Independent Design
Quilted Jackets & Goods
The ultimate heirloom piece that combines both function and art, all bound together by the centuries-old practice of quilting. I first started making quilted jackets as a way to learn the craft of quilting. This practice quickly evolved into sourcing old quilts, drafting my own patterns, taking on custom orders, and making and designing quilted blankets from start to finish. Below is a series of my handmade quilted softgoods— designed, patterned, quilted and assembled by me.
Upcycled.
At the heart of my design philosophy, I believe the most sustainable garments are made from materials that are found, not made, and that decompose into the ground at the end of their life. My latest projects are made with found material composed of 100% natural fiber content.
They include tailored vintage denim, dresses and tops from linen and cotton sheets, scrap quilted blankets, and kids toys.
Natural Dying.
Inspired by a soil-to-soil apparel model, I started experimenting with natural dying as I became curious about the variety of plants in my own backyard. After a few successful small dye batches and experimenting with ivy and a few mystery “weeds”, I dove deep into every element of natural dying, such as; responsible foraging, local dye plant sourcing, dye gardens, dye methods, and mordanting. Below are examples of my learnings applied.
Foraging black walnuts
Black walnut hull dye bath
Finished garment dyed with walnut hulls on cotton gauze (no mordant)
Foraged mystery "weed"
A purple "weed" that yielded an incredibly bright yellow color on a cotton/linen blend
Onion skin dye bath
Onion skin dye bath dip variations using an iron mordant.
Foraging Ivy
Ivy dye bath
Ivy natural dye on cotton.
Avocado pit dye bath.
Avocado pits that made a delicate pink, and ivy that turned a dusty green, both on cotton.