The Mechanism Podcast

In this final episode of the season, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore how leaders in sustainable textiles define success. From ethical production and zero-waste practices to building community and creating meaningful jobs, guests reveal the values that guide their work: collaboration, creativity, responsibility, and hope. Defining success means more than growth—it’s about making a difference, staying true to your principles, and shaping systems for a better future.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) Prairie Underground (https://www.prairieunderground.com/)California Product Stewardship Council (https://www.calpsc.org/)Everywhere Apparel (https://everywhereapparel.com/)Old Flame Mending (https://www.oldflamemending.com/)Sew Valley (https://sewvalley.org/)Fabscrap (https://fabscrap.org/)Magpies and Peacocks (https://magpiesandpeacocks.org/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)

In this episode, Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore circular systems in textiles, from recycling cotton and wool to garment repair and design for disassembly. They highlight the people, processes, and innovations keeping materials—and value—out of landfills.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) Everywhere Apparel (https://everywhereapparel.com/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)Old Flame Mending (https://www.oldflamemending.com/)Fabscrap (https://fabscrap.org/)Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)

In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi dive into workforce development in the U.S. textile and soft goods industry. From apprenticeship programs and 360 wraparound services to people-centered manufacturing, hear how innovators are training skilled workers, supporting communities, and rebuilding local industry from the ground up.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism (mechanism.community) Homeboy Threads (https://homeboythreads.com/)Prairie Underground (https://www.prairieunderground.com/)Sew Valley (https://sewvalley.org/)Wandering Ewe Fibers (https://thewanderingewefibers.com/)Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (https://www.pnwfiberconnect.org/)

In this episode, Andrew Dahlgren and Vincent Sagisi explore how U.S. manufacturing is evolving. Hear from innovators in textiles and soft goods as they share how small-batch production, worker-centered practices, and flexible fabrication are reshaping an industry built on skill, craft, and collaboration.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism Sew Valley Prairie Underground Everywhere Apparel Homeboy Threads Old Flame Mending

In this season opener, hosts Vincent Sagisi and Andrew Dahlgren explore the realities and possibilities of soft-goods manufacturing in the U.S. Through conversations with industry leaders, they unpack themes of labor, sustainability and the hidden innovation happening in small business manufacturing nationwide. This episode is a brief introduction to the stories and ideas that will shape the season ahead.To learn more about the guests featured on this episode, visit:Mechanism Sew Valley Prairie Underground Wandering Ewe Fibers Magpies and Peacocks