Fabric Rescue: How Deadstock Finds New Life in Creativity

Creative Living

Where creativity meets sustainability! In this inspiring episode of Creative Living, host Jane Clauss sits down with Sarah Torres, the founder of SewbySew.com, to uncover the hidden world of deadstock fabric, the textile industry’s best-kept secret.

Sarah is on a mission to rescue high-quality surplus fabrics from fashion production and put them into the hands of makers, designers, and upcyclers instead of landfills. Through her innovative business, she’s turning textile waste into creative opportunity offering one-of-a-kind fabric finds and mystery bundles that spark imagination and promote sustainable sewing.

Ever wondered what happens to the fabric fashion houses don’t use? Sarah has the answer, and it’s more exciting than you think!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sustainable fashion, upcycling, and how small changes, like choosing deadstock fabric, can make a big impact. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just fabric-curious, this episode will change the way you think about textiles forever!

Episode Log Notes – Fabric Rescue with Sarah Torres

[0:00:10 - 0:02:32] Upcycling, Fabric Waste & A Creative SolutionJane kicks things off with a deep dive into textile waste and why deadstock fabric is the ultimate sustainable sewing hack! Meet Sarah Torres, the fabric rescuer behind @SewbySew.

[0:02:32 - 0:04:50] What Exactly is Deadstock Fabric?Sarah breaks down the hidden world of deadstock; where it comes from, how overproduction, quality control issues, and end-of-season trends create it, and why it’s a goldmine for sustainable sewing, indie designers, and fabric lovers.

[0:04:50 - 0:07:41] A Love Story: Sarah’s Journey with FabricFrom childhood fabric shopping trips to uncovering treasure troves of forgotten textiles, Sarah shares how she went from thrifter to fabric-saving entrepreneur.

[0:07:41 - 0:10:30] The Mystery Bundle MagicWhat’s inside a mystery fabric bundle? Sarah explains how she curates surprise collections by aesthetic and vibe (think cottagecore, grunge, retro, and more!).

[0:10:30 - 0:14:35] Going Viral & Growing a BusinessOne TikTok moment changed everything! Sarah reveals how social media helped her turn a passion into a thriving business—with just her and her husband running the show.

[0:14:35 - 0:18:49] Saving Fabric, One Roll at a TimeWith nearly 5,000 pounds of fabric diverted from landfills, Sarah talks about how small actions create big change and how she sources leftover materials straight from manufacturers.

[0:18:49 - 0:22:21] The Reality of Running a Fabric Rescue BusinessIt’s not all fun and pretty fabric, deadstock comes with its own challenges! Sarah shares the logistics of storing, sorting, and saving huge rolls of fabric (hint: it’s heavy!).

[0:22:21 - 0:25:03] Can the Fashion Industry Really Be Sustainable?Sarah gives the real talk on corporate sustainability, why transparency matters, and how we as consumers can demand better.

[0:25:43 - 0:30:08] How to Shop & Sew More SustainablyWant to make better fabric choices? Sarah shares tips on natural fibers, upcycling fabric scraps, and creative zero-waste sewing ideas.

[0:33:07 - 0:36:25] The Future of Fabric ShoppingWith major fabric stores closing, what’s next? Sarah and Jane discuss pop-up fabric shops, swatch parties, and ways to keep the fabric community alive!

Sustainable sewing isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement, and every fabric choice makes a difference. Sarah Torres is proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand, turning what was once waste into inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just discovering the magic of upcycling, this episode is a reminder that small changes can lead to big impact. Ready to rethink the way you sew? Tune in now and start stitching a more sustainable future! For more creative and upcycling inspiration, visit www.JaneClauss.com!