A woman in a red sweatshirt stands at a table covered in sewing novelties, including thread, yarn, needles, and scissors. She holds a sock up to demonstrate sock darning as a student beside her watches intently.

UTA Libraries Goes Green with Sew Sustainable Event

U T A with star in the center, used when staff photo is unavailable

by Alexandra Pirkle

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This article was written by our editorial assistant, Sophie Spruce.

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries held its second meeting of Sew Sustainable on March 10.

Sew Sustainable is a monthly event designed to teach students the basics of sewing and mending with the goal of minimizing fast fashion and promoting sustainability. This month, attendees learned how to darn socks.

A collection of yarn, thread, needles, pins, and a tape measure are spread out across a table.

Sewing Novelties

Grace Backus, Experiential Learning Events Coordinator, created the event to emphasize environmental friendliness while providing students the opportunity to learn something new.

“UTA Libraries recognizes the importance of teaching students a variety of skills that will be useful in life,” said Backus. “We also want to provide access to sustainable options and training students can utilize in the future.”

Kenna Nava, a senior in geology, found out about the event through a bulletin in the Geoscience building. It was the first time she had attended an event hosted in the FabLab, and she came with a desire to learn basic sewing skills.

“Some students can’t afford to buy new clothing, and so it’s nice you can learn how to patch some of your old clothing,” Nava said. “Being in environmental science, I’m always trying to find ways to work towards sustainability.”

Two students in masks wearing sweaters and hoodies sit at a table. They unwind strands of blue embroidery thread.

Students choosing embroidery thread for sock darning

When searching for sustainable options, Nava leans toward thrifting, a hobby that has become easier with the skills she has learned.

“It doesn’t matter what size I get or if it has a hole in it— I’m able to patch that hole,” Nava said.

Two students sit at a table. Both thread sewing needles with blue embroidery thread.

Kenna Nava and another student threading needles

Backus was encouraged by the interest students showed in the event and their willingness to learn.

“Every darned sock or mended article of clothing is one less item being unnecessarily discarded and one less item being purchased from fast fashion,” said Backus.

Sew Sustainable will continue in April with a session on hemming pants. Interested students can RSVP now on MavOrgs.

 

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