Stitching Sustainably with Tanya from Bornella Fabrics

In this inspiring episode of the Sewing Social podcast, host Gemma Daly chats with Tanya Brooman, the creative force behind Bornella Fabrics. Tanya opens up about her journey into sewing, what sparked her love for sustainable textiles, and how that passion blossomed into a thriving small business. She shares the ups and downs of running a fabric shop with purpose, the magic of connecting with like-minded makers at sewing festivals, and the powerful sense of community that stitches the sewing world together.

KeyTakeaways

• Tanya Brooman runs Bornella Fabrics, specialising in sustainable fabrics.
• Sustainability means using fabrics that can degrade into the earth rather than using man made fibres such as polyester.
• Tanya emphasises the importance of making garments that fit and feel good.
• The journey of setting up a small business is filled with challenges and rewards.
• Exhibiting at festivals has significantly boosted Tanya's business visibility.
• Community support is vital in the sewing industry.
• Tanya's passion for sewing was sparked by a bucket list item before turning 40.
• Sewing allows for creativity and personal expression through fabric choices.
• Tanya believes in making small, sustainable gestures to impact the environment positively.

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Guest details: 

Instagram: @bornellafabrics

Website: www.bornellafabrics.co.uk

Email: tanya@bornellafabrics.co.uk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tanya and Bornella Fabrics
02:47 The Journey into Sewing: Overcoming Barriers
06:07 Finding Your Style: Vintage Inspirations and Color Choices
09:04 The Meaning Behind Bornella: A Passion for Diving
09:51 Sustainability in Fabrics: A Personal Commitment
16:46 Advice for Sustainable Sewing Practices
24:48 The Journey of Building a Small Fabric Business
31:03 Building a Business: Growth and Enjoyment
34:52 The Studio Experience: A Creative Hub
39:56 Exhibiting at Festivals: The Challenges and Rewards
44:59 Future Plans: Expanding Product Lines
49:11 This or That: Fun Rapid Fire Questions

Transcript

Speaker 2 (00:11.288)

Tanya, welcome to the Sewing Social Podcast. It's lovely to have you on today.

Speaker 2 (00:20.014)

I wondered if you could introduce yourself to the listeners?

Speaker 2 (00:46.338)

was wondering what sparked your passion for sewing? Are you self-taught or was there a particular influence in your life that encouraged you to start sewing?

Speaker 2 (03:48.534)

I I had the same thing that it just felt like making your own clothes was really overwhelming, like, I could never do that. But actually when you just break it down and go for it, it's just following instructions, isn't it really?

Speaker 2 (05:38.264)

Yeah, I think that's a really good point Tanya, to be honest, because I feel like especially women are very conscious of their bodies and we all do fluctuate and it is those mental barriers, isn't it? We put them in place ourselves to stop us doing things, but really anything you make can be adjusted. Obviously it can't be made bigger, but it can be made smaller for if you, you know, if you do change, but it is those sort of

blockades that we put in, in our own way a lot of the time, isn't it?

Speaker 2 (07:05.01)

Yeah, that's it. Do you think you have a particular style when it comes to sort of sewing your own clothes or like types of projects that you enjoy creating the most?

Speaker 2 (08:32.681)

I can't think straight.

Those ones particularly suit you, it looks lovely.

Speaker 2 (09:14.73)

It evolves sometimes, doesn't it? Yeah. I was wondering where does the name Bornella come from in your shop name?

Speaker 2 (09:50.296)

Brilliant!

Speaker 2 (10:43.566)

Brilliant.

What does sustainability mean to you then in relation to your business?

Speaker 2 (15:10.606)

think, obviously you mentioned I'd had other conversations with people about sustainability. And I think the common thread is that everybody finds it quite hard, but they're trying to do their best. And I think that's the main thing. I had a little conversation with my six-year-old son the other day and he asked me, was my t-shirt made of fabric that would rot away? And I was like, yep, it's 100 % organic cotton.

the only thing that won't rot away is the thread because that's made of polyester. again, I use that because it is stronger and you know, those seams aren't going to pop and I'll be spending loads of time redoing it. But I was relatively comfortable with the fact that the only thing really was those little threads that would remain after that garment was done. You know, it is that toss up, isn't it? And I don't think anybody

can be 100 % sustainable, but as long as we're trying our best, that's the main thing.

Speaker 2 (17:45.806)

Absolutely. What advice do you think you would give, so you gave some great advice there with little steps, but to give other sewists who are looking to make more sustainable fabric choices, is there anything you'd advise there?

Speaker 2 (19:59.394)

It's hard, it?

Speaker 2 (20:19.424)

in the first place.

Speaker 2 (20:40.546)

Do I?

Speaker 2 (23:41.078)

We need to see that once it's done because that's a huge difference, it? Over a metre maybe.

Speaker 2 (25:42.528)

Yeah, fantastic tips. Thank you. I was wondering if you could tell us about the journey of setting up your sort of small fabric business.

Speaker 2 (31:55.214)

That's amazing. And you should be really proud. You've put in the hard work and it's hopefully paying off. So congratulations on the studio. That sounds like a big step.

Speaker 2 (33:28.749)

Wow.

Speaker 2 (34:09.934)

So this weekend is at the seventh and eighth of June.

Speaker 2 (34:20.706)

Yeah, I think unfortunately this episode won't go out in time, but you never know. Maybe there'll be another open weekend later in the year, do you think? Once a year. we'll to wait till next year.

Speaker 2 (34:52.17)

Yeah, well you never know, it comes around quick doesn't it? I was going to ask you actually because you mentioned the Stitch Festival and you've exhibited a couple of times now haven't you and I believe that you're going to the Thread Festival as well? Yeah, can you tell us about the amount of work that goes into that sort of thing because I understand it's quite a lot.

Speaker 2 (42:13.11)

Gosh

Speaker 2 (42:28.736)

It sounds incredibly intense. I mean, as a customer, I come away exhausted, so I can only imagine what it's like for you guys.

Speaker 2 (43:16.216)

Do you see quite a benefit from that then, from exhibiting there?

Speaker 2 (44:41.996)

So you're going to keep doing that then, you're going to keep exhibiting.

Speaker 2 (44:59.21)

yes, it's Friday, isn't it? Let me just check. That is 13th and 14th, you're right. Yeah, got to get that right.

Speaker 2 (45:58.142)

Exciting. So is all your focus on that for the rest of the year or have you got any other little plans in between that?

Speaker 2 (46:45.539)

Yeah.

Speaker 2 (48:30.542)

Smart!

Speaker 2 (48:49.44)

Yeah that's very exciting so watch this space for Bornella Fabrics this year. So as I sort of draw the interview to a close as I'm sure you've heard on other episodes I like to play a little game of this or that. Yeah. Are you up for it? I'm up for it. Now I know what the answer to the first one's gonna be but prints or solids?

Scissors or a rotary cutter?

Speaker 2 (49:45.14)

One project on the go or multiple.

Speaker 2 (50:34.792)

organized stash or creative chaos.

Speaker 2 (51:27.8)

enough.

Speaker 2 (51:50.91)

meal out or takeaway.

Speaker 2 (52:08.927)

A sunshine holiday or a snow holiday? Wovens or knits?

Speaker 2 (52:26.367)

your coffee.

Speaker 2 (52:30.838)

I'll you that. I'll give you that.

Speaker 2 (52:43.086)

And the last one paper pattern or PDF

Speaker 2 (53:29.699)

I used to do that and then I just got to the point where I was like, this is taking too much time!

Speaker 2 (54:03.342)

That's it. So where can people find you Tanya?

Speaker 2 (54:32.3)

You've been fantastic. I've really enjoyed chatting to you today. So thank you for joining me on the Sewing Social podcast.

Speaker 2 (54:42.798)

Okay.

Speaker 2 (54:46.35)

Thanks so much for listening. you do just one thing today, don't forget to share the show with a friend. I'd really appreciate it. Also, if you do want to get in touch, you can always email. Our email is thesewingsocialpod at gmail.com. Until next time, happy sewing.