For Episode 45 I have a fascinating talk with Noah Hirsch, a maker, artist and scavenger based in Washington, USA. Both in his employment and in his spare time, Noah works to keep materials, particularly textiles, out of landfill. Noah tells me about the motivations behind his activities, his approach to repair and reuse and how to talk to others to inspire them to keep items in use for longer. In particular, I love hearing about his dumpster diving trips and the Sunnyland Free Pantry that he keeps stocked with mended clothes for members of his community in need of warm clothing.
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Find Noah Hirsch on Instagram @yung_curmudgeon
Noah works at a non-profit textile diversion enterprise called Ragfinery. Find them HERE and on Instagram @ragfinery_.
Find the awesome Clotheshorse podcast that aims to decode and demystify the clothing industry HERE.
This frequently mended flannel shirt (see below) is the oldest item in Noah’s wardrobe that is still in regular rotation.
Mending Bloc, the mutual aid clothes-mending group from Portland, Oregon, that inspires Noah can be found HERE.
Follow the Sunnyland Free pantry that Noah stocks with clothing on Instagram HERE.
The patching technique that Noah was describing, we’ve since realised, is reverse applique. See an example that inspires Noah below:
A mend of Noah’s using the same technique:
That was a fascinating episode. As a passionate maker there are constant dilemmas about the ecological impact of what I do. It’s one of the reasons why I included my “pre loved and altered” garrments in MeMadeMay. They are an important part of my wardrobe and as valid for me as making a new garment although a whole different challenge to make. We need to normalise the reuse of garments and remove the “poverty” stigma from secondhand.