SEWcial Distancing

June 01, 2020

Remember that old Nike shirt you used to wear in middle school gym class? The one that’s faded, has a hole, and hasn’t been touched in years. Maybe don’t put it back on just yet, because there's a way for you to bring it back out and back to its former glory—or make it even better than its previous incarnation.

Meet Lydia Bolton, a UK-based designer taking unwanted textiles and turning them into bespoke luxury streetwear pieces, challenging what sustainability and zero-waste can look like. Using sewing patterns and thread, Bolton’s given us something new to do to pass the time—hand-sewing vests, tees, and cutting up our old gym clothes to make one-of-one designs. Bringing creativity into your home, her SEWcial Distancing kits can be purchased online and shipped almost anywhere.

Interview by Sydney Bradley
Photos by Lydia Bolton

After her IRL workshops were cancelled due to COVID-19 orders, Bolton took to Instagram to start her “SEWcial Distancing” series. First in the series: “SASS UP YOUR SOCKS” — bedazzling plain white Nike socks with some beads and thread. Check out her website, and shop her kits here.

office caught up with Bolton about her series of projects, how she’s designing in quarantine, and what DIY means for sustainable fashion. Check out the interview, along with a tutorial, below.

What prompted the SEWcial Distancing series?

For some people, it can be hard to think of a creative project to do, and the idea of being stuck at home with nothing to do could be a bit depressing and demotivating. I wanted to share straightforward projects for people to add some creativity into their day. The projects do not require any additional equipment other than what is provided in the kit, as I wanted to make it as accessible as possible. I wanted them to be simple and fun so people didn't feel like they needed previous sewing experience.

I had planned on doing IRL workshops starting at the end of March, but as these were cancelled, I adjusted the ideas for these and reworked them into the SEWcial Distancing projects.

Do you have a favorite project from this series so far?

The DIY patchwork vest — the fabric was offcuts and scraps from the previous project, and the idea was to patchwork all these irregular shapes together to create a vest. It gave a purpose to all the scraps from the previous project and allowed there to be virtually no waste.

How many patterns and kits have you made and shared?

So far, there have been four different projects and three have fully sold out—which is amazing! Most of the materials I use are unwanted/dead-stock, so each project is a limited edition.

Why DIY? What is the relationship between DIY, sustainability, and streetwear in your eyes?

I think all three have a closely linked relationship. DIY is all about using what you have in the perimeters of how you have it. It's about being creative rather than about skill and precision. All the projects are hand-sewn, because most people don't have access to a sewing machine.

For me, sustainability is very similar and is about reusing what we already have produced and valuing these resources, rather than producing more and more. Streetwear is about culture; dance, music, art, sport and an individual or group’s interpretation of these things. The raw creativity of DIY reflects the ideas of streetwear and enables self-expression and individuality.

Do you see yourself continuing to create and share DIY projects post-quarantine?

Yes, I think so! People seem to really enjoy them, and I think there is a great sense of accomplishment and achievement when you have made something for yourself. DIY is also a really good way to build a unique wardrobe and I, personally, love knowing I'm going to wear an outfit no one else will have.

How has quarantine and solitude impacted your own design and creative process?

I have been doing much less designing recently which is a shame, but it has given me time to really focus on the areas of my brand which I tend to neglect. I have worked on my website, writing blog posts and developing my brand. The main creative thing I am doing is the SEWcial Distancing project, which I think is really nice as they have my full creative attention and energy.

What’s one project you’ve been dying to create?

Remaking your t-shirts was a really important project for me. Looking at how we can remake our own clothing into new items is the most sustainable thing we can do. My first IRL workshop was going to be “how to remake your unwanted tees,” so it felt really great that I was able to turn this into a SEWcial Distancing project.

What has been keeping you inspired lately?

I’m really inspired by craft and patchworking. Viktor and Rolf’s recent collection has amazing patchwork dresses, and Bunnie Reiss' hand-painted clothes are amazing. I think fashion needs to return to having a focus on handmade and valuing the skills behind these crafts. I love the idea of doing this in a modern way by reusing the fabric we have.

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