The 3 values of Ro&Be

This week has been busy, productive and reflective, and it has led me to realising I haven’t really communicated the 3 values I have when creating.

1. Sustainable fabrics

I hope this has come across in my content! But in case it hasn’t my number 1 value is always to consider the impact of my fabric choices. In another post I talk through all the fabrics I use so I won’t do that here.

Deadstock

There is A LOT of fabric in this world! I almost didn’t want to create with new fabric, but also I’m not sure how sustainable ‘deadstock’ is, I’m concerned it perpetuates the fast industries to justify over making. So I wasn’t jumping to join that bandwagon but I do use small pieces of fabric found at vintage fairs or charity shops such as laces and printed cottons and I might ‘upcycle’ the odd item into something new when it really takes my fancy.

New fabric

If I am buying new fabric I make the most sustainable choices available to me as someone in the UK and a small business with limited buying power. Luckily I have found some beautiful fabrics but with them being sustainable and small orders I’m paying around £10 per meter sometimes a bit more and sometimes a bit less. So you can see a skirt with 4 meters of fabric in quickly adds up in costs! It is worth it though, I hope you think so too, to own something made with so much care and consideration to the wearer and planet.

2. Thoughtful design

Lots of brands probably say they are ‘thoughtful’ but this is how I am thoughtful:

1. I want my pieces to last our changing bodies, skirts that fit over bumps, designs with wearing ease for comfort and adjustability for long term ownership.

2. Options for women who are or might breastfeed, either built into the design as standard or a simple addition when creating your piece.

3. I consider the waste I am creating - what else can be made from it? Can I create a pattern with no waste?

4. I keep my scraps to make new things and the small scraps are building up to create a bolster or similar so they don’t go in the bin.

3. Fun, comfort and empowering

Maybe this is value 3,4 and 5?! They all come hand in hand I believe and they cannot exist without the other two existing first.

1. I want to create garments that inspire you to create an outfit you love, that bring colour to your life and day. I want to create with a bit of whimsy and joy.

2. Above all it HAS to be comfortable! After all you won’t wear it again if it isn’t, I know I wouldn’t!

3. If I achieve all the above I hope you feel empowered wearing a garment you know is: creating joy for the maker, kind to the planet, fun to be in and comfy and practical so you can be your best.