BY KAREN BOSSICK
It’s called “Upcycled Cocktails and Clotheskeeping.”
And this presentation with such a catchy name is designed to get you to take a critical look at how the fashion industry contributes to pollution and learn how you can take care of your clothes to reduce the environmental impact.
Jeanna Wigger, a local textile artist and sustainable fashion enthusiast, will offer the presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at the Sun Valley Museum of Art in Ketchum.
And—get this—it’s an in-person lecture, although seating will be limited to comply with COVID protocols.
Wigger says that synthetic clothing is one of the top contributors of microplastic pollution in the world. She also says that electric dryers use the most energy of all household appliances and that the total amount of greenhouse gases produced each year by the textile industry exceeds that of all international flights and shipping combined.
Wiggers will discuss how and why proper care of our clothing not only makes it last but reduces its environmental impact. She’ll also discuss the environmental impact of different kinds of textiles, the social issues related to clothing production and how to remove stains and odors from clothing with minimal impact.
Wiggers has been working with textiles for more than 30 years—since she upcycled a denim bag for a first-grade environmental project. In 2017 she started Sage Woolens with a mission of mending vintage wool clothing and making useful products, including home décor from discarded wool textiles.
Cost for the lecture is $10 for SVMoA members and $12 for nonmembers. To reserve a space, visit svmoa.org or call 208-726-9491.
VISIBLE MENDING
Jeanna Wigger will follow up her lecture with Visible Mending: Create Your Own Mending Kit. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at SVMoA’s Hailey classroom.
Visible mending is a mindful way to extend the life of beloved clothing. Workshop participants will learn hand-sewing techniques to mend clothes in a decorative way.
Wigger will also discuss the history of humans with clothing and the textile industry. All materials are provided, including a workbook. The class is designed for those 15 and older; beginners are welcome.
Tuition is $75 for SVMoA members and $85 for nonmembers.