SarahBird's Profile

Bio

I am an artist and designer working in recycled textiles. For the past five years I have sold my work through juried art shows and boutiques. I am brand new to selling via the internet. Thanks for checking out my work.

As a designer, I have a passion for texture and color that I combine with an even greater passion for "lateral creativity" meaning I love the inventive and efficient reconstruction of existing objects. I create functional pieces that range from blankets, throws and spreads to chidren's clothing to rugs to accessories such as hats, scarves and bags.

I am a stay at home mom with two children, one of whom is severely disabled. I work out of a small stuio in my backyard, right next to my husbands chicken coop - a noisy place these days as he just added 32 chicks. Sewing and creating is what keeps me happy and sane.

I use materials drawn from the bottom of the textile "food chain". Well over half my materials come from rag dealers on the border. Rag dealers condense huge quantities of used clothing that they then sort/grade and sell to developing coutries around the world. I buy used clothing by the pound from the rag dealers' trash/ungraded clothing piles. I pick up the rest of my materials from clearance centers that offer consumers a last grab at textiles between thrift stores and the rag dealers.

All my materials are washed using non-petroleum based, biodegradable detergent in a water efficient front loading washer. I line dry whenever possible/appropriate. Most wool I preshrink/felt by washing in hot water and tumble drying. My house is powered by solar panels.

Much as I love my work - it is my hope that one day I will not have access to such an abundance of used clothing. In just the past five years I have seen a dramatic increase in the amount and quality of used clothing hitting the bottom of the food chain.

May we all work hard to be thoughtbul consumers and to protect the precious resources in our care.

Best Wishes,

Sarah Bird

Female

Favorite Materials

fine wools, cotton, linen, cashmere