Have you visited the ricRACK Creative Reuse Shop near the corner of OCH & MLK yet? It is a great resource for donated sewing fabric and notions along with a curated selection of clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry and more. They aim to keep textiles out of the landfill by accepting donations from both film and television productions and the general community.
ricRACK is a non-profit organization that also wants to teach all of New Orleans how to sew! They have a Community Sewing Studio on site and offer a diverse range of sewing classes on a regular basis. Check out their current classes here.
Naturally, we have found a kindred spirit in this local organization. I connected with executive director Lizz Freeman Kelly over a cup of coffee at MOJO and was uplifted by the inspiring energy brought on by our common interests – sustainability, sewing and community. A new collaboration was born out of this conversation, designed to mutually support our goals of textile landfill diversion.
We are so proud to announce that Tchoup Industries be incorporating a selection of ricRACK’s donated fabrics into new and existing locally handmade products starting this summer. The first item just hit the site today - an all-new design we’re calling the Linen Fling Tote. Each tote is made with 3 recycled 100% linen sample squares. The zero-waste design of this item is casual, lightweight and features one-of-a-kind color combinations. It’s a great carry option for laid back and easy-going days.
Additionally, for the first time ever, we are providing DIY step by step illustrated instructions on how to make your own scrap fabric Fling Tote. Consider this an homage to ricRACK’s spirit of empowering our creative community and inspiring environmental change through sewing. Let us know if you give it a try, we’d love to see what you make!
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