Macclesfield: Nurse starts successful sustainable side business from waste fabric
A sewing business owner from Macclesfield is flourishing with her zero waste clothing and accessory business Z in the Attic.
Macclesfield Nurse Zoë Aspinall has sewn all her life, but started selling products during maternity leave in September 2021.
Ten months later, she has a perfect rating on Etsy for her meticulously crafted products.
Zoë saves fabric from going in the bin, and turns it into fun and reusable products.
She does this by purchasing scraps, or off-cuts from companies that have fabrics.
All of the fabrics are unlicensed, meaning Zoe is free to make what she wants with them.
Her sewing skills have seen her make products from period pants to groovy boxer shorts for all ages and sizes.
"I buy unwanted fabrics from larger suppliers and prevent them from going into landfill", said Zoë.
"Whether it is the end of a roll or a fabric has been cut out of them, they're good products just unsuitable for their intended use. So I breathe new life into them.
"And I use every last scrap. I've started doing scrunchies because there were very small bits left over from other garments that I could put together and make into something else.
"I am a zero waste sewist. I hate waste. I always have.
"Some people say I am selling my products too cheaply, but I want sustainability to be accessible for everybody."
Zoë's product range includes underwear, sponges, make-up wipes, cloths and more.
Some of her products - including her best-selling period pants - are waterproof thanks to a insular layer made from recycled plastic bottles.
"One lady said I had revolutionised her running," explained Zoë.
" t covers periods, pee and perspiration when running. It won't go through to your clothes.
"I've had a couple of kids who are potty training who don't like shop-bought pants, but like the soft feel of these. I came up with this idea when my son had a groin operation. My kids love them."
Zoë's love of sewing began as a child when watching her mother, but other than that, she is self-taught.
The mum-of-two who works as a nurse in Macclesfield Hospital, first moved to Macclesfield five years ago.
"I was attracted to Macclesfield for being a small town, which is close to the Peaks," added Zoë.
"We love to get outside round here, which is why I call my products 'Adventure Pants'.
"Since doing Z in the Attic, my community group has opened up so much, there's so much amazing small businesses and Macclesfield is becoming a bit of a green hub.
"I want every bum in Macclesfield to have what I call a 'zero carbon arseprint'."
The products are praised for their comfort, and originality.
Part of the charm of Z in the Attic's brand is how every product is unique, being from a different piece of fabric. And as they are zany prints, they put a smile on the wearers face and can also make them stand out.
As evidenced by one of Zoë's many five-star reviews on Etsy.
"Bought these boxer shorts to treat myself and now I feel like the main character," one said.
"I feel like you could do yoga and swim in these too, so they truly are for adventuring. Delivered fast, and look fabulous."
Macclesfield: You can buy Zoe's sustainable products on this link.
You can also find her products inside Scoop and Scales on Macclesfield's Roe Street.
Shops in Bollington and Altrincham are also fans of her work. She has also worked every Treacle Market since October 2021, and can be found in The Old Butter Market.
You can also support her for free by following her on Instagram. She also has a Facebook.
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