Craftsmanship Quarterly Craftsmanship Initiative

Everyone in the fashion world wants to find a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way to make cotton clothes — or a benign (and comfy) alternative. Some are on the brink of succeeding. But almost no one understands these innovations’ social costs.

"The Human Cost of Recycled Cotton," written and narrated by Alden Wicker, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Editor’s note: This story was updated from the original by the author for re-release in our Fall 2021 issue.

Written by ALDEN WICKER

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by ALDEN WICKER

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN

This episode is part of our series “Artisan Interviews,” in which we bring you conversations with the artisans behind the stories, and with those who write about them.

Alden Wicker, award-winning journalist, sustainable fashion expert, and founder of EcoCult, talks about her disillusionment with the idea of “voting with your dollars;" why the cotton industry is in disarray; and some concerning new research around toxicity and chemicals in fashion.

Craftsmanship Quarterly is a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

If you want an unusually cozy scarf or sweater made of natural fiber, merino wool or alpaca are the usual choices. But what about the guanaco, the alpaca’s little-known cousin, which grows even finer fleece? For Adriana Marina, the guanaco’s time has come to be South America’s finest source for sustainable textiles.

"Argentina’s Textile Crusader" written and narrated by Alden Wicker, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Written by ALDEN WICKER

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by ALDEN WICKER

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

Alden Wicker is an award-winning journalist and sustainable fashion expert.

Fountain pens have always served as the quintessential combination of beauty, tradition, and dexterity. But did you know they’re also tools of  environmental consciousness? Join our tour of the fountain pen’s  history, infinite varieties, and remarkable powers. With tips for shopping and maintenance.

"The Perfect Pen" written by Tim Redmond, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of  charge and free of advertising.

Written by TIM REDMOND

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by CHRIS EGUSA

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

As interest in hunting with a bow and arrow has risen, much of the gear has gone high-tech. Meanwhile, a small band of purists like Gabriel Miossi have turned to a traditional Native American weapon: the stick bow.

"The Lost Art of Traditional Bow Hunting" written by David Munro, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Written by MEGHAN WARD

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by Göran Norquist

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN

As the economy’s reliance on innovation grows, the offering of toys for  girls remains–well, somewhat less than innovative. Fortunately, a few smart women are starting to solve this problem by reviving the time-honored principles of tinkering, this time for girls.

"Let Tinkerbell Tinker" written by David Munro, originally appeared in Craftsmanship Quarterly, a multimedia online magazine about artisans, innovators, and the architecture of excellence. You'll find many more stories, videos, audio recordings, and other resources on our site — all free of charge and free of advertising.

Written by DAVID MUNRO

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by Göran Norquist

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS