Recent Acquisition - Photograph Collection
Original caption from September 1934: "Danville, VA. A scene in a typical cotton mill here which will be stilled along with other textile mills when the textile strike goes into effect, which has been called for midnight Sept. 1st., Approximately five hundred thousand workers will leave their machines in protest against their employers to grant requests made by the Mill Workers Union."
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Almost 200 years since the first mill strike in the United States, which took place in my ancestral hometown of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1824:
In late May 1824, a group of Pawtucket mill owners decided to make some drastic changes. Citing a “general depression,” they announced a plan to extend the workday by an hour, reduce the worker’s mealtime, and cut wages by 25%.
Workers in town did not accept these new conditions. About one hundred women walked out of the mills, causing them to shut down. From May 26th to June 3rd, 1824, a large number of additional textiles workers joined them in going on strike.
It was specifically women workers who were targeted by the mill owners, who claimed they made what was "'generally considered to be extravagant wages for young women.' The owners believed the young women would passively accept such wage decreases." The Pawtucket Mill Strike would inspire other working class uprisings such as Rhode Island's Dorr Rebellion.
Power looms in 1835: illustration from NPS article.
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Navigating the Threads of Change: Sustainable Textile Practices Transforming the Fashion Industry
In an era of heightened environmental awareness, the textile industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a growing commitment to sustainability. These practices might get started right from the design process. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the practices that are changing the textile industry trends and can bring a revolutionary change.
||Re-thinking Raw Materials: A Shift towards Eco-Friendly Choices||
At the heart of sustainable textile practices lies a re-evaluation of materials used in the production process. Traditional textiles often rely on resource-intensive materials such as conventional cotton, which is notorious for its heavy use of pesticides and water.
Sustainable alternatives, for example, organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp, have emerged as eco-friendly options that minimize the environmental impact. Organic cotton, for instance, is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, promoting soil health and reducing harm to nearby ecosystems.
||Recycled Materials: Closing the Loop and Reducing Waste||
One noteworthy development in sustainable practices is the rise of recycled materials. Post-consumer waste, including discarded plasticized objects and other textile scraps, is being repurposed to create new products. This not only diverts waste from landfills but also mitigates the demand for new materials, contributing to a more circular and sustainable system.
||Slow Fashion: A Counterbalance to Fast Fashion's Disposable Culture||
Furthermore, these sustainable initiatives are closely tied to the concept of slow fashion. This movement advocates for a shift away from the fast-paced, disposable nature of the industry, encouraging consumers to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that endure through seasons.
||Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Waterless Dyeing and Plant-Based Alternatives||
Beyond the choice of raw materials, these practices extend to the manufacturing processes employed by many best textile industries. The conventional dyeing and finishing of textiles involve the use of numerous harmful chemicals that not only pose risks to the environment but also to the workers involved in the production process. Therefore, the use of natural alternatives can change the whole scenario of attaining sustainability.
||Current scenario towards sustainability||
Major fashion brands are recognizing the importance of sustainability and are following these principles into their business models. From creating sustainable materials into their collections to adopting transparent and ethical supply chain practices, these top textile companies are driving positive change within the industry.
Yet, the shift towards sustainable textile practices is not without its challenges. The initial costs associated with sustainable materials and processes can be higher, posing financial obstacles for some manufacturers. However, as consumer demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise, economies of scale and increased innovation are expected to drive costs down, making sustainability practices more accessible for all.
||Conclusion||
In conclusion, sustainable textile practices are setting a new narrative for the industry, one that prioritizes environmental stewardship, ethical practices, and long-term viability. The threads of change are being woven into the fabric of fashion, stitching together a more sustainable and conscious future for all.
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The art market I went to this past weekend had a lot of really cool offerings. I wish I had the funds to buy everything I saw, alas. It was very difficult to choose from all the stalls that were there (80 different artists attended). In the end, I purchased a tote bag and three prints for my Chaos Wall from Sir Gregory & Co., three shop illustration prints from Zenti Designs, a linocut of Chaotic Good Designs' Cat, Jon Snow, an upcycled bag from Kimono Yamamoto, an illustrated book for my partner's goddaughter from La Source Australia, and a silver boundary bracelet from Mill Foundry.
There were just too many excellent artists, though. I was a bit overwhelmed on the day. I hope everyone did really well with their stalls, there seemed to be a lot of people just being drawn in via local foot traffic when we were leaving to venue.
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