Jennifer's Creations & Interview:

 

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How long have you been Upcycling/Refashioning/Recreating Clothing from thrifted textiles?

About 2 years

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How long have you been sewing?

Off and on from childhood to now probably 5 years total.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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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.

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What was your favorite project?

I have to say my first hoodie with my REM t-shirt. I wouldn't ever sell it.

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I like to describer 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.