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

40 years, since I was a Punk in the 1970s.

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How long have you been sewing?

About 50 years.

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How and why did you get started in Upcycling/Refashioning?

I was a Punk Rocker in the 1970s & 80s. The punk movement is/was all about d.i.y. and challenging the status quo, so upcycling clothing was a natural progression. I couldn't afford to buy what commercially available punk clothing there was. So I searched jumble sales, charity shops & antique shops for things to transform.

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Why do you Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate clothing from thrifted textiles?

There is already more than enough clothing & textiles in the world, I want to save it from going to landfills . The fashion industry is one of the most damaging from an environmental point of view and I don't want to wear what everyone else is wearing anyway! I also enjoy the creative challenges of taking a pile of 2nd hand teeshirts, for instance and transforming them into a beautiful garment. Recycling/upcycling is a way of life for me. It began out of necessity and has continued even when I've been better off financially. Most things in my home; my car, my furniture, appliances even my sewing machines are second hand.

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What type of clothing do you like to create and why?

I create quirky, flattering garments for women of all shapes & sizes. Life is too short for boring, unflattering clothes. Mainstream fashion only looks good on thin people. Most women change shape after having kids & struggle to find interesting clothes that fit well & make them feel good. So, that's what I aim to do, make wearable art pieces that are comfortable and flattering to wear.

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What is your favorite textile to Upcycle/Refashion/Recreate from? and why?

Wool/cashmere sweaters and cotton or viscose jersey garments. Because they drape nicely and create such comfortable pieces when used to make something new.

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What was your favorite project?

I have a few favourites!