#182: How to Organise a Fabric Swap with Nike Baruwa

Check Your Thread: Sewing More Sustainably

During the last few episodes we’ve been talking about reducing our fabric stashes: the idea being that our collection would then make us feel well stocked but not encumbered. But once you’ve selected the pieces that you can’t honestly see yourself sewing, what are you meant to do with them? There are a number of options, but fabric swaps have got to be one of the most fun AND most ethical ways of passing on what you no longer want. You might even pick up some new-to-you fabric that you’re inspired by, or even a couple of new sewing buddies! But if there aren’t any fabric swaps taking place in your location already, it might be on you to organise one. My guest this week, Nike Baruwa, is a maker who recently did just that for the very first time. I spoke with Nike before and after her fabric swap, and she shares what planning and considerations went into hers, and we’ll hear how it actually went! If you’re interested, or even on the fence, about planning a fabric swap, let Nike and this episode be your guide.

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Nike was inspired to organise a fabric swap after visiting the London Destash Fabric Swap. Listen to the episode I made at that event:

• Ep. #144: London Destash Fabric Swap 2024

The London Destash Fabric Swap was organised by Sarah from Olive Road London and Yvette from Stash Hub app.

Sarah made a helpful YouTube video about how to organise a fabric swap.

To help create connection and community between the attendees of her fabric swap, Nike created the hashtag #rotherhtithefabricswap.

To get on Nike’s mailing list to hear about next year’s (and any other) event.

Check out some photos taken at Nike’s fabric swap taken by photographer Wida (@__wida on Instagram):