Sustainable Style Video Series – Part 1!
Hi Everyone! Welcome to my blog! I’m so excited to be doing a series on upcycling with my good friend, Karen, of Sully’s Upcycled! She and I have been upcycling and reusing fabrics for a long time (longer than we want to admit) and I think the world is finally catching up with us! As we all become more eco-conscious, sustainable fashion is on the rise, and for good reason – the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and it’s essential that we take steps to reduce waste and make more environmentally friendly choices. One of the easiest and most creative ways to embrace this trend is by using upcycled fabrics in sewing projects like my AnyTime Topper.
But before we get started, if you don’t know Karen Sullivan – let me make introductions! Karen lives in Kansas City, just like me, and has always been passionate about sustainable fashion. She’s been in the business of creating custom designs and teaching others how to do the same for many years. Her newest endeavor is called Sully’s Upcycled – where she has created the most incredible collection of upcycled clothing and mittens you’ve ever seen! Be sure to follow her Instagram, where she shares all her newest projects and where you can buy her reloved fashion in real life!
Oh, and in case you are curious, the Topper that Karen is wearing in the video was crafted using part of a vintage quilt top! We didn’t have enough fabric to complete the garment, so we turned to the thrift store and found some oversized, men’s dress shirts to complete the look. It’s a perfect example of how upcycling allows you to stretch your creativity and give new life to materials you may already have at home. I love how this one turned out!
The Anytime Topper’s simple design —essentially rectangles and squares— makes it a great project for beginners or experienced sewers alike. Whether you’re working with fabric scraps, old shirts, or even a vintage blanket, the topper is forgiving and fun to create. However, it IS important to be strategic with your fabric choices – consider texture, durability, and how fabrics will complement each other. The goal is to create something functional and beautiful from what might otherwise go to waste. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! In the first video, Karen and I discuss thrifted and vintage fabrics for the AnyTime Toppers, each carefully chosen for their versatility and quality. From tablecloths to vintage bedsheets, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vintage Bedsheet – Bedsheets are the perfect material to thrift because they provide SO much fabric! Vintage sheets are a wonderland of amazing prints and color combinations just waiting to be reborn into something new!
- Thrifted Oversized Scarves – We’ve also worked with vintage scarves that drape beautifully. These lightweight fabrics are perfect for a more flowy version of the topper.
- Unfinished Quilt Tops – Karen is using an embroidered quilt top that features delicate French knots. This unique fabric will add texture and dimension to the topper, and she plans to incorporate the border without cutting off any of the design details, respecting the artist’s original vision.
- Lace Tablecloth – In another exciting project, Karen is using a vintage lace tablecloth to create a delicate, lacey version of the topper. The fabric is lightweight, making it ideal for warmer months, and the lace adds an elegant touch.
Feeling inspired? Watch Part 1 of our Upcycling Series and let’s get thrifting! You can find the Anytime Topper pattern here. It’s an easy-to-follow pattern that is the perfect start to your upcycling journey.
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Stay tuned for PART TWO – THE BIG REVEAL!! Our second video will dive deeper into the finished projects and provide detailed tips and techniques for working with different fabric types. Karen will show us her finished AnyTime Toppers and we’ll cover how to work with delicate fabrics like lace, how to piece fabrics together, and how to avoid waste by being strategic with your cutting.
Now, go ahead and click on the Part One video, and kick off your first upcycled project! Don’t forget to share your own Topper project with us, we’d love to see it! Be sure to tag us on Instagram — @SullysUpcycled and @AmyBarickmanStudio. We can’t wait to see what you create!
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