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United Kingdom
England
ENGLAND
Nicola Vincent -- Devon
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
-
Dresses/Skirts
- Men's Shirts/Refashion
-
Bags/Totes
-
Contemporary
- Sweatshirts
Nicola Vincent
Exmouth, Devon
The Mad Sheep Co.
Facebook: The Mad Sheep Co.
Nicola's Creations & Interview 10/3/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
Since March 2020
How long have you been sewing?
My Nan taught me to sew as a child and then I had a few classes at school but since then I’ve been learning via YouTube
How did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
During lockdown I had more time on my hands and headspace to think about possibilities.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
I have a lot of children’s clothes that my daughters have grown out of and started off making them into various types of bags as keepsakes. Then when I got the bug I moved onto my own wardrobe either mending, altering or increasing the size of items and in some cases deconstructing them and making them into new dresses!
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I like to make clothes for me as I can make them fit well (until my shape changes which seems to happen quite a bit at the moment!) I have also been given a few items by friends to work on and have enjoyed that too, especially seeing their response at the finished article!
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I like working with t-shirt fabric when making bags as I use iron-on interfacing making it easier to work with but when making clothes I probably prefer something a little less stretchy. I have recently bought an overlocker and I’m slowly getting into using that which helps a lot - I do feel I need a couple more YouTube lessons to get the most out of this though.
What was your favorite project?
My favourite project was blending 2 men’s shirts into a dress as it was something completely new to me and I felt really free to experiment and practice different techniques.
Thank You Nicola for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Amanda Barnard -- Norfolk
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
-
Denim Jacket Art
-
Fabric Jacket Art
-
Applique
-
Hippie/Boho
-
Marvel Characters
-
Comic Strip Revival
Amanda's Creations & Interview 9/6/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
Approximately 3 year
How long have you been sewing?
Approximately 3 years. Most of my work is done by hand.
How and why did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
I used to make jewellery, and I saw that people were making necklaces from textiles. This fascinated me, so I tried it. Then more and more ideas appeared that I could try. Then I was hooked.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
I love to see how something that someone has discarded can be turned into something so unique, plus it saves textiles from landfill.
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I love to make beautiful, unique denim jackets. I see them as a blank canvas to create wearable art.
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I love to work with denim.
What was your favorite project?
That’s a difficult question-it changes depending on my mood!
Thank You Amanda for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Laura Gibbons --
Gloucestershire
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
-
Dresses
- Romper
-
Hair Scrunchies
-
Blouses
- Mending (Socks)
- Romantic
-
Contemporary
Laura Gibbons
Gloucestershire
Green Circle Textiles
Depop Store: @laurag0806
Instagram: Green Circle Textiles
Laura's Creations & Interview 9/7/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
I started my garment making journey properly about 1 year ago. Before that, I had beginner sewing skills and would make small textiles like bags and pencil cases. I've always wanted to take the leap and make my own clothes and this year I jumped!
How long have you been sewing?
I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, but I think from about the age of 10. I learnt to use a sewing machine in school and basic skills like making a patchwork cushion. I continued making small things like this until this year where I expanded my skills to include garment making.
How did you get started in Upcycling /Refashioning?
I've always dreamed of making my own clothes. But I think I really wanted to pursue it this year to increase my own sustainability. I decided to pledge not to buy any new clothing (I occasionally but a second hand item, but rarely), as I knew that I had a bad habit of fast fashion. I wanted to simplify my wardrobe and embrace my own style and I am able to make things exactly the way I want them to be which is great as I am very picky.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
There is so much waste in the fashion industry that there is plenty of second hand and reclaimed fabrics to use. It's often a cheaper alternative, and on the occasion I find something I can use in a charity shop my money spent often goes to a good cause. I enjoy the challenge of turning one thing into something entirely different and using what materials I have to hand before buying anything.
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I like making dresses as I enjoy wearing them the most! Nothing feels better than to get a lot of use out of something you've made for yourself.
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle /Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I love using polycotton bedding because you can often find cute prints, it's a nice weight for dress making and it's a large amount of material for a low cost. I like that I am saving the plastic fibres from waste too! If I ever were to buy brand new textiles I'd only use natural fibres. But it makes me happy to know less plastic is being wasted and can be reused endlessly until the fabric comes to the end of its life.
What was your favorite project?
I recently made the ruffle sleeve top by peppermint magazine. I loved the bedding I used and I am pleased with the evolution of my sewing skills with this project. Unfortunately it is too big for me but that only means I get to share my skills and gift this lovely blouse to someone close to me who I know will cherish it and get a lot of use from it!
Thank You Laura for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Terry Lloyd --Wiltshire
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Clothing
Garden
Textiles For Wearables
Textiles For Decorative
Non-Textiles For Garden
I use:
-
Blouses
- Colour
-
Coordinates
-
Casual
- Classy
-
Whimsical
- Garden Art
- Cushions
Terry's Creations & Interview 12/14/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
About 8 years
How long have you been sewing?
55+ years
How did you get started in Upcycling /Refashioning?
I was in a charity shop and saw a beautiful, large size skirt. I thought the fabric would look fantastic in a blouse, and it did
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
It is a great way to garner beautiful fabric for a good price. Satisfaction to turn something discarded into something beautiful
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
A must for me is to feel comfortable in what I wear, feel good in, and enjoy wearing. So easy fit tops, with unrestricting sleeves, that can be layered up/down, to account for our variable weather. To me nothing looks better than a casual,but classy top, paired with a smart pair of trousers/jeans.
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle /Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
Soft polyester. It sews up easily, drapes well, crease resistant, and launders well.
What was your favorite project?
Making arm warmers, cowl neck style scarf, to go with my my blouses/tops, slouchy cardies, which enables me to wear my favourite tops year round.
I like to describe my Upcycling/Refashioning style as:
Colour coordinated, casual and classy. All the "C's" I just realised ‼️
Terry's Garden Decor Upcycles
Thank You Terry for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Olesya Lane -- Northamptonshire
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
-
Boho
- Edgey
-
Sweater Seaming
-
Knits
- Sweater Upcycling
- Children's (Boy's)
-
Jersey Fabrics
Oleysa's Creations & Interview 12/15/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
My first upcycling project happened around 30 years when I took my dad's t-shirt, chopped it into pieces and made a top for myself :). I loved it and my dad didn't mind!
How long have you been sewing?
Since I was a kid. We were taught some bits at school too.
How did you get started in Upcycling /Refashioning?
I was growing up watching my mum sewing and knitting. I learned a lot from my both grandmas too. I was always creative as a child, making something new form bits and pieces.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
I usually mention three main pillars (or benefits if you like) of upcycling: financial, environmental and mental welness. It brings so much joy to me! I love giving a second life to discarded fabrics and clothes, combining things that are totally different and see them go LIVE!
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
Tops, long tops and dresses. Probably because I love wearing them too. Thew are very versatile garments.
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle /Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
Denim! It takes around 3000 gals of water to make a pair of jeans and I encourage others to upcycle their jeans and keep wearing them and save all this water, rather than buying new. And also I love the ways denim can be combined with so many different fabrics! Always classic :)
What was your favorite project?
My favourite project was my first one when I was a child. I am grateful I did it, because it lead me to something I love doing so much now :). All projects that I work on are my babies I love and adore, you know what I mean :).
I like to describe my Upcycling/Refashioning style as:
A little bit of boho, a little bit of edgy. I love experimenting! I also upcycle clothes for my two little boys.
Thank You Oleysa for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Laura Baron -- Lancashire
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
-
Blouses
-
Contemporary
Laura's Creations & Interview 10/30/20
I make bespoke eco-friendly clothing for women--all shapes and sizes! My business Forget Me Not gives something back to the earth. all shapes and sizes .
I have recently launched a socially inclusive group that empowers women and try’s to spread love a little a west sparkle over your day. 10% of all of my sales from the shop go to charity in memory of my mum and grandma who both passed away from cancer.
The clothes and accessories are all handpicked by me and come with a affirmation card. Feel free to have a look around! Pieces are perfect for yourself or as a gift to someone in your life.
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
I’ve been Upcycling/Refashioning/ recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles since the first lock down in March 2020. I tend to use factory seconds that are deemed imperfect for regular consumption and I flip them to help reduce landfill.
How long have you been sewing?
About 1 year.
How did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
I’ve always been creative and I wanted to create something completely unique that I could wear myself and then the idea for an online store came from there. My aim is also to donate a percentage of all sales to our local hospice that helped my Mum before she passed and Target Ovarian Cancer who also support women with the disease .
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
Because I care about the environment, try to help landfill and love creating. I also suffer with anxiety and depression. More so since my Mum passed away last year and I feel it really helps lift my mood.
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I love to make Crop tops or trousers from dungarees or flip an outfit into matching co-ords
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I like most textiles really but I think Cotton because it’s easy to use and very eco friendly.
What was your favorite project?
I made an oversize teeshirt from a nautical dress and took the pockets and made them into sleeves.
I like to describer my Upcycling as:
Completely bespoke Upcycling and refashioning.
Thank You Laura for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
Sam Everton -- West Sussex
I like to make:
- Vintage Quilted Baubles
-
Christmas Decorations
-
Home Decorations
-
Vintage Refashion
I use:
-
Curtains
-
Beads
-
Adult & Children's clothing
-
Accessories
Textiles For Wearables
Textiles For Decorative
Non-Textiles For Decorative
I use:
Sam Everton
West Sussex, England
Sam's Crafty Designs
Instagram: @sam.everton
Facebook: SamCraftyDesigns
Sam's Creations & Interview 1/23/21
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating?
On and off now for about 10 years
Do you sew? How long have you been sewing?
I have been sewing for 10 years plus
What other Upcycling Skill do you have?
I am handy with a glue gun
How and Why did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating?
I hate waste! It started when I was making fashion for my shop! (no longer open as a physical shop) I kept all my scraps for either stuffing or adding details to other items it then grew bigger from there!
What is your favorite textile/non-textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
love denim and cotton. Its sustainable and harder wearing than knits or jersey so can be manipulated alot!
What is your favorite item to create?
I love a funky skirt or top. But really I love making anything my patchwork denim skirt. Although my toddler would say his giant octopus!
If you had to chose one item you made, which is your most favorite?
Denim skirt
I started a business based on Upcycling/Refashioning DIYing and it's called:
Sam's Crafty Designs
How would you recommend someone get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
Start small. A simple cushion or tote bag works best! Don't beat yourself up if it is not what you planned. We have to start somewhere and everything is a lesson!
I am not all about Upcycling, I also like to:
I am a mum to a three year old. Who likes to Help!!! 😂🤣. A private career for amazing people. From school age, I have always been creative. But I ignored my Nanas sewing lessons as a kid! But in my mid 20s I realized fashion was poorly made and always the same. I decided I can do better. I got out the old machine and began. Over the last 10 or so years I have honed my skills, ran a shop selling my own wears. Had my lovable monster and now sew part time around everything else. Its still my passion. And everyday will always be a new creative school day. However, my girl has got soo big over the last 3 years where I have realized nothing should be wasted it can be something new. I take a long time to design as I love to let the creation process speak to me!!
Thank You Sam for sharing your creations with us!
Please Note: All Answers and Photos are Submitted by the Artist. Permission to use any information or photos must be requested from the individual themselves.
