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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.
Macaira O'Connell -- Indiana
I like to describe my Upcycling & Refashioning as:
Textiles
Wearables
For:
I use:
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Revitalized Vintage
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Contemporary
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Painted Denim
Macaira O'Connell Indianapolis, Indiana
Gab's Gal
Instagram @Gabs_Gal
FaceBook Gab's Gal
Etsy GabsGalByMacaira
Macaira's Creations & Interview 10/3/20
How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?
Technically I've been upcycling since high school, but I truly began to learn the ins and outs of sewing this summer once I started working from home.
How long have you been sewing?
I've know how to do super basic sewing since middle school, but I've truly become an advanced beginner sewist this past summer.
How did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?
I've always had a more artsy style, and I liked the idea of creating something unique. I grew up going to thrift stores and estate sales with my mom. She and I are both artists, and we would always look at our shopping treasures and say "what more could be done with this?" She's currently creating jewelry out of old leather belts.
Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?
Over 80% of donated clothing ends up in a landfill, so I want us to make the most of materials we already have available to us. Plus I love paying less!
What type of clothing do you like to create and why?
I like creating refashioned tops. Mostly because I understand the construction of tops better than pants, and I feel like I can be more creative with them. Hoping to learn more about bottoms though!
What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?
I love upcycling thrifted clothes that most people would deem as ugly, and then turning them into something awesome! It certainly helps the planet, and I think it's overall a great metaphor that shows you can turn something bad into something beautiful.
What was your favorite project?
My favorite project was taking a pair of white and blue gingham capris from Goodwill and turning them into a two piece set. Capris are typically awful (I've seen just a few that actually work), and I had to rescue that gorgeous fabric. I also loved that project because it was the first time I had refashioned a fitted top for myself using a pattern that I had created! Another noteworthy project that I did not create, but wore: I used to work at David's Bridal in college, and the tailor knew I was interested in sustainability. He offered to make my wedding dress for me out of reused materials. I sourced some lace curtains and a tablecloth from Salvation Army, and he created the most wonderful dress! That was back when I still was a very basic sewist, and he certainly inspired me to learn more.
Thank You Macaira 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.