start with the baby
quilt because a dear friend of mine just had her first baby and I wanted to
make her something special.
Putting
this quilt together was fun and easy!
You did a great job on the project design and instructions. I love that you call for organic materials
for this quilt. Why do you think using
organics for babies is so important?
Betz:
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed making it. It’s very sweet! Organic
cotton fabrics are such a natural choice for babies. Everything from the cultivation
of the fiber to the production of the fabric is done without the use of toxic
chemicals. (Inversely, the production of conventional cotton uses 25% of the
world’s pesticides!) We do so much to protect our babies and their sensitive
systems from the time we are pregnant to their earliest days and on through
their youth. We feed them healthy and organic foods, wash their clothing in
mild detergent, etc. Wrapping them in organic cotton is just one more way to be
gentle to their bodies.
Erin: When my girls were born seven and nine
years ago, there weren’t many organic fabrics on the market. The few options that were available were all
very similar, as well – mostly unbleached and undyed cottons. There are so many more choices now! Both the darling aqua print on the front of
the quilt and the snuggly sherpa on the back are organic cottons. Have you also noticed that organic fabrics
are easier to find? Why do you think
that is?
Betz:
I agree! My boys are the same ages as your girls and the market has definitely
started to change since they were babies. However, there is still a long way to
go. I encourage everyone to consider organics when buying new fabrics. You’ll
be doing right by the environment and yourself. Money talks and we can increase
demand for these sustainable practices by choosing organics. (Shown here: Aqua
print by Harmony Art Organics. Organic sherpa backing from NearSea Naturals)
Look for more organic fabric options hitting the market soon, including
(fingers crossed) a line from yours truly!
Erin: Really? That's exciting! The
batting you sent me for the quilt is made out of corn! So cool!
It was wonderful to use and it’s better for the planet than a
traditional cotton batting. Why is using
eco-friendly materials a better choice?
Betz:
Crazy that your quilt is made with corn, huh? The fiber is referred to as PLA,
a polymer made from lactic acid found in corn. It’s manmade but 100% nature
based, breathable, washable and biodegradable. Other batting made from
poylester is not biodegradable, but there are some made with recycled
polyester. Sometimes the most “eco-friendly” option isn’t clear, so it’s up to
us to educates ourselves and be aware of false “eco” claims, otherwise known as
“green-washing”.
E: The stuffed dog is such a sweet toy! I really enjoyed making it. It’s made with a felted cashmere
sweater. I love taking something that
was meant for one use and giving it a second life as something else. I know you do a lot of that, too. Can you recommend other items that can be
repurposed for children and babies?
Betz:
A washed cashmere sweater has got to be my number one favorite repurposed
material for babies. Dad’s soft sweats or flannel shirt are also nice materials
for baby pants or tops.
Erin: I think you did a fabulous job with this
book. After reading it, I find myself
thinking twice before running out to the fabric store. Instead I’m looking around me and seeing how
I can use what I have. Thanks for the
inspiration and for taking time to chat with me.
Betz:
Thanks for hosting me on the tour!
. . . . .
There's more! Betz and STC Craft are generously giving away a copy of her book, Sewing Green. To be eligible for the drawing, leave a comment on this post before Thursday, April 30th at 1:00 p.m. EST. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.
As a side note: I followed Betz's directions exactly on the quilt and the dog. Everything in these two patterns – amounts of materials needed, directions, etc. – was completely accurate.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The dog is so cute!! I need to make 2 for my sister – she is having twins in June! Looks like a great book!
glad all was accurate. sounds like a great book. thanks for the giveaway. this is on my list to get! please include me 🙂
Thanks for being so generous!
i so want this book.
your blanket and stuffed dog came out so nice. (great interview btw.)
the dog is adorable!
I can’t wait to get a hold of a book soon…there are so many things that sound so wonderful to make!
i love the projects i’ve seen around the web – so great!
I think this is the cutest book. Thanks for offering a giveaway.
Oh MY! This is PerFECTO! I have to make a baby gift – soon, for a baby shower I am attending. Now I am excited to have a great project!
Thanks!!
This book is definitly on my “Must-Have” list~ I would love to win a copy! The dog is perfectly adorable, and I must agree that it was really hard to find organic fabrics and fillings when my kids were born( 14 years ago!) So glad that’s changing.
That quilt looks so cosy. And that dog! Well, isn’t he just the cutest!
i really enjoyed this interview… thank you so much, erin + betz! the book looks fantastic and erin, your projects are going to make that baby very happy indeed 🙂
xo
This book looks great. I can’t wait to get it
I definitely have to get this book.I love the two projects you made. I have been following your blog for a while now. You are very inspirational. Thanks.
That quilt looks so lovely and cozy!
Thanks for posting the Q&A for us.
Love both those projects! I can’t wait to try them!
Great interview, this book is on my birthday wishlist!
Please oh pretty please! I want this book for the skirt pattern in the worst way:)
The quilt looks fantastic! I’ve been thinking a lot about reusing/upcycling materials in my crafts lately and it’d be great to get more inspiration.
Both projects are wonderful! This book is on my Mother’s Day gift idea list!
1) I have really enjoyed perusing your blog, House On Hill Road — your blog is one of a handful that has inspired me to get busy with my first quilt. I already have the quilt top done, using all flannel baby receiving blankets I had on hand. I am looking to start a collection of vintage sheets and pillowcases for yet another quilt. 🙂
2) I LOVE vintage items, and have been frequenting my thrift stores a lot lately! Children’s books are among my favorite things to shop for.
3) I saw the Sew Green book mentioned online and looked for it at my local (chain) bookstore, and was so disappointed that it wasn’t there. I would be thrilled to win a copy of it!
Thanks for the post on projects from the book.
thanks for the interview – swell job! I have a 9 month old boy with me – protesting because he’s tired and doesn’t want to sleep -so I’ll get him again…but I would love to be a part of the book-game-thing
thanks!
That interview was great! This book is on my wish list – the projects seem wonderful. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
I love that dog – so sweet! And I have had that book on my wish list for some time now. Would love to win a copy 🙂
Can’t wait to get my hands on this book! It’s already in my Amazon shopping cart, but I thought I’d take a chance on the giveaway before checking out… Thanks for the inspiration!
This book looks so wonderful, I’ve loved seeing all of the projects people have been completing on her blog tour. I’d love a chance to win!
Oh, I would love to win that book!
Great interview! I’ve been thinking about buying Beth’s book, but winning it would be even better!
Thanks!
I have her first book–and this one speaks to me even MORE! My fingers are crossed…
This book looks so great! i cant wait to get my hands on it!!!
I was just thinking last night that I hope I can get my hands on a copy of this book soon. Great interview Erin.
One can never have enough of Betz’s projects. She has made me a Good-Will Shop visitor to recycle items.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
beautiful job and such a fantastic book. I agree with you, the directions of what I’ve made were spot on, no mistakes, a big plus to me!
Thanks for sharing your talk with us!
I really like the look of that toy dog!
Beautiful colors! Love the sea green…
This book looks wonderful … thanks for doing the interview!
that dog is so adorable! thanks for the info on organic fabric.
Sounds like this book is worth getting…not that I needed an excuse for another book. I love to reuse fabric from other things in my projects. Nice work Erin!
i would love to have this book! it’s on my (looong)wish list already!
I’ve pawed and drooled on the book at the store a few times, but I can’t afford to be buying new books now. I hope I win it!
What a sweet set! I’ve been stalking this book in the stores and would love a copy!
I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.
Cute! I’d love to win this book.
I have seen this book around on the internet. It looks like another great book to have.
I have her first book and love it. New book, with those great projects would be so sweet. Erin, your design choices on the blanket and doggie are so wonderful I want to pet the cashmere.
I love the idea of re-purposing and would love to win a copy of this book.
These projects are adorable! I’ve been reading up on ways to make my life more green and I would love to carry that over into my crafting!
I really want this book! It looks like it has great ideas that I want to try!
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love a new sewing book, I am just learning so I am enjoying trying lots of different things. I love the idea of repurposing materials!
That dog is adorable!
I just purchased my first piece of repurposed fabric from an etsy shop.. repurposed fabric and organic fabrics are new to me. My daughter is using bamboo batting on her quilts!
I would love to win this book.. please enter me in the drawing!
I’ve heard so many great things about this book! I’d love to see all of the wonderful ideas for myself! 🙂
Hi Betz!! I have enjoyed your blog tour so much! I’m sad to see it come to an end. Thanks for all of your tips & inspiration!!
Oh, please pick me, I need this book! Your baby quilt is great, who would of thought of corn batting! Thanks for the giveaway.
put my name in the hat!
Thanks for the interview, Erin and Betz. It’s always nice to hear an author talk about her book–this one looks great.
Thank you so much for posting the interview, as I just went through my closet last night and now am inspired to use some of my unwanted sweaters and morph them into puppy dogs. I would love to win this book; thanks again for the opportunity!
I am dying to try the felted leaf scarf on the cover of this book! Your baby quilt and stuffed dog came out perfect–what great projects!
ack! what adorable projects! i would love to get my hands on a copy of this book — it sounds awesome.
What cute projects! I love all that I’ve seen from the book so far!
Such cute baby projects. This book looks great!
I need more ways to use my old fabrics. This book is on my must-have list.
Great job on the quilt and dog and thanks for sharing your Q&A with Betz!
Oh, I’ve been wanting that book! 🙂
I would love a new book. I purchased Weekend Sewing after your book tour. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would love to win this book! Your dog is so cute and that quilt is so sweet. I would love to make both for my 6 month old baby boy.
this book is definitely on my *want* list!
Love that little quilt and doggy! Betz is terrific, so creative. Love all the news about organics-it really is a new world these days.
This book looks like so much fun. I’m trying to find ways to reuse old clothing that would otherwise be heading for the trash. I can’t wait to see this book!
The projects look fantastic! And this book is currently on my Amazon Wish List. Thanks for the great review.
I’ve had my eye on that book…I hope I win! -Rossie
I really like the design of the quilt and of course your fabric colors are always so great!
Such beautiful projects. Thanks for sharing with us!
“Can you recommend other items that can be repurposed for children and babies?”
Did I miss the answer? Is it a cliffhanger, perhaps? 😉
Beautiful projects and book! Glad to hear the instructions are complete too!
Looks like a great book! And I look forward to the possibility of Betz White organic fabric designs!
This is getting added to my library and SOON! Thanks for the post.
The quilt is lovely–and the little dog is so sweet! I really like the idea of repurposing materials as well.
Lovely!
Great interview. Thanks for the review of the book. So much buzz about the book, I’ll have to get a copy! Thanks again.
These look great, I love the sherpa!
Ooooh, I’m so excited to see more organic fabric choices! Love the ideas, and such beautiful projects.
Thanks for sharing, as always :).
That looks like a great book, it’s on my wish list at Amazon.
Great post and interview. I want to make a similar quilt for our little #4 on the way. Good thing I have the summer to finish my long list of necessary items. I will check our local stores for organic options. I like the idea of the corn batting. Thanks again!
Love the two items you made from this book. Your blog is is so inspiring to me, keep up the good work!
Please add me to the hat! I would love to receive this book.
Betz’ projects are always great! I’ve heard so much about her latest book – all of it wonderful!
Lorrie
That little doggie is so cute and think the book is such a great concept. Would love to be considered for the giveaway. Thanks!
The dog is so cute! This book has been on my wish list!
Thanks!
Sweet projects and a very lucky mom & baby. Looks like an awesome book written from a very important perspective.
Such beautiful projects! I’m loving the colors you’ve choosen.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book.
I would love to win this book! Please pick me! The idea of recycling is wonderful!
Wow! Looks like a great book. I would love to win a copy! Pick me Please 🙂
Love the idea of using what we have, instead of just buying more. Will have to rummage around and see what I have that i could use.
I’m always looking for ways to be green!
YAY! I have been sort of stocking this book. It would be wonderful to win one. Thanks for the great interview.
They are such cute projects! As a new mama, I’d love to be able to have a book on being greener with my – sparse! – crafting.
I would love this book, I definitely need another excuse to go thrifting!
I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book. Thanks for sharing your insights here.
Great projects. I would love to win the book and see more. (and of course sew them) 🙂
count me in, erin. i love that dog. so sweet.
i am hosting a fabric give away on my blog-just to let you know.
What a great dog…off to find old cashmere sweaters.
I use old wool sweaters to make Christmas package tie-ons. Felt the sweater, cut into whatever shapes please you, fill with fiber or dried herbs from your summer garden and blanket stitch together.
diana
Thanks for sharing the interview with us. I really like the sherpa backing. I’ve looked at the fabrics at Nearsea Nauticals in the past. They have some beautiful wovens–my favorite is “Stumps Speak.”
Great interview and nice job on the blanket and the dog. The blanket looks SO cozy.
Love the doggie!
Oh that books sounds amazing!
This book is on my wish list. Please enter me in the drawing! Thanks! 🙂 Lise
Love the baby quilt and that dog project is so cute!
What a timely and beautiful interview. I’d love to have a copy of this book.
Wow, the book seems to be making such a splash all over, I’d love to learn more about repurposing fabrics into a new life as I get lots of hand-me-down items from my mother in law.
Nadia
Oh my, that dog!!! So cute…I’ve been coveting this book for a while now. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the giveaway.
Hope I win!
Thanks for posting the interview; I would love this book!
I love Betz’s work! And the quilt is so sweet…so is the dog, of course!
Hi
I just had a baby and these projects look fun. I would love to see what other projects are in this book.
Count me in! I have seen so many great projects from the book on the blogs of others that I would love to have a copy.
I LOVE this book!
Sounds lovely! I can’t wait to get a copy of it myself.
Thanks for the chance to win. This book looks amazing!
I would love to try these patterns out! Loved reading the interview, too 🙂
I would love a copy of this book. What a beautiful quilt!
I love Betz’s first book and this second looks just as great!
What a wonderful book – I’ve seen it on many different blogs and would love to have a copy.
I would love a new sewing book and one with ecofriendly projects and ideas is even better!
Sweet little dog and lovely quilt! I enjoyed reading this interview; it’s always nice to “meet” the person behind the book.
Too cute. I’d love to get a copy of this book. I’m on the next generation and looking for ideas.
I would love to have a copy of this interesting book!
I just felted an old cashmere sweater the other day — the dog would be a perfect use for it! Please pick me!
Cool! I love the quilts!
Both the quilt and the dog are wonderful. I would love the make the quilt for my friend’s new grandson. He will be born at the end of the summer!
Looks like a great book. I’d love to find sources for organic fabrics. Thanks!
oh boy oh boy would i love that book!!!
What a great book! I love all of the green projects!
Wow! Looks like a wonderful book!I would love a copy!
I checked this book out at the library and definitely would like my own copy. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love this book. It looks like it has some really great ideas.
My fingers are crossed! I can’t wait to get my hands on that book!
This is such a great concept for a book. I find that I often have clothes to give away, and would much rather repurpose them through craft. I’m in need of some good inspiration though.
I would love to win a copy of this book! It has great ideas.
What a great-sounding book! Please enter me. Best.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the book.
I’m intrigued by the car shade…it’s made from like CapriSun pouches, right? If only I knew someone who consumed them because I’m pretty sure it goes against everything the book stands for if I go out and buy some just to make the shade.
ooooh, this book sounds great! haven’t seen in yet…maybe soon 😉
Erin,
Your work is beautiful. I am trying to do more these days to re-use and re-purpose, and I am SO anxious to get back to sewing again. Winning this book would be a great incentive.
Thanks
Oooo! I want that book. I’ve got to make that dog for my nephew! Fingers crossed…
Erin, I always am taken by how your fabric choices are always so perfect for all your projects! You truly highlighted how wonderful Betz’s projects really are.
Betz’s book would be a great inspiration for using up some of my fabric stash. The projects you made are adorable! I can’t wait to try some projects from the book.
this book is on my wish list. i would love to win it!
I have been eyeing that book, great to see some of the projects.
Love it! Betz’s book is amazing, it has been such an inspiration!
So cute. I would love to win the Sew Green book by Betz.
I just started sewing my first ever quilt! The new book looks great!
I love that quilt! The projects look so great, I’d love to win the book! Thank you Erin! Organic fabrics are SO wonderful 🙂
I love the projects you did from the book! What fun to see them – I’d love to see this book!
This book sounds awsome! So many wonderful to make! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’ll be the happy recipient!
Oh I love the quilt. So sweet.
A friend to knit with sent me…..sounds like a neat book!
Would love a copy of this book! Thanks!
I so want this book…I love that the projects are made from repurposed materials.
Love the projects, hoping I win because I have a baby on the way and would love to make some of these projects!
I’ve been really interested in her book. I think I’m going to have to buy it and check it out. Thanks for the great interview!
My favourite colour of all is Green.
Seems like there are so many great things in this book. You did a fabulous job on the baby blanket and the dog. What a nice gift they will make. Thanks for sharing.
Need book, its awesome!
This book looks so fabulous!
This is one of the multiple books that tried to come home with me from the bookstore the other day. My wallet had to politely ask her to return to her spot on the shelf and promised to come back to get her as soon as there was money to spare.
Thanks for the interview. I can’t wait to get my hands on that book.
Really enjoyed the interview and the peek into Sewing Green! I like that the experience level spans advanced beginner to intermediate, too. Can’t wait to try out the ideas in the book!
What a lovely book filled with fabulous things that make me want to sew.
These projects look terrific. I’m not nearly the sewer you are but it looks like a fun book! Thanks for the great giveaway.
That book looks amazing! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
[email protected]
What a terrific book…dealing with one of my favorite topics: repurposing! Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
I would love a copy of this book. My baby is due in May (three more weeks) and I am really going green with this one – cloth diapers, cloth wipes, hand me down clothes from big sister and natural birthing. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
It would be great to win this book!
Very interesting to hear about organic fabrics – I’d never considered using them before.
How fun that you got to interview her! Love her stuff… and yours!
The quilt and dog are adorable! It’s always so nice to hear when the patterns are accurate. I tend to trust designers, but sometimes things get switched in the layout/editing, and it’s frustrating to learn the hard way.
Just signed my daughter up for preschool *sigh* and need to bring in a blanket for naptime. Some time ago, she found a soft pink remnant at the fabric store and requested I make a blankie with it. I now plan to also use scraps of thrifted, felted, wool sweaters to make a fun, special blanket for her to have when she is “on her own” at school. Maybe it will mean more to me than it does to her, but that’s okay!
I would love to win this book! Both projects are adorable.
This book sounds great! Isn’t it amazing how much we can do with what we already have!? Super-cute projects, btw.
This book sounds soo great. I can’t wait to begin going through it… whether I win it or order it soon.
I’ve seen the book in the bookstores and it’s lovely. Fingers crossed!!
the puppy toy is adorable! you did a great job with the interview and the projects, erin. thanks for sharing so much of yourself with all of us.
I love what I’ve seen from this book, and can’t wait to get a copy. Hopefully I’ll be lucky here!
I’d love to get this book!
How gorgeous! And so inspiring! 😀
I would love to own this book!! I have been eyeing it, and would love to have it in my collection. Thank you!
This book is now on my amazon wish list!!
The book looks so great! I’d love a copy. I am very much into reusing and upcycling these days.
Oh, yes, sign me up! LOVE the dog!
Great interview Erin! Love that little dog, so cute. x
Even as a cat person I love this dog!It’s cute.
Oh, I have babies needing prezzies. What a great looking book!
Great interview! I just saw this book and loved it! So many great ideas.
Great interview! It is so good to see more organic options out there. This book is on my booklist… I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!
what a great interview! thanks for sharing ! my little one would just adore that dog toy! it’s soooo cute :O)
The dog is so sweet. What a great give away.
Looks like a great book. Love the little puppy:)
I’ve been eyeing that book! Would love to win it! Thanks for the giveaway!
That is such an adorable dog! I have some sweaters that I am figuring out how to repurpose.
What cute projects! I’d love to win!
I love the dog and have just the right friend for it. Thanks for the interview and the great review of the book.
Thank you both for the interview and giveaway.
The books looks wonderful!
What a beautiful quilt (organic sherpa, oh my!) I so love the green crafting movement — repurposing is one of my very favorite things, and I feel like Betz is a kindred spirit. Thanks for giving me a chance to win this wonderful book!
This book is on my wishlist!
The quilt and dog are darling!!!!! Thanks for the give-away!
Gasp! I’ve been thinking about getting this book! Fingers crossed… 🙂
This looks like a great book. Please enter me for the draw.Thanks!
Thanks for the interview. I just love everything Betz does!
This book looks like fun… and repurposing is perfect right now since money is tight!
Yippee! I’ve been a big fan of Betz for a while. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the chance to win this book. I am going to have to buy it soon if I don’t win it!
Love this book. Would love a copy! Thanks.
I love the idea of repurposing and green projects. Pls count me in!
I definitely need new inspiration and even better if it’s new inspiration from old things! Thanks for the chance and thanks for a great interview!
Loved the interview and I would certainly love to “win” the book! Please put my name in the hat.
This book sounds amazing! It’s just what I’ve been looking for! I hope I win. Thanks Erin!
I love the character and enviro-friendliness of repurposed things; the dog looks very cuddly.
so fun! i’d love to win!
Looks like a great book – with great ideas!
12:42…glad I stopped by your blog for a visit, I just might make the 1pm deadline. This post has given me some great ideas for future plush creations! I’ve got a sweater that’s been laying around(because it *might* fit again) that would be perfect 🙂 What a great “Green” book!