Hemp Gathering Smock, the most worn item in my closet. With pockets!
I'm so excited for today's giveaway. Rose is responsible for many of the hand-dyed and sewn hempy organic clothing I've been wearing for years and sharing her with you makes me really happy. She's a hardworking mama who cares deeply for the Earth, and the impact that functional items have on the planet. I'm grateful to Rose for the work she dedicates herself to, for our bodies and for the planet.
Rose and Conscious Clothing are giving away a pair of her Organic Cotton Skirted Yoga Pants which you can design in your own colors and fit to your gorgeous body. Stylish movement sounds mighty good for the new year, eh? Freedom to *move*.
What were your motivations for creating Conscious Clothing?
I began sewing after I had an accident which left me unable to walk for nearly 2 years! Talk about overcoming obstacles! I need to keep busy and I started piecing together fabric for quilts, skirts and tie tops. I quickly realized that I had found a path to express my creativity, but I never expected it to become my livelihood!
When my first daughter was born, I began making clothing for her as well as diaper covers and blankets. They were a huge hit with my friends and sisters who were starting families and it grew from there!
Now with 3 children (oops, 2 children and one teenager) I am able to be home with them and support my family by doing what I love.
I love being able to be home for the kids. It is a top priority that they see me here in my studio and know that I am available for them whenever they need. They all know how to sew and inspire me with their unique ideas.
What does a typical day of creating look like for you?
A typical day would be waking up with Luna at 6:00am to get her off to school on time. I use the quiet still morning hours to sip tea while I answer emails and plan the day's work.
Tigerlily and Ian wake up at 8 and I spend an hour making them breakfast and packing lunches and backpacks and get them off to school. Then the day begins in earnest.
2-3 days a week I have help in the form of my sister Bridgette or my friend Angela. I dye all my fabrics and cut all the patterns while they help by sewing them together. Its so nice to have other women in the studio to chat with and run through new ideas with! They are indispensable as this company grows!
At 3:30 its time to go to the post office to ship out your orders and pick the kids from school. Then its homework and dinner and chores. If we're lucky we get a game of Monopoly or Uno or time to doodle together before bed.
What inspires you about your medium?
The best part about Conscious Clothing for me is designing new pieces. I love taking my most popular designs and changing them slightly, using new fabrics, or adding to something I already feel works well!
I enjoy coming up with new colors and mixing dyes for unique shades. I absolutely love the way hemp takes color. The texture of the fibers make me feel connected with the actual plant and the earthy hues are so warm and inviting.
Hemp is truly an amazing plant and the hemp fabric has all of the unique characteristics of it, including being mold and mildew resistant. Its fibers expand and contract with the change in temperature so it has the ability to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There is no other fabric or medium that I enjoy as much!
Thank you, busy mama!