KSV Textiles is based in Chicago, Illinois and is the city's first zero-waste sewing shop!

I come from multiple generations of sewists and have been around fabric my entire life. I have also been sourcing vintage clothing & selling on Etsy since 2007 under my other shop, Kitten Surprise.

My educational background is in Geography, Environmental Studies and GIS. I have worked restoring native plants on the Chicago River, educated local restaurants on their impact on food waste & how to compost, and am currently researching possible consumption behavior shifts since the introduction of plant-based meat substitutes. In short, putting the environment first is one of my biggest priorities.

How does all of that tie into textiles? Well, sewing can produce a lot of by-product in terms of scraps, small pieces, mismatched buttons, etc. It is therapeutic for me to go through my grandma's estate, as well as my own collection, and sell items one by one. Knowing that these items going to a good home make all of us happy. (BTW, she is totally still sewing! She just moved states and did not want to bring her fabric supplies with her.)
Using what we have produced already, especially when it is better quality, is a great way to curb consumption and make a positive environmental impact.

I also try to only use recyclable or donated packaging. I am also car-free, and my entire business operates by bike, foot or public transportation. (I've biked 20+ miles just to get to an estate full of fabric!)

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have!

-Marjorie