In a world being choked by the overwhelming waste created from fast-fashion that leaves landfills and thrift stores overflowing. This upcycling class is the natural next step in our movement to teach slow sustainable fashion. Inspired by The ReVamp Detroit clothing swap movement - we are excited to take our students on a journey of redesign.
Classes meet once a week for 3hr sessions for 4 weeks. The price includes the use of sewing machines, hand tools, steam irons, large scale craft paper and all other sewing tools. If needed Fabric can be purchased at an additional cost. Students are welcome to bring their own sewing machine and fabric, if desired.
See below for the current course schedule, cost and registration.
Designer Gi’ana Denise fell in love with a gown originally made by LaTerry for the 2022 Michigan Fashion Week showcase - the only problem it was too small and didn’t quite suite her style. She aced this Functional Re-Design!
I created the original design, “Storm” to work through the intense feelings that were brewing as tensions were rising in my marriage, I felt so overwhelmed by the fear and distress of the looming possibility of divorce yet completely unable to articulate any of this. I was not ready to admit or talk about it even as pressures mounted and it became clear that separation was the best thing for all of us. I made this gown for in 2020. Many people approached me to buy the original gown but this wasn’t it’s final state. I had to carefully, painstakingly take it apart in order to fully release the storm of emotions. I saved the pieces. Years later I was able to reimagine its elements into another design, taking the intricately sewn flowers and building a different vision. Much like the beauty of reshaping a failed marriage into a loving co-parent environment. Its completely different from the original concept but still holds on to the best parts.
4 Week Upcycling Design
We approach upcycling design from 3 dimensions:
Practical & Functional Re-Design - Have you ever fell in love with a one of a kind vintage piece that's two sizes too small? The Functional Upcycler is seeking creative ways to resize, fit and re-imagine pieces that are too big/small, too short/long, tight, torn ect. The upcycling design process is solving a functional issue with the garment.
Emotional Re-Design - the goal is to use the design to process your emotions - healing through art- this could be a way of connecting to our departed love ones by incorporating parts of their favorite pieces into your own wardrobe. It's a very intentional process of using design as a mental health outlet and coping mechanism.
Technique Driven Upcycling - growing sewing skills and techniques is a life long pursuit. It can be very difficult to zoom in on the complexity of a particular technique while also managing the full garment construction, finishings, closures, zippers, pockets and so on. This allows us to fully focus on specific learning goals/techniques that can then be added to garments to create an elevated and custom style without having to start from scratch. Ultimately lessening the mental load as we expand our sewing skills.
Students Will Learn the Following Technical Sewing Skills:
Learn how to balance the thread tension
Gain control over the sewing speed and pace
Practice different stitches and seam finishes
Learn about backstitching and pivoting
Sew & Attach Hoods, Collars, Bows and other decorative elements
Learn specific techniques based on desired project goals:
Ruffles, Flounces and gathers
Slash & Spread Technique for Couture Sleeve Design
Intricate Rose Design & Finishes
Zippers, Extensions & Panels
This class is designed for all skills levels - even if you don’t know how to use the sewing machine yet!
What’s included:
IN STUDIO: The price includes the use of sewing machines, hand tools, steam irons, large scale craft paper, and workbook. Fabric can be purchased at an additional cost. Students are welcome to bring their own sewing machine and fabric, if desired. Students will bring in their own clothing items to upcycle.
Course cost:
IN STUDIO: $200
Upcoming Workshop Dates:
IN STUDIO - Sunday, June 28th to July 26th - 11am to 2pm (No Class July 19th)
IN STUDIO - Saturday, July 11th to August 8th - 11am to 2pm (No Class July 18th)
To see more about our projects, sewing tips and special events follow us - FB: Sew Modest Studio IG: Sew.Modest
