New Upcycle Sewing Pattern released by Paganoonoo on December 31, 2014. Happy New Year!

Another upcycle sewing pattern released on Etsy!  Check out the Ashlee Blouse Pattern, flattering on just about every figure type and oh so comfortable to wear.  Perfect with jeans, or make a dressy version. 

Coming soon, The Ashlee Blouse

I've been finalizing my next digital pattern, The Ashlee Blouse, and plan to publish within the week on my Etsy Store. The process of writing a pattern involves making up multiple versions of the garment, perfecting the techniques and steps needed to reproduce the design and then translating that information into illustrations and instructions. 

Upcycling doesn't involve using paper pattern pieces, as in sewing from flat fold fabric, instead it is is built on deconstruction and reconstruction of existing garments. 

One of the biggest advantages of this method is that sizing is self scaling, based on the starting garments.  Anyone that can find a collared dress shirt that fits the upper torso well can successfully make these patterns. 

A pet peeve of sewers the world over is inadequate pattern instructions coupled with confusing & sparse diagrams. Paganoonoo patterns include detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations to support newer and experienced sewers. Illustrations are on the left, so those with experience can skip right past the written instructions. 

Let's exercise our creativity and start a green sewing movement! 

Happy Upcycling,  

Michelle

Coming Soon:

The Ashlee Blouse completed design

Published in Threads Magazine!

My Threads Magazine article on upcycling is published! The digital copy is available only with a Threads insider membership. Print should be on the shelf or in your mailbox soon. It's the February/March 2015 edition.

Yahoo! 

Upcycled Christmas Skirt with Snowflakes

This year I made a new Christmas tree skirt from two pieces of velvet from my fabric stash.  As I was working on it I thought about my collection of vintage doilies and how much they look like snowflakes - ah ha!  Finally I knew what to do with the doilies - I made them snowflakes on the tree skirt : > .

Before next year I will make a pad to go underneath it so my "snowflakes" are not balancing on the sharp corners of the stand.   Merry Christmas!