Where does the compassion come in? Veganism is all about compassion: choosing a cruelty-free lifestyle and supporting animal rights. I think that compassion extends beyond what we choose to eat, wear, and craft with, though. It’s about being compassionate to other people and to ourselves. Did you accidentally make a purse only to realize later that it has shell buttons? Don’t beat yourself up! You’ve learned something, and you did your best. There will be other purses, right? If you’re concerned about keeping your crafts vegan, it’s as simple as keeping an eye out for animal products and opting for cruelty-free alternatives. Here are some tips to get you going:
Opt for natural, non-animal fabrics like hemp, linen, and organic cotton. Choose organic cotton or synthetic thread. Buttons are a sneaky source of animal products. Look for wood, glass, and vintage plastic. No bone or shell, since these are animal products. Most sewing notions are already vegan, so just look out for common animal products like wool. When in doubt, Google it!
I’m sure we’ve got some other seasoned, vegan crafters out there! What other fabrics and sewing notions can contain animal products or be tested on animals? Let’s share some knowledge in the comments! [Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by cedwardmoran]
