Using upcycled materials in my work has transformed the way I see the world. Suddenly, everything around me is alive with possibility. A shower curtain at the thrift store isn’t just a shower curtain—it’s a collection of dress-up capes or the makings of a backpack. That bright orange plastic netting from my clementines isn’t just trash; it’s waiting to become part of a reusable sponge. Nothing is simply what it appears to be because everything has the potential to be reinvented, repurposed, and re-loved—if I just slow down long enough to see what it could be.
Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with countless repurposed materials, but my favorite part of upcycling is the creative challenge—imagining what an unwanted item can become in its second life. Taking something discarded, maybe a little boring or drab, and transforming it into something unique and special never stops feeling like magic. While I’m always excited to explore new materials, I also have my tried-and-true favorites that I return to again and again, whether to recreate beloved designs or dream up something fresh.
The All-Star: Button-Down Shirts
One of my earliest upcycling inspirations was the classic button-down shirt (especially flannel). It was the first material that truly caught my attention, partly thanks to a mentor who introduced me to the idea of sleeve pants. The variety is endless—stripes, plaids, florals, paisleys, and even the occasional palm tree or sailboat print. While I don’t always find men’s fashion exciting, button-downs break all the rules. From creamsicle oranges to juicy pinks and deep royal purples, they fill the thrift store racks with an unexpected rainbow of color.
The first upcycled products I made to sell were baby shirt sleeve pants and children’s button-down dresses. These designs were born while working with a mentor who had a vision for an upcycled children’s brand, and they couldn’t have come at a better time—I was home with a two-year-old and another baby on the way. Fine-tuning the pants template took some trial and error, but I loved testing out variations on my own child. Years later, they remain among my favorite designs—not only because they’re adorable but because they grow with the child, maximizing wear and reducing waste. The pants are roomy and adjust to fit as the child grows, while the dress transitions into a shirt over time. There’s truly an entire childhood of outfits in one dress!
Scrap-Busting: Waste Not, Want Not
For me, creating sustainably means leaving as little waste behind as possible, which explains why my studio is packed with fabric scraps of all sizes. I organize them intentionally:
Larger remnants are set aside for small projects or cut into strips for fabric twine.
Mid-sized scraps are perfect for patchwork or details like pockets on button-down dresses.
Tiny pieces get incorporated into patchworking.
The smallest scraps become stuffing for other creations—because everything has potential!
Even with my best efforts, I generate more scraps than I can use, so I occasionally have to declutter—which kills me. That’s why I’ve designed many of my products around scrap-busting, like my patchwork pullovers. While I’ve never had much interest in traditional quilting, I love piecing together mini crazy quilts for these cozy sweaters. They’ve become one of my signature design, and styling them is endlessly fun—they look great styled so many ways throughout the year and each one comes out completely unique.
Another favorite scrap project? Fabric twine. During winter, I love curling up with a movie and making colorful, hand-twisted fabric rope from longs strips of scrap material. The process is simple but time-consuming—my future carpal tunnel can attest to that. So far, I’ve mostly turned it into small baskets, which are perfect for holding trinkets or serving as gift baskets, but I have plenty of ideas for future projects!
Thinking Beyond Fabric: Unexpected Upcycles
While fabric is the most obvious material to repurpose, I love expanding my imagination to include other commonly discarded materials.
A few years ago, I realized I was constantly throwing away plastic produce netting from my clementines. The waste bothered me, and since I believe everything can have a new purpose, I challenged myself to find one. After some trial and error, I turned it into a washable sponge—a durable, reusable alternative to disposable kitchen sponges. Given that standard sponges need replacing every 2-3 weeks, this small swap significantly reduces waste!
Next, I turned my attention to another kitchen discard: plastic cereal bags. My kids went through a lot of cereal, and the number of plastic bags piling up in my trash was discouraging. Then, inspiration struck—those crinkly, noisy bags reminded me of baby sensory toys. With a good wash and some fun fabric remnants, I started making crinkle paper and puzzle balls that provide a delightful sensory experience for little hands. Not gonna lie—I find them just as satisfying to squish as the babies do.
Always More to Imagine
This is just a glimpse into some of my favorite materials and upcycled creations. I might need to do a part two! Right now, I’m in a quieter season—no market events, no sewing lessons or custom orders—so I’m using this time to plan new ideas, revisit old favorites, and explore fresh materials.
There’s always more to imagine, more to rescue, and new ways to use what we already have. Maybe this post will inspire you to look at your own “trash” with fresh eyes. What might you re-love instead of throw away? Everything has potential—you just have to see it.
If you want to learn more about the materials I upcycle, check out the Meet the Materials page!
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