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Jennifer Freeman -- Texas
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
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Shabby Chic
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Magnolia Pearl-esq
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Hippie/Boho
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Fairy
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Renaissance
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90's/Grunge
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Mori Girl/Kawaii
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Gothic
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Punk
Jennifer Freeman
Lufkin, (Houston)-Texas
Life Is Grand
Facebook: LifeisGrand74
Instagram: LifeisGrand74
Jennifer's Creations & Interview 11/28/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
About 2 years
How long have you been sewing?
Off and on from childhood to now probably 5 years total.
How did you get started in Upcycling /Refashioning?
It started a few years ago because I had an old favorite band t-shirt that had so many holes it was unwearable. I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it, so I cut the graphics off and sewed them onto a hoodie. It turned out better than I expected, so I did a few more. I'm very sentimental about stuff like that. Also, I wanted to rescue all the beautiful embroidered vintage table linens. I think everyone has a stash of these in their house. So much work went into them, but they inevitably get stained or torn. I saw people using them to make or decorate clothing on Pinterest, so although that isn't my personal style, I love the idea of rescuing them from the closet and letting the artwork be showcased. I'm sentimental.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
I've always loved fashion, but my family has always been thrifty. I was brought up going to yard sales and resale shops. I love to "dig". I will look at everything at a yard sale. It's like treasure hunting, it's amazing what you can find. I'm fortunate to STILL have 3 of my 4 grandparents, and they were the original "recyclers" They save and re-use so much, it's inspiring. Both of my grandmothers sewed, and when my father's mother passed away 2 years ago I was told I could have all of her fabric and notions.
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
It's really important to me for what I make to be wearable and comfortable. I've always been small/medium, but I like to wear my clothes baggy and slouchy. I just like that look. Men's jeans cinched with a belt and big cuffs,
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I love velvet, and good worn-in soft denim. Velvet just makes a garment luxurious and you can't go wrong with denim.
What was your favorite project?
I have to say my first hoodie with my REM t-shirt. I wouldn't ever sell it.
I like to describe my Upcycling as:
It's really all over the map. Shabby Chic/Magnolia Pearl-esq, Hippie/Boho, Fairy/Renaissance, 90's/Grunge, Mori Girl/Kawaii, Gothic/Punk.
Thank You Jennifer 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.
Rebecca Jones -- Indiana
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
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Fiber Arts
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Dye Works
- Boho/Romantic
Rebecca's Creations & Interview 9/4/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
I have always been into fabric arts and crafts, but I got into upcycling clothes around 2010.
How long have you been sewing?
I learned as a kid, but didn't become proficient in it until after 2004 when my parents got me a sewing machine when I graduated from college.
How and why did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
I grew up in an upcycling family. My grandma made quilts and rag rugs out of textile waste from the factory she worked in.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
I do it for several reasons. First, it's custom made to fit me. Second, it's more sustainable than buying new. It's better for the environment and doesn't exploit people in sweatshops. Third, it's a fun challenge to keep my brain sharp.
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I create stuff that I will wear in my everyday life. Now that I am working from home, I don't have to look as "professional" as I did in the office. I do shirts, pants and skirts.
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I like to buy clothes from the thrift store and dye them. I look for plant fibers like cotton or linen.
What was your favorite project?
I can't pick just one! Although, a recent hoodie I did is pretty special.
Thank You Rebecca 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.