Episode #1: What Is Refashioning And Why You Should Consider It

The Art Of Refashioning

If you love sewing and clothing, and care about the environment, well... then you'll like to hang out with Mariana from the get-go!

Only 15 to 20% of what you donate in your local charity shop (or op-shop, as we call them Down Under) is purchased back, the rest is downgraded, shipped or goes to landfill. In this very first episode we start with concepts and terminology, and yet get practical right after that, because it is all about you having fun and create!

In today’s episode we talk about:

• Terminology - refashioning, difference between recycling and upcycling, modern terms in the fashion industry and the expanding DIY sewing world and their meaning.
• Why you should be considering refashioning (as a sewing creative and caring for good material)
• 3 simple tips how you could start today. Very practical and down to earth. Because nothing is more powerful than the simplest actions you take one step at a time.

As a fashion graduate and sewing professional with several years bridal and alteration experience, Mariana Kirova, turned fashion upcycler herself, is passionate to help you feel the deep satisfaction of creating, making and wearing beautiful unique pieces of your own.
At the end, the more people who can sew start upcycling clothing already in circulation - the less valuable textiles will end up on the landfill, right?
Inside episode #1:
00:10 – Outline what is this first episode about

01:00 – Why I am dealing with ‘old’ clothes on the first place ;)

02:35 – How I followed my passion for sewing clothing and began to upcycle clothing

04:56 – What are the reasons why I’m starting the Art of Refashioning podcast

06:15 – What is refashioning and what other terms are used around it

07:14 – What is the difference between recycling and upcycling

08:29 – What means to recycle clothing and textiles

11:21 – What is sustainable fashion

13:12 – More about the term Zero Waste

14:54 – The topic of taking something old to make new, how it evolves today

15:36 – The reasons why you should consider refashioning, how could benefit you on different levels

21:17 – 3 Simple tips how you can start refashioning today

24:58 – What if you don’t have ideas how to rework something

25:40 – My example of how much time could take to develop a creative design

28:25 – Wrapping up the first episode, my question to you this time

Links mentioned in this episode:

• How To Fix Common Sewing Machine Problems
• Safety Sewing Rules: Room, Equipment, People
• 39 Terms & Definitions Behind DIY Sewing And Sustainable Fashion

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Timo Rissanen, Holly McQuillan. Zero Waste Fashion Design. London, New York: Bloomsbury, Fairchild Books, 2016.