Over the last few years I've become increasingly aware of the "high cost of cheap fashion" and whilst developing our online training in natural fabric dyeing, I started researching ways I could contribute to a much needed change.

We all love a bargain but following the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in 2013 when over 1000 people lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions, many of us started to understand just how our demand for cheap clothing and 'retail therapy' had deadly consequences, mainly for women in less affluent countries.

On April 24, 2013, an eight storey clothing factory in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh, collapsed killing 1,134 workers and injuring 2500. The building had been unsafe and in a state of disrepair yet because of the demand for cheap labour and fast fashion, the building owners ignored warnings and forced workers to carry on.

2013 Savar building collapse, Bangladesh. On Wednesday, 24 April 2013 in the Savar Upazila of Dhaka,...

I love getting parcels! This one was my reward for pledging to support a Kickstarter campaign for new manufacturers cooperative, Community Clothing.

The cooperative was established by Patrick Grant; Savile Row tailor, 'Great British Sewing Bee' judge and one of my former drinking companions on nights out round Liverpool!

I felt compelled to support this worthwhile initiative because it addresses the injustice of zero hours contracts, overseas slave labour and exploitation within the fashion and textiles industries by creating work for employees in the UK.

The tote is really well made and BIG but to be honest, didn't appeal to my inner bohemian so had to get a dunk in the indigo dye vat.

I may have ruined the utilitarian aesthetic but it made a really good beach bag and sunbathing pillow on my hols in Cala D'Or last week and now has the scent of sun, sea, sand and Malibu factor 6!

Community Clothing have created a small range of great quality items including...