One of a Kind Pattern Design
Julie discusses designing using recycled textiles
About the designer: Julie is a freelance designer and writer. She has a two year old daughter and works out of her home studio. Julie has a passion for finding new uses for old, loved things, and will sew anything: sweaters, shirts, jeans, pants. Nothing is safe if it fits under her presser foot! blog and etsy site: her Christina denim bag is a a finalist in Crafty Nation’s Craft Off – vote.
When I first started making bags out of recycled textiles, I never thought they would all look so different. After almost two years of trying to come up with a “signature” pattern, I have come to realize that they have a mind of their own. Every shirt, sweater and pair of pants is different, and if you listen closely, they will speak to you.
Sometimes it’s a pleat or some snazzy buttons that want attention. Other times it’s a detail like a flower or an embroidered pocket that insists on being the center of attention. When working with sweaters, it’s usually the ribbing or cables that dictate how the bag should be designed.
Often times it’s easy to hear what the original piece is telling you. When I found this shirt, I was actually looking for plain gray sweaters. It shouted to me from across the room. “Look at me! Check out my pretty flower and funky beaded tassels!” I couldn’t ignore it, so it came home with me.
So, how does this translate into a pattern? I wanted to keep the tassels at the bottom, so I decided not to box the corners. I also wanted the bag to be as large as possible. Luckily the flower was just tacked on with thread and I could move it down. Using simple, solid fabric for the straps and lining allows the flower and tassels to really shine.
Working with recycled textiles helps you develop your creativity. Designing within constraints pushes you to think harder about a solution rather than beginning with a blank canvas.
I encourage you to look at your old shirts, sweaters and pants (or shop for some at your local thrift store) and listen to what they are telling you. Then go create something that’s one of a kind!
April 1st, 2009 at 10:23 am
[...] Whip Up’s March theme was pattern design. I submitted an article about one-of-a-kind pattern design and it was featured yesterday! Below are the before and after shots. You can find my article here. [...]
April 6th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
What a great idea!. lovely re-use, so much better than the original sweater…