Sunday, December 31, 2017

Guest Blogger and Upcycler: Emajane Pixie Rainbow!

Michelle:
I ran across Emajane's work on Pinterest and love it.  Her work is very different from mine, more whimsical (as one might guess from her name.)  I also checked out her work on Etsy and am super impressed. I asked her to write a guest blog post and share her work and she said yes! 

Emajane Pixie Rainbow: 
My creative journey began as a small child when I was taught in my early years to sew. Continuing to teach myself and develop my creative skills, I believe that there are some paths that become our life purpose.

I design and create Whimsical Eco Friendly Wearable and Useable Art. 

All my designs are created and made by myself. I am a self taught artist / designer, and I create all my own patterns for these garments, bags and accessories.
I first became inspired to customise and upcycle my own clothing during my teenage years, back in the 1980's... I found this to be a perfect way in which I could combine my love for creating and experimenting with my own personal self expression. I was asked many times where I bought my clothes... but at this point in my life I didn't know that one day I would be creating a business and making clothes for others...!! 

When I became a mum I proceeded to make clothing for my children, I found such an importance in reusing what we already had. During my early adult life I found myself making dance costumes for the stage and theatre, only to move back into designing clothes again... which I have found to be my true passion. 

As I got older I used to ask myself why adult clothing couldn't be as playful as children's...?! I wanted to create designs in which we can all express our playful, fun and quirky personalities no matter what age we are.
The clothing, bags and accessories are all made from preloved garments - knitwear, cashmere, wool, denim jeans, corduroy, tweed, tartans, checks and any other wonderful materials that I might find. I adore bringing a new life to unwanted items, using the process of recycling and upcycling. 

There are an enormous amount of wonderful preloved clothing that I discover. 

I source this clothing from Recycled Clothing Banks, Thrift Stores, Charity Shops and sometimes I receive pieces from friends. The appliqué fabric art designs I create are from using the left over scraps pieces from my clothing creations, so nothing goes to waste. 
These designs are all made with the importance of longevity implemented into each item, ensuring that they are made to last. Each creation that I make is a unique one of a kind piece of art, both wearable and useable. I make each design in a playful and whimsical style... including an element of quirkiness with a unique twist, which I feel gives each item a personality of it's own... whilst still ensuring that are comfortable and practical to wear and use. 
The Inspirations for my designs come from the beautiful surrounding landscapes where I live, nature, my love of folk art and folklore, whimsical themes and anything else that is a little bit different...Oh and of course " Colours '' with the limitless choices and endless combinations, each colour when put together sets the theme for each design.
Feeling very blessed to be living with my Husband in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales in the United Kingdom. A beautiful part of the UK, where I have been selling my clothing locally for sometime. I began receiving many requests to ask if I would sell online and an Etsy Shop seemed the perfect way to offer the opportunity for everyone to purchase my creations.
When we create with LoVe... we bring JoY into the World...



Michelle: 


Thank you Emma Jane for sharing your journey!

Happy upcycling to all!

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Version 3 of the "Noel" dress design, New Years Eve Glitter!

For those of you who do not already know me, I'm Michelle Paganini and I run an upcycled fashion design company, Paganoonoo.  This post is about a upcycled dress design under development.

This version of the Paganoonoo "Noel dress is upcycled from a dark gray chambray dress shirt and sparkly sweaters, following the the same basic design as the previous versions:
Holiday Version,
Light Gray Version.  
I've always been drawn to the sparkly clothes, beaded, sequined, metallic, but I knew I wouldn't wear them - until now that is!

I was thinking of New Years Eve when I picked up the sparkly sweaters.



I took it with me to visit my family in North Carolina. They loved it!

My mother and sister introduced me to their favorite local artist, Lucy Clark, who makes exquisite pottery and jewelry.

As we were admiring each other's work I asked her if she would like to try on my dress.

Once I saw it on Lucy we both knew it belonged on her (see starting photo.)



Long story short I now have some of Lucy's original work and she has the dress!  We are both very happy.  More of Lucy in the dress:
 

 

The Noel dress instructions will release by the first week in March, 2018 at the latest and then you can make your own version!

Sign up for our mailing list on www.paganoonoo.com (the "free gift" button) to be notified.

Start your upcycle sewing adventure today! Shop currently released Paganoonoo design here.
Happy Upcycling!  Michelle

Sewing and Stitchery Expo Catalog Released - Puyallup, WA, USA March 1-4, 2018

The largest national sewing show in the United States is coming up quickly.  If you've never been, I can tell you it is HUGE and amazing.  People and groups come to Puyallup, Washington from all across the country and the world.  There multiple classes every day, booths of every sewing related item you can imagine, and fashion shows!

Paganoonoo will have a booth again for the third year. It is a delight to be with so many like-minded people, see old & new friends, and meet Facebook buddies in person!  I will have the privilege of teaching 3 classes, 2 on Wednesday 2/28 (before the vendor floor opens up), and will have a trunk show on the free stage all 4 days. Registration opens up in January.
Access the catalog here.

Class details:



I hope to see you there and in class!  Get 10% off when you stop by the booth wearing your Paganoonoo creation.

Happy Upcycling!

Michelle

Can't wait for the Expo?  Shop Paganoonoo now!

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Michelle online - It's Sew EasyTV.com through December 15th only!

One of my It's Sew Easy episodes is airing on the net though Dec 15th.  Go to http://www.itsseweasytv.com/ to view it.  They've invited me back for next year too - yeah!