Here is a list of the types of things I create:

I generally focus on creating projects using existing garments and goodies from my Stash of fabric scraps and yardage, so I would say Textile: with focus on tops and jackets, but occasional skirts and dresses

My style of Upcycling/Refashioning can be described as:
Sheeks - that's hard to answer. I try very hard to implement good design principles as I was taught in my college degree. My goal is to create garments that are stylish, flattering to the wearer so that the Lady wears the clothes...not the clothes wearing the lady!

How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating?
At the very end of my retail storefront years (1990-2003), I had the idea of re-fashioning a sweatshirt, using the lower ribbing as the collar. I 'drove' that niche for the next 15 years developing 'Creative Sweatshirt Jackets'. I published 8 patterns, 1 self-published book, 1 nationally published book (Sweatshirt Transformations with C&T Publishing in 2012), a DVD, and traveled the country teaching my designs and techniques at sewing expos, shops and guilds. Along the way, I've done all kinds of up-cycle sewing. I actually just went and made a quick count in my fall/winter wardrobe, and I have 30 garments there that I regularly wear (at least I did before Covid!). I also sell my creations at my website and at Etsy.

Do you sew? How long have you been sewing?
Sewing is my lifeblood passion! I started sewing with a vengeance around 12 years old and haven't stopped since then. I didn't want to take Home Ec in high school - since I just knew that I already knew more than the teacher, but went on to major in Home Economics in college. Since then, I've taken every opportunity to learn from whoever I can. I was greatly influenced by sewing personalities I brought to my retail shop: Marcy Tilton (Vogue pattern designer), Lois Ericson, and Diane Ericson.

How and Why did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating?
See my answer in 'How long have I been upcycling...' above. I've made a point of blogging on most of my creations at my Blog since 2009. Find that blog 'category' at this link: https://blog.londasfiles.com/category/re-cycle-sewing-projects/ . Preparing to answer these questions, I found these words buried in different blogposts that summarize my 'why': "My goal in this type of sewing and sharing the process is to encourage others to keep/collect garments from their childhood as they become available in the process of cleaning out your parent’s homes. Also, as grandparents and parents, to save select special garments for the express purpose of creating a ‘Memento’ garment to be enjoyed for years and

What is your favorite textile/non-textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
The garment I made to wear to my daughter's informal wedding in 2016. My parents had both passed on in 2012 but they were 'there' in garments of theirs that I had combined into a great top to wear as the Mother of the Bride. This garment even ended up in the magazine, Altered Couture. Here is a link to my Blog Post about this very special garment: http://blog.londasfiles.com/re-cycle-sewing-with-a-trimmed-skirt-top-t/

What is your favorite item to create?
The garment mentioned above for my daughter's wedding, but followed closely by one I'll likely never wear. I made it from an old sweater, a dress my mother made for me when I was about 11 and my junior high school 1 piece bloomer gym suit! Read all about it at this blog post: http://blog.londasfiles.com/sewing-with-sentiment/

If you had to chose one item you made, which is your most favorite?
The garment mentioned above for my daughter's wedding, but followed closely by one I'll likely never wear. I made it from an old sweater, a dress my mother made for me when I was about 11 and my junior high school 1 piece bloomer gym suit! Read all about it at this blog post: http://blog.londasfiles.com/sewing-with-sentiment/

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I do tutorials:

You'll find my best Tutorials concerning all kinds of sewing techniques at my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/londasews My very most-viewed and appreciated one there is very amateur, and shares WHY you get 'bird nests' of thread on the bottom of your sewing. Recently, I'm working hard at making videos of my up-cycle/recycle creating process and posting them there AND at my MeWe Group for Up-Cycle Sewing: https://www.join/up-cyclesewing

I started a business based on Upcycling/Refashioning DIYing and it's called:
A Londa Original - that's my 'collection' name, but that is just a 'department' at my website at this link: https://www.londas-sewing.com/wearable-art-created-by-londa . I also make it a point to post videos about my upcycling projects at my YouTube where miraculously, I can monetize my videos and actually make an income!

How would you recommend someone get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
To just jump in! Learn basic design principles though! I feel this is very, very important in order to create garments that flatter the wearer, and don't 'wear' the wearer. These days, there are SO many ways to transform you sewing/upcycling skills into a business venture. The trick is balancing all the computer/marketing work and your creative time!

I am not all about Upcycling, I also like to:
I can't imagine my life without reading! I'm an avid reader - always to go to sleep, and generally a few times in the middle of the night to return to sleep. I especially love Biblical historical novels, and historical novels (not romances), but novels that help me realize what others have lived through. I find that this gives me perspective. I also love to decorate my home, arrange flowers, garden, and do Bible Study. I also absolutely LOVE to teach my sewing students since we live a long day's drive away from our 4 grandchildren.

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