about
Woven textiles for a more thoughtful creative practice.
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Every yard of fabric is a banner marking the way to an attainable future. One without injustice, climate disaster, and corporate oppression.
warp+weft = fabric with roots
W+W has a reverence for tradition, a spirit for innovation, and a belief that fine craft has the power to tell the stories of who we are.
why plastics free?
Polyester, acrylic, nylon, spandex, lycra…they’re all plastics.
- Plastics are manufactured using toxic chemicals and petrochemical waste materials, predominantly in vulnerable communities.
- To keep communities from resorting to violent demonstrations or espionage against the petrochemical/plastics polluters, the industries contribute millions of dollars to local police departments in exchange for vigilant policing of these communities.
- Plastics producers share control of the global economy, earning half a TRILLION dollars in annual revenue.
- Plastics can take decades, even centuries, to break down. Once broken down, the chemical structures used in their manufacture become unstable.
- Many of the unstable plastic molecules are endocrine disruptors. Plastic-related cancers, reproductive disease, and more have been found in animals – including people – everywhere on the planet.
Why, oh why would you want plastics touching your skin, nature’s absorbent miracle?
Warp+Weft ensures all our products and packaging are 100% plastics-free. When you’re with us, you can be worry-free.
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our purpose
W+W connects a continuum of textile traditions to creative people and skilled artisans working with fabric, while avoiding petroleum-dependent products and unethical practices. It is our belief that textiles tell the story of who we are and it is our duty at W+W to supply makers with premium textiles worthy of their craft.
our vision
The business behind the W+W brand is founded on dismantling socially and environmentally problematic systems, in the textile arts space. From sourcing to shipping, our business operations are carefully considered and vetted so that we participate in conscientious and ethical practices within the textile industry.
our promises
- We use recycled and biodegradable paper and packaging supplies
- We keep Wall Street out of your creative practice by refusing to partner with corporate, publicly traded companies
- We use a local credit union instead of a bank
- We inspect all fabrics for culturally insensitive patterns and imagery
- We request non-plastic packaging from participating vendors
- We vet and research all of our suppliers for ethical workplace conditions and practices, fair pay, and minimal environmental impact
our founder
Hi, I’m Michelle, the owner, fabric cutter, and postal runner of Warp + Weft.
I’m a handweaver, stitcher, and sewist who learned to stitch at a very young age from aunties and grandmas who, in turn, learned from their aunties and grandmas. For me, working with needle and cloth is as much about infusing my projects with the legacy of my ancestors as it is about exploring new and unusual techniques and motifs.
I have a B.S. in Fiber Arts from the University of Oregon and studied under master weaver Barbara Setsu Picket. After years of fine arts education, it was, of course, natural to transition to working in the business technology world for the next 20 years…
When the opportunity to take over the operations of what is now Warp + Weft, my life came full circle and I returned to a daily textile practice. I am honored to use my knowledge and experience to provide fine artisans of all with high-quality, premium textiles that are ethically sourced and rooted in tradition.
BEHIND W+W
W+W is on a mission to increase public awareness and support long range policy around the toxic effects of plastics waste on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment as well as shine a light on the social an economic injustices caused by the petrochemical industry.
An offshoot of which is, unsurprisingly, a commitment to natural fiber textiles, home-sewn textile products, and reducing waste in art, fashion, and craft-making.
BEHIND W+W
W+W is on a mission to increase public awareness and support long range policy around the toxic effects of plastics waste on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment as well as shine a light on the social an economic injustices caused by the petrochemical industry.
An offshoot of which is, unsurprisingly, a commitment to natural fiber textiles, home-sewn textile products, and reducing waste in art, fashion, and craft-making.
our actions
our actions
- Annual Freestyle Endowment awarded to a local BIPOC design student completing their graduating capstone collection
- Sales proceeds donated to aligned organizations such as Social Justice
Sewing Academy, Firesticks Alliance Network, Black Socialists of America, and Real Rent Duwamish, Emily Atkins’ HEATED Newsletter, among others. - Continued commitment to natural fiber textiles, home-sewn textile products, slow fashion, and reducing waste in art, fashion, and craft-making.
community is everything
Your purchase contributes to an independent plastics-free business, supports students of color, and the Freestyle Endowment fund. Thank you for your love and patronage as we continue to fight for a more beautiful and equitable tomorrow. Keep creating, Wefties!
x, Michelle
Warp + Weft is an independently owned, plastics-free online purveyor of hand selected premium fabrics and supplies from around the world.
W+W dedicated to natural fiber fabrics and passionate about providing fabric-based artisans with carefully curated, non-exploitative products.
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WARP+WEFT TEXTILES