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100% Organic Cotton Fabrics

For home sewers, businesses, retailers, and anyone who gives a scrap!

Mission Accomplished?

6/22/2011

8 Comments

 
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When I launched Harmony Art Organic Design in January 2005, I was looking to create a business (really a job) for myself in my field (textile design) that I could feel good about.  Reality was that in 2005 there were no fabric companies making organic cotton prints.  Oh sure, there were a few pioneering companies like Patagonia and Green Babies that were making clothing using organic cotton printed fabrics but unless you were big enough to do your own production runs (1,000 + yards), you had no selection.  This left small businesses and home sewers virtually without any organic fabric options beyond beige, oatmeal or granola.  It also left this textile designer with next to no job opportunities beyond the toxic traditional ones.

In 2005, there were over 40 eco-textile standards to choose from.  (Talk about confusing!) The OTA was writing their own Fiber Processing Standard and since then have worked collaboratively to develop the Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS.  Just last month the USDA's NOP program acknowledged and ok'd the use of GOTS for textiles labelled as organic.  (THIS IS BIG NEWS!)

What started as a quest for a job I could feel proud of, became a vision/mission to change the way textiles were produced.  I wanted to help move the textile business from being one of THE MOST TOXIC industries to one of the most thoughtful.  To that end, I would need many more companies to embrace organics!

Six and 1/2 years later... I am proud and honored and encouraged to report that indeed the textile industry has caught on!  No longer alone, many independent organic fabric companies (Mod Green Pod, Oliveira Textiles, Cloud9, Daisy Janie, Birch Fabrics, etc) have started and with this spring's Quilt Market even the biggest names in quilting fabrics have joined the organic fabric team.  Large fabric companies like Rowan, Clothworks, Robert Kaufman, and Michael Miller have released printed organics.  Even the amazing and oh-so-popular and lovely Amy Butler has released an organic cotton collection.  Quilt Market's latest trend report highlighted organic fabric's proliferation.  Over the years, I have spoken directly or indirectly to just about every one of these companies and designers.  I've watched it all and personally participated in much of it.

It is safe to say that organic fabric is no longer just shades of oatmeal and granola!  Although still a small fraction of the conventional cotton being produced, organic fabrics are no longer fringe.  They are a force (much bigger than me) to be reckoned with.  It's been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this movement.  It's been exciting and thrilling to watch it grow and expand.  Thank you to each and every one of you who has understood, purchased, supported, encouraged, challenged and embraced this journey.  Without a doubt it has been the people along the way that have made this movement happen.  I am just one small part.  I think collectively we have much to be proud of. 

What do you think?  Is the mission accomplished?  Is it time for a new goal?  I'd love to get your perspective either through this blog publicly or privately by phone or email.  I look forward to your feedback.  

With sincere gratitude,
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8 Comments
Jan | Daisy Janie link
6/22/2011 06:00:59 am

I can't even imagine the goosebumps you must get as you reflect on all that's happened since you set Harmony Art into motion! It really is amazing!

I think we still have very far to go in educating and changing mindsets that might lead to changed habits where organic fabric is concerned. You have done so much already in that vein, and I think the sewing/crafting public at large is primed for more - thanks in part to some of these bigger companies jumping on the bandwagon. I hope these same companies see the real benefits to undertaking such an endeavor, rather than just adding differentiation to their product mix. Regardless, they've added a visibility component that's undeniable. A good thing!

Thank you, Harmony, for all that you do!!!

Reply
MissesStitches link
6/23/2011 09:09:55 am

Harmony, I think you have much to be proud of, but I feel there is still a lot of work to be done. I would like to see organic fabrics more in the mainstream, instead of in a small corner of the fabric store. I'd like to see organics as the norm, where it's unusual to have a non-organic fabric choice. Thanks for working so hard on this.

Reply
Deidrea link
6/23/2011 01:45:32 pm

A song is in my head now "WHAT A FEELIN'..." you, YOU Harmony, have much to be proud of..you were not just the trail blazer in this movement..you CREATED the trail so that others could make an eco-conscience decision about producing organic fabrics! What an exciting time for you & HA..THIS IS your hay day..only good, and more good is coming!!! I am SO proud to use HA exclusively..so proud to be such a small part of what you've done & where you're going!! XOXO Deidrea

Reply
Laurie link
6/23/2011 03:28:53 pm

Without a doubt, Harmony, you are an inspiration to us all. I can't speak for people who buy fabric, I haven't sewed since I flunked sewing in 7th grade, (yes I am that old -I went to school in the day when every young lady took Home Ec). BUT my recent failed attempt to purhcase a ready made woven organic cotton shirt tells me that there is still a long way to go.
The is definitely a lot more awareness of benefits of organic cotton, but the amount of greenwashing and the lack of certified sources troubles me.
On a happy note, despite the lack of ready made clothes, with your help I have found a source of organic fabric, and I can pay someone to make it for me. Soon I will be sporting a 'Fields of Honey' shirt with 3/4 lenght sleeves.

Reply
Annex
6/23/2011 04:06:50 pm

Well I do see what you mean...there is no more urgency and the movement is gathering steam and running itself.

New horizons girl. Either you take on a formal Leadership role in the Textiles Industry and put into place some strategies and lobby for funding or...

Time to take on new projects. This ability you have for opening up areas that become self sustaining is quite a skill.

Here is lovely opportunity for you to step back and see 'what's needed' 'what's beneficial' and what really gets you right in the nethers!

Lucky you, lucky us.

Anne x

Reply
Harmony link
6/24/2011 06:25:33 am

Sincere gratitude to each and everyone one of you who took the time to respond (both publicly and privately). I am so fortunate to have you in my life. You have given me much to think about. The journey continues... thanks for being a part of it.

Reply
teresa Van Hatten-Granath link
6/26/2011 02:02:24 am

Harmony--

I agree with everyone above. You are a true pioneer and inspiration to us all! Much love and many hugs!

Teresa

Reply
Sue Roberts
6/30/2011 11:00:33 pm

It is exciting to read what you have done with your business and the path it has taken! I am thrilled to know you and what you have done for not only the textile business, but our environment! I would love to see many more organic fabrics in the quilt shops - there is not much out there yet. I believe your journey must continue (for us) and I look forward to what you will be doing in the next few years! We all are very proud of you - keep up the great/wonderful work!

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  • Fabrics
  • Ordering Fabric
    • Fabric Calculator
    • USA Ordering >
      • Organic Cotton Plus
      • Honey Be Good
      • Silver Needle & Thread
      • B2B (business to business)
      • Whoelsale Application
    • EU Ordering
    • EU B2B
  • Who's Using our Fabrics?
    • Featured Designer
    • Accessories
    • Apparel
    • Baby
    • Bedding/Home
    • Children
    • Pets
    • Service Providers
  • Press
    • Online
    • In Print
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Why Organic?
    • Why Organic?
    • Textile Truths
    • Organic Evolution
    • Organic (r)evolution
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • GOTS Certificate
    • History of Harmony Art
    • Artist Statement
    • Speaking
    • Trees Talk
  • Fabric Glossary
  • FAQ
  • BUZZ