Welcome to Destasher

I’m Caroline, founder of Destasher. Thank you for stopping by while we work away on our grand idea. I thought I’d kick off our blog by telling you a bit about myself, Destasher and the vision behind it.

How did YOU get into sewing, knitting, or crafting? We all have a story.

For me, the hum of sewing machines was the soundtrack of childhood. My grandmother was an amazing seamstress. She taught my mum. And when I was a tween, my mum made sure to teach me.

But as I grew older, sewing drifted into the background: just the odd hem here, a cushion cover there.

Then… lockdown happened. Hubby and I quickly got tired of our nightly sofa slump. And the sewing machine started calling. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

There’s this wonderful thing that happens when ‘making’: you slip into this magical immersive state. Time disappears, ideas flow, and every stitch, stroke, or idea seems to flow effortlessly.  You know what I mean?

In a time of global pandemic, that flow was my refuge.  And it still is today.

Above: The first of a gazillion lockdown projects: the Frau Meta dress (instructions in French and German).

Sewing, Knitting, Crafting… and the ‘Stash’

Making is wonderful. But a few years back, I started to tally its hidden costs. Not just the high price of materials, but their impact, and the scraps that pile up at home. The stash, as we call it.

I tried to sew more sustainably, hunting for second-hand fabrics and supplies, wherever I could.

You’d think it’d be easy… but it’s not! Charity shops are a treasure trove, if you’re lucky. Yard sales and fairs pop up now and then. Online marketplaces are vast, but their search tools aren’t tailored for makers. Facebook groups are amazing, but can be inconsistent and hard to navigate. The hunt for materials is meant to be fun and exciting, but it was taking up so much time.

Meanwhile, at home, I’ve got a growing stash of leftovers. Crafting is amazing for my mental health… but drowning in scraps? Not so much.

I think a great way to tackle sustainability is by joining forces — sharing what we’ve got, making connections, and sparking new ideas, together. And honestly, that’s where so much of the joy and creativity comes in.

Above: Bundle of leftover fleece from Marketplace turned into Dhurata Davies Maxine Sweaters for mum, sis, niece…

What’s Coming Up

So, what does that look like in practice? Picture a single, inspiring space where sewists, knitters, crafters can buy or grab what they need, sell or give away what they don’t, and navigate it all with custom search tools designed for creatives.

A place to share photos of your makes, ask questions, share ideas. Even schools, non-profits, costume designers, and small creative businesses can join in, offering or accessing affordable second-hand materials, showcasing their work, and supporting the wider creative community.

It’s an exciting time at Destasher — we’re busy building partnerships and working on the nitty-gritty of the space and its features. And we’d love to hear from you: what would you like from an online creative community?

In the meantime, watch this space! We’re preparing a few perks for early sign-ups, and we’ll be featuring the makers behind inspiring upcycling projects — reusing fabrics, yarn, and craft materials in fun, innovative ways.

You know, at the start of this adventure, people encouraged me to get out there and be ‘the face’ of Destasher. But really, this isn’t about me. It’s about all of us, and what we can make together: a space where creativity can thrive, waste is reduced, and every maker feels welcome and inspired.

Won’t you join us?  Subscribe for updates or get in touch at hello@destasher.co.uk. And let’s get this movement going!