As we enter 2026, the global fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually—the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothing being incinerated or sent to a landfill every single second. As much as 60% of new clothing ends up in landfills within just one year of production. For many, these statistics feel overwhelming, but they also highlight a vital opportunity for change through conscious "slow fashion" and upcycling.

From "Dead" Yarn to Whimsical Life

My desire to repurpose "dead" yarn—leftover, discarded, or vintage fibers found in charity shops and online—is a direct response to this crisis. In a world of mass production, these forgotten skeins are often viewed as rubbish, yet they hold incredible potential for creative reuse.

Diverting Waste: Every creature I create prevents a small portion of the millions of pounds of fabric discarded each year from reaching a landfill.

The Power of Upcycling: Unlike standard recycling, which often breaks materials down into lower-quality forms, upcycling transforms discarded items into products of greater value and character.

Sustainability in Every Stitch: Using reclaimed yarn significantly reduces the energy, water, and chemical inputs typically required to produce brand-new fibers.

A Collective Effort for a Greener Future

While a single amigurumi creature may seem like a small drop in the ocean, it represents a fundamental shift toward a circular economy.

The fast fashion model thrives on a "take-make-dispose" cycle, but we can collectively break that cycle by choosing to repair, repurpose, and shop small. When we prioritize one-of-a-kind, handmade items over mass-produced goods, we are casting a vote for a more sustainable planet.

The name Skräpkins comes from skräp (the Swedish word for rubbish) and my love for Megan Lapp's "Impkin" patterns. My mission is simple: to rescue "dead" yarn from charity shops and eBay, diverting waste from landfills to create unique, eco-conscious creatures. Every Skräpkin is a one-of-a-kind treasure, hand-stitched from the past to protect our future. 

My Skräpkins are a testament to the fact that with a little imagination, even "rubbish" can be transformed into something wonderful. If we all take small steps to reduce waste in our own lives, those efforts weave together into a much larger, more resilient impact.