fast fashion is a symptom of a MUCH bigger problem

Something I've also noticed as an interesting trend is that there are many people in communities where fast fashion is the norm have many more people who go without adequate clothing, especially in areas where people are exploited to make said clothes. But in communities where the norm is handmade clothing, many more people have clothing that fits and suits their needs. It's much harder to see in colonized countries nowadays, but pre-colonialism indigenous people were easily able to support each other and clothe themselves properly for their culture and climate. Because the less fortunate were cared for rather than exploited and discarded. People who could not make their own clothes were given clothes, people who could not grow their own food were given food. Humans are such a successful species because we care for each other and help the people who may not be able to survive on their own. Capitalism relies on the (supposedly) weakest people to support the (supposedly) strongest. It is not "survival of the fittest" because the "fittest" contribute nothing of value. Social darwinism is the inverse of natural selection, the most successful people did not get there out of their own merits, but through the merits of those they are able to control. If the poor and oppressed are abandoned to die, the rich and powerful will also die. This is a very simplistic explanation and I could probably go a lot more in depth about this topic but it's very important to me that I tell it in a way that's easy to understand and hopefully sparks curiosity in others. Every aspect of life and history is connected in some way, much like crochet. Humanity thrives on compassion. TLDR: Help each other and be kind to those in need. Humanity is built on uplifting everyone, not just a select few.

WHOO ASHTON POST!!

This is why I've been teaching myself embroidery. It gives me time to think about my projects. Usually by the time you're done, the trend has come and gone. It's forced me to be more creative. My next project is upcycling an old dress shirt.

He's back and looking gorgeous as ever! Also I'm so happy you're bringing more awareness to fast fashion I've seen so many people fall into that trap without knowing how awful it is.

Also I think visible mending needs to be reconsidered, I've been made to feel bad for wearing patched up jeans

This has helped reduce some of the discomfort I feel around buying clothing. I have this feeling of guilt any time I require new things that weren't made ethically. I obviously buy ethically when possible and repurpose anything I can but I don't have the time or money for ethical socks for instance. This has made the last few minutes of my work day much more tolerable, great video.

I was gonna be lazy and not work on my crochet project but the invitation to join made me pick it up lol, thanks. I've noticed that with things like crochet and sewing becoming more of a trend, that some of the craft influencers are bringing fast fashion practices into slow fashion which is bothering me. all of these "how much can I crochet in a day" and "i finished this project in x hours" videos I feel are not really understanding the point of learning to make your own clothes and things. I love that more people are learning all these skills and it's more accessible to people, i like that "old skills", as it were, will not be lost to time. I just can't stand watching craft influencers complain about how little they've done in so many hours when in fact they've done loads. I get that it's a deeper issue with youtube and income and in a way capitalism as these people need videos and they need different ideas and to keep engagement and all that in order to make their living. I just can't help feeling it encourages more waste and ultimately encourages unhealthy consuming habits. interested if anyone else has anything to add/discuss on this topic also

ashton's hair is literally my dream hairstyle, im growing out a mullet so i can style it similarly

I just came across your video while I'm at work dyeing yarn, and I spent the whole video nodding along. Love to see someone doing such a great job of spreading this message, especially from a fellow vegan who also appreciates the nuances of the choices we have under capitalism (I eat vegan and don't use leather, but I dye organic wool yarn for a living). Also I absolutely adore your look!

There was a documentary by Channel 4 a little while ago that focused on the factories making Shein clothing and even managed to get video footage from inside multiple factories they used and the amounts of clothing that was discarded by people after one or even no use.

I have to buy fast fashion due to sensory issues (as well as income issues), but I so rarely throw anything out (also largely due to the sensory issues). I have pants that I bought over 5 years ago that are completely full of holes. They are my inside/sleep pants. My newer "nice" clothes I only wear outside. When I get home, I change. That way my good pants last longer. I hate it, but I don't have a choice.

Don’t mean to sound weird , but bro, your makeup has improved so much since your older videos! It’s so smooth and neat in this one! Only at the beginning, excited to continue watching and see your thoughts :)

also a big problem with thrifting is how gentrified it's becoming, and all the plus sized items being bought by thin people to modifiy them because it's trendy

Omg I used to watch your old patches and parley all the time!

ASHTON SO HAPPY TO SEE A VIDEO FROM YOU 🫶🫶🫶

So happy to see another Patches and Parley! They’re some of my favorites that you make! Also I love your style, you look so cool!

Ive always been the most fast fashion shopping impulsive when I'm very precarious financially, even when its against my best interest. I think when I'm really really stressed decision making is harder, and for me I'm like.. really looking for something to look forward to and stuff in the mail can be that really cheaply in both money and spoons 😢

The reason the example is Boots is that it's a reference to a book that made the argument using boots, it's a reference to Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett, the Discworld as a whole is pretty progressive as a fantasy series, I've had good experiences with the books I've read from that series.

I'm in school for tailoring and I know firsthand how long it takes to make a thing. But it's worth it. I keep my jeans alive by patching and that's how I start my "crust"-esque (bc I wash them and don't listen to crust punk) pants.

in glad u picked up crochet:) it's so fun and makes you think more about how much work goes into a garment🌼 i'm nonbinary and sell crochet online and try calculating my prices on the current minimum wage which isn't enough honestly, but exactly like you mentioned, if i sold them for a "fair" price for me i wouldn't sell anything probably