Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Moore School of Business

Director of Thesis

Dr. Priyank Arora

Second Reader

Dr. Dorothée Honhon

Abstract

This research examines the role of individual fiber artists in advancing sustainability within the slow fashion movement, with particular attention to the operational decisions that shape sustainable craft practices. Scholars and practitioners acknowledge that individual fiber artists are not only key agents in sustainable production but are foundational to the existence and persistence of the slow fashion movement; however, the existing literature mainly focuses on firms or consumer behavior. Motivated by the need to fill this important research gap, this research aims to understand the decision-making of fiber artists with the goal of enhancing the progress of the Slow Fashion movement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from fiber artists with qualitative insights from interviews and a case study of a local creative reuse center, ReCraft. Findings indicate that fiber artists actively integrate sustainable practices into their work, yet they face persistent operational barriers, including high material costs, limited access to sustainable inputs, and time-intensive sourcing processes. Additionally, a notable misalignment emerges between producers and consumers in how they value, perceive, and interact with handmade goods, thus ultimately contributing to constrained pricing strategies and limiting the economic viability of sustainable fiber arts. The case study further highlights the role of community-based infrastructures, such as creative reuse centers, in mitigating these challenges by increasing material accessibility and fostering education and engagement. The findings indicate that the expansion of sustainable fiber arts depends not only on the continued efforts of producers, but also on greater alignment in consumer awareness and behavior, supported by community initiatives and broader structural support.

First Page

1

Last Page

94

Rights

© 2026, Hallie R. Cole

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