Iron City Upcyclery

Four Sticks Dress

2012-02-05T18:35:00.001-08:00

And when the owls cry in the night

And when the pines begin to cry

How do you feel?

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Here are some photos of a new one from my sewing nook! I call it Four Sticks Dress, and it was sewn from a yard or so of nice, thick vintage double-knit that I stumbled across at Knittin' Kitten. I used some leftover Jacquard ribbon from another project to embellish the waistline. I sewed up this one for myself and wore it once, then pretty much immediately realized that I needed to make some serious alterations in the bodice area, which are now done so I can rock it comfortably in the future, hooray!

Four Sticks Dress isn't for sale since I'm not doing boutique production anymore. It was a great three-year run for my little sewing business, and I'm grateful to everybody (especially my family!) who supported me in that time. I had a lot of fun, learned a ton, and met a slew of great friends.

I will still continue to post here about my own sewing projects for enjoyment, though. Cheers to sewing adventures, now and always!

-Jackie

2012-01-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Above: Upcycling in action! Youngsters cooperate to make a braided rug from bread bags.

Thank you for stopping by!

I am currently taking a break from boutique production so that I can focus on sewing for my family, myself, and my friends. If you have a special request or question, feel free to contact me via email. You may still find a few of my handmade garments at these three boutiques: Pageboy in Pittsburgh, Fabricate in Cincinnati, and Mag-Big in Portland.

If you'd like to see my Iron City Upcyclery portfolio in its entirety, click here to be redirected to my Flickr site.

Dovetail Blouse in Toile

2012-01-05T12:30:00.001-08:00

Fanning out like beautiful bird feathers from the neckline, the pleats of fabric across the front are the namesake of this handmade pullover top, and also what makes Dovetail Blouse special! This design was one of my very first originals, and I've revisited the pattern thrice now over the years, this most recent time using a soft, vintage cotton toile floral print.

Dovetail Blouse in Toile will accommodate up to 42" in the chest, and is available now for $68 at Pageboy.

New Year's Well-Wishes!

2011-12-31T14:37:00.000-08:00

Original photo from the 1974 book Quilting, Patchwork, Appliqué, and Trapunto: Traditional Methods and Original Designs by Thelma R. Newman. Caption reads, "Rising Fawn Quilters having some fun."

Holiday Craft Fair this Wednesday at People's Co-op!

2011-12-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Come on out to People's Co-op this Wednesday, December 21st for the annual Holiday Craft Fair where you will find exquisite, one-of-a-kind handmade items made thoughtfully by neighborhood artisans! You'll find something special for everyone on your holiday gift list, plus you can pick up some farm-direct produce while you're there.

Iron City Upcyclery will be present alongside Fruits of the Forest; stop by our booth and check out our newest wares! We sew, crochet, print, and papercraft things, all inspired by nature's beauty.

See you there!

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Crafty Make-and-Take this Sunday!

2011-12-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

Join me at my neighborhood community center, Café au Play, this Sunday, December 18th, from 10:30-12:30 while I host a crafty make-and-take during the annual Café au Play Holiday Tree Sale fundraising event! Kids of all ages will enjoy making simple, festive miniature stocking-shaped tree ornaments from recycled fabrics. See you there!

Dream a Little Dream Dress

2011-12-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in magic? You will when this fantastical frock takes you to worlds formerly unseen, places where magical beasts await you! Dream a Little Dream Dress is a handmade original sewn from vintage woven cotton from the mid-'80s. It features a sleeveless bodice with an angular neckline and a high-waisted gathered skirt with an optional sweet cream sash made from vintage eyelet lace and silk. The bodice of the dress is lined in pale blue satin for ultimate comfort. This dress measures 36" in the chest and 32" around the waist, and it zips up the back with a 22" zipper.

Available now for $98 at Pageboy Boutique.

Confetti & Carnations Belted Dress

2011-11-18T09:16:00.001-08:00

A little bit sweet, a little bit sassy: just leave it to a moon-ruled Cancerian to whip up a dress that can handle multiple moods! :] I began this dress with a raw cut of some extremely rad vintage woven cotton fabric, printed with black and white "square waves" and peppered with rainbow-colored confetti bits. Since the fabric represented so much awesomeness, I wanted to design a nice and simple cut for the dress itself, hence the classic pullover shift-dress style. I accented the waistline with a matching belt made of the same fabric, cut on the bias. The navy blue seam binding on the neckline and cropped sleeves are the little details that pull the piece together, and since I had some left over, I also added a pair of miniature handmade fabric flowers, just for fun!

Confetti & Carnations Belted Dress will accomodate up to 40" in the chest and 40" at the waist. It is available for $98 at Mag-Big in Portland.

Iron City Upcyclery at Mag-Big in Portland!

2011-11-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

"Portland artists and crafters have a new brick and mortar space to show (and sell) their wares ... a retail shop to highlight the truly awesome nature of the Portland art and craft community." - Handmade Portland

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Great news, friends: I made my first delivery to Mag-Big boutique in Portland today! This means that now you can find Iron City Upcyclery handmade garments at this delightful local shop, which is chock full of wonderful handmade wares from over 300 Portland artisans. Check it out!

Lots of News from the Sewing Front!

2011-11-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Warm autumn greetings, friends and fellow sewing enthusiasts! There is quite a bit to report from my own personal sewing front, so here's a post that's just dedicated to the goings-on of Iron City Upcyclery lately.

First of all, today marks the official U.S. release of The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook, featuring a fun little project by yours truly! This awesome how-to book promises to be a really great hands-on resource for people who want to teach themselves how to sew, especially those who are interested in learning to creatively alter commercial patterns into one-of-a-kind designs. The projects range from "easy" to "difficult," so there really is something for every sewist in there. I'm very excited to receive my copy, which is on its way to me as I type this. If you're curious about what my book project looks like, you can check out my old blog post about it! The book is available now at many independent bookstores in the craft/DIY section, or online through Indie Bound, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Check it out and get sewing!

The other big piece of news is that my family and I relocated over the summer from the Iron City (Pittsburgh) to the breathtakingly green forests of Cascadia (Portland, Oregon, to be exact!). This means that my home-based Iron City Upcyclery sewing studio is now operating on the West Coast, yes, but I'm remaining true to my roots (and my namesake) by continuing to offer new pieces at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh each season, so if you're in the area, stop in there to see what the city's best locally-owned, environmentally-friendly, and incredibly fashion-savvy clothing boutique has to offer you!

So here we are, back in Oregon. As I reconfigure my home sewing space in our cheery little Portland apartment, I have been finding out about all kinds of great local sewing communities and resources for people like me. My favorite so far has been the open studio at PDX Seamsters, where I can sew without distractions while taking advantage of huge table spaces, multiple steam irons that are always ready to use, and a top-notch Pfaff sewing machine that runs on all cylinders. There are even bins of free vintage fabric scraps and used commercial patterns to dig through. A sewing nerd's dream!

As I continue to sew new pieces for my beloved venues in Pittsburgh (Pageboy) and Cincinnati (Fabricate), I am also keeping an eye out for an opportunity to offer my designs at a local shop in Portland. I'll keep everyone posted if this happens! Fingers crossed...

Enjoy the gorgeous autumn leaf colors wherever you might be, and thanks for visiting! Check back soon for photos of the first batch of dresses made here in my new home!

Gingham Cornflower Dress

2011-08-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Gingham is a checkered woven cotton whose name comes from the Malay adjective ging-gang, which actually means striped. Cornflower is a stunning blue wildflower whose extract can be made into a refreshing all-natural face splash. Both gingham and cornflower are beautiful things, and now they've come together in my Gingham Cornflower Dress! The cheery yellow and blue print of this little dress will go nicely with your favorite earth-tone cardigan as you enjoy a crisp autumn walk among the changing leaves.

Gingham Cornflower Dress is a sweetly simple pull-over design that features a comfy elasticized waistband, complementary cornflower-blue seam binding around the neckline and arms, and fabric-covered buttons at the shoulders. The bodice will fit up to 34" across the bust and the waistband stretches comfortably to at least 36".

Gingham Cornflower Dress is available now at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh!

Bandana-Rama Dress

2011-08-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Fact is, I love bandanas. When I was little, I used to tie them to the end of a long stick and pretend that I was a traveling vagabond setting out upon a grand journey. I'd fill the bandana-knapsack with wildflowers and other treasures and imagine what kinds of epic adventures lie ahead. In reality I never quite achieved vagabond status, although I have certainly exercised my nomadic tendencies in my adulthood and also undertaken some pretty grand adventures. One thing, however, remains true: my affinity for the paisley print of a classic bandana, no matter the color, remains steadfast. When I recently spotted a vintage denim apron with red bandana seam binding on the bodice, it was nostalgia-stirring love at first sight! The tired apron needed an overhaul, though, so I sought out some sweet red cotton from which to make a skirt and then proceeded to cut and sew the apron into a simple dress bodice. And that, friends, is how Bandana-Rama Dress came into being!

Bandana-Rama Dress is a full-figure dress with a tie-back waist and a gathered full skirt. The sleeveless bodice features decorative red vintage buttons down the front and bandana-print seam binding and bow. The back of the dress has a 22" red zipper for comfort and ease. The dress fits up to a 40" bustline and waistline. Pair it with your favorite sandals for late-summer style, or with some tights, boots, and a cardigan this fall!

Bandana-Rama Dress is available for $64 at Fabricate Boutique in Cincinnati.

June Fashion Show Highlights

2011-07-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, dear readers! Please enjoy a few beautiful photos from the Iron City Upcyclery Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show held at the Friends of the Riverfront charity gala in Pittsburgh! Special thanks to my eight beautiful and powerful models who exhibited the utmost grace and poise during the show; they truly made my garments come to life!

For the complete collection of photos from the fashion show, please visit my Flickr set here.

Thanks for visiting!

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July 17 ::: Iron City Upcyclery + Give and Take at the Polish Hill Arts Festival

2011-06-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

. . .

Join Iron City Upcyclery and Give and Take at the upcoming Polish Hill Arts Festival on Sunday, July 17 for Give and Take's kickoff celebration!

Give and Take is a new organization in Pittburgh whose goal is to "adopt your pre-loved clothes and create opportunities to get them into new, hopeful hands."

Check out their latest news at deliciousinformation.blogspot.com!

Do you have pre-loved clothing that you no longer want or need?

Read on...

From noon to 9 p.m. at the festival, Give and Take will have a donation/information space set up. Give and Take invites anyone to "(p)lease be a part of the project by bringing an item or bag of clothing to donate to the collection we're assembling for public use. We'll be using your donations at public workshops and clothing swaps; to showcase ideas around the city for reusing and repurposing clothes; and to serve as a free resource for people in need. In thanks, we'll have a special gift waiting for you."

Iron City Upcyclery will also be joining the Give and Take team from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the festival! We'll be providing information about the art and craft of upcycling as well as demonstrating hands-on how you can re-fashion your old clothing using simple sewing techniques, therefore creating something totally new! Visitors to our space will also have the opportunity to try simple upcycling techniques for themselves (we'll provide all the materials you'll need). There will also be a sign-up sheet for an in-depth upcycling workshop with Iron City Upcyclery + Give and Take this coming September!

It's all happening on Sunday, July 17 at the Polish Hill Arts Festival! See you there!

-Jackie

ironcityupcyclery@gmail.com

Razz-Ma-Tazz Dress

2011-06-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

For those who love all things bright and bold: Razz-Ma-Tazz Dress is here! This dress is an upcycled '80s dress that was described recently (to my delight) as "Working Girl-chic," a reference to one of the oft-watched films of my adolescence, a classic Melanie Griffith movie in which her character sports a snazzy wardrobe that takes her smoothly from the office to dinner dates in style! Razz-Ma-Tazz Dress is made from a pristine vintage silk fabric in a lovely raspberry color with dynamic black lines dancing across it. The bloused bodice features a unique asymmetrical button closure complemented by fluttery sleeves. The above-the-knee pencil skirt has five fully-functional buttons down the front, and the fitted waist has two small belt loops for you to accent the dress with your favorite belt if you like. This dress is really fun and truly one-of-a-kind!

Razz-Ma-Tazz Dress fits up to 40" in the chest and measures 31" at the waist. It is available for $68 at Pageboy Boutique.

Veggie Lover's Dress

2011-06-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Vegetables rule, and I'm shouting it from the rooftops... figuratively, anyway, with this new dress from my summer collection! Whether you're an avid gardener, an aspiring vegetarian, or just someone who would love to rock a veggie-printed dress, this one could be for you! Veggie Lover's Dress is a cool cotton number that buttons all the way down the front. The fabric is vintage and very lightweight and features colorful vegetables in a rainbow of colors: yellow corn, red tomatoes, purple eggplant, orange carrots, and more! The dress is sleeveless and has waistline darts to make it a nicely-fitted piece.

Veggie Lover's Dress will fit up to 34" in the chest and 28" around the waist. It is available now for $55 at Pageboy Boutique.

Totally Tubular Dress

2011-06-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

While making this dress, I showed it to a friend and she exclaimed, "Tubular!" -- and I knew that it had its name. The dress's canary yellow polyester blend vintage fabric has a super fun print of black dots and little tube-shaped things all over it, for lack of far better wording. Simply put, this is some awesome fabric! And it is also very lightweight, unlike some polyesters, making Totally Tubular Dress a perfect choice for summer. The dress features a smocked waistline that can be shown off or covered up with a wide belt, depending on your style. The sleeves are oversized and fluttery with small gathers at the shoulders. Three cute black buttons accent the yoke neckline. The gathered skirt falls right above the knee on most ladies. This dress has a really cheerful feel to it, and I just know that the right person will be very happy to wear it to a fun summertime get-together!

The Totally Tubular Dress measures up to 41" around the chest, and the waistband stretches comfortably from 29"-40" in circumference. It is currently available for $68 at Pageboy Boutique.

Wisteria Dress

2011-06-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Wisteria Dress is one of eight new dresses that I just finished for a summer collection showcase last weekend, and it's one of my favorites of the bunch. The dress features an oversized v-neck collar and buttons down the front, and the free waist ties with a coordinating fabric belt. The dress has short sleeves with elastic casing, gathered shoulder details on the front bodice, and a skirt hemline that hits just above the knee on most. It is made from lightweight vintage silk in a pale lavender hue that looks stunning on pretty much anyone! Take a look at the small white triangles and pink accents, too...

Wisteria Dress will be available to purchase for $72 next week at Pageboy Boutique.

Woodland Sprite Dress in Oak Brown and Tangerine

2011-06-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

My friends are continually doing great things! This dress is the third one that I've had the pleasure of making lately for people in my life who are going through ceremonial rites of passage, one might say. Gillian's Dress and Rachel's Dress were both made for a very special wedding this past May, and this dress, a new version of my Woodland Sprite Dress, was made especially for my friend Myste who will be going through a commencement ceremony this weekend.

This version of the dress is similar in design to the original Woodland Sprite Dress, but with a different color palette (I love this new combination!), and this time I lined the entire piece with reclaimed fabrics: woven satin (for the bodice) and a sheer, silky dotted swiss (for the skirt), which should make it more comfortable and reduce the need for a slip. I also did something for this piece that I've been wanting to do for a long time: I taught myself how to make fabric-covered buttons! It is much easier than I thought! I'll be making lots more of those in the future, I think. The buttons on this dress are around the collar and serve the purpose of attaching the hood to the bodice, making it removable if desired. My husband describes this dress as "the Incredible String Band dress" -- which makes me smile from ear to ear! I could definitely see it...

. . .

I can't describe the great feeling of happiness and pride that fills my heart when I think of my friends wearing garments that I sewed with great love and good intention... specially-made for such wonderful milestone events!

Congratulations, dear friend Myste!

. . .

Rachel's Dress

2011-05-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, happy day! Two of my dear friends just celebrated their love for each other by holding a small and beautiful ceremony in a grove of tall trees in the Laurel Highlands. It was truly a breathtaking event, and I am proud to say that Iron City Upcyclery contributed by creating this dress for the lovely bride!

Rachel's dress was actually designed by Rachel herself, meaning that she came to me with a clear idea of what she wanted as far as the cut of the dress and the color and kind of fabric, making my job quite easy! After we talked about the design, we had a fitting session in which I got her measurements, and then I made a mock-up dress out of natural muslin. When that version of the dress got a thumbs-up from the bride-to-be, I went to work on the real dress. Here it is, the finished piece! I sewed Rachel's dress from natural woven cotton in light aqua, and I lined it in an ivory satin. My favorite detail is the tiny peek of white eyelet lace on each sleeve! I also made a little clutch-style purse for the bride since I had some leftover fabric. It was a very fulfilling project to see through from start to finish, and it made the beautiful wedding even more meaningful for me to behold and participate in.

::: Congratulations, Ian & Rachel! :::

You soar like two Great Blue Herons in love!

Fashion Show/Benefit for Friends of the Riverfront

2011-05-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Join Iron City Upcyclery and friends on Saturday, June 4, 2011 as we present a new collection of dresses to the public at the 20th anniversary celebration for Pittsburgh-based non-profit Friends of the Riverfront at Steel City Rowing Club in Verona! The fashion show segment of the evening will begin right as DJ Mary Mack hits the decks at 9 p.m. and will showcase nine brand-new dress designs constructed from reclaimed fabrics. Roomy tote bags sewn from reclaimed fabrics and hand-screenprinted with waterfowl illustrations will also be available to purchase. Support sustainability in fashion and have fun while raising money for the continued stewardship of our beautiful rivers!

Friends of the Riverfront will kick off the summer by hosting this year’s Trail Mix(er) on Saturday, June 4 from 5 -11 p.m., at Steel City Rowing Club in Verona.

Join over 300 supporters of the environment in and around Pittsburgh’s three rivers for a night of riverfront fun to celebrate FOR’s 20th anniversary. Enjoy a picnic dinner, live music by Boca Chica, Caleb Lovely and The Turbosonics. DJ Mary Mack will host a Late Night dance party from 9 -11 p.m., and an outdoor-themed silent auction and environmentally-focused art exhibits will take place throughout the night. Pre-event kayak and pontoon boat trips to Allegheny Land Trust’s Sycamore Island — a rare and unique floodplain hardwood forest on the Allegheny River, are available from 3 - 6:30 p.m., and are included with ticket purchase.

Admission is $50 per ticket, $35 with a valid student ID, or $15 Late Night from 9 – 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the secure website www.friendstrailmixer.com. All proceeds will support Friends of the Riverfront trail development, advocacy and stewardship efforts.

Friends of the Riverfront increases awareness and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s rivers and riverfronts through activities, stewardship and expansion of water and land trails. For more information, go to www.friendsoftheriverfront.org or call 412.488.0212.

Gillian's Dress

2011-04-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

This lovely folk dress is a recently-finished piece that I was commissioned to do for an upcoming wedding. The bridesmaid, Gillian, approached me with a question: If I bring you a muumuu with potential, can you turn it into something beautiful for me to wear in the ceremony? I was definitely intrigued, so I had Gillian bring over the vintage muumuu, and together we brainstormed a design that would breathe new life into the garment, which definitely had tons of potential! The muumuu was a stunning emerald color with mind-blowing floral embroidery details all over the front bodice yoke, front skirt, and back shoulders. However, the muumuu had absolutely no shape to it -- it was like a nightgown or a flour sack; you could just pull it over your head and lose yourself in miles and miles of formless cotton! So Gillian and I decided that it needed to lose the huge tube-shaped sleeves, lose a good eight inches in length, and gain a waistband and a sash. The results are amazing! This dress will be the perfect garment for Gillian to wear as a bridesmaid in her best friend's free-spirited wedding ceremony.

Gillian's Dress is, of course, not for sale, but is is a great example of what I can do for you if you have ideas for a garment with potential to become something new!

Squirrel Bags

2011-04-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Every few months, I try to sift through my scrap fabric remnants to see what could be used for new projects. I recently found a couple of yards of squirrel-print fabric that my very talented friend Mary designed and hand-silkscreened for me over a year ago, tucked away in a corner of my studio. The fabric holds special meaning to me, so I really wanted to put it to use for something that would honor all the hard work and positive collaborative energy that was put into creating it! So, I contacted an organization that I've been an advocate of for many years now, Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation, and found out that two different groups on the reservation were in need of some diaper bags ASAP. What better way to use the fabric? Here are the eight diaper bags that are now in use by new parents in South Dakota, each one adorned with a happy squirrel clutching a sprig of lavender.

Daffodil Dress

2011-04-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love this one.

Light, breezy and cheerful, Daffodil Dress is a creation for a lady who anxiously awaits the first flowers of springtime after a long winter...

Daffodil Dress is a puff-sleeved dress with a unique sweetheart-meets-diamond style neckline, gathered waist, and full skirt. The fabric that I used is a crisp vintage woven cotton in white with a golden floral print portraying an array of flowers and flora. The dress zips up the back.

It also happens to be one of the dresses that I made for the SPIRIT Fashion Show!

Daffodil Dress is available for $85 through my little Etsy shop.

Just click here to get there!

SPIRIT Fashion Show Highlights

2011-04-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

All of the Iron City Upcyclery models wearing their "Earth Ensembles" at the show!

The ever-graceful Krystal wearing Woodland Sprite Dress.

Sweet Christine wearing Daffodil Dress.

The lovely Shanel in Paisley Sun Dress

Alycia looking elegant and confident in Leaf Dress.

Beautiful Dominique looking powerful in Elf Queen Dress.

Carolina, sassy and stunning in Garden Gatherer Dress.

Here's oh-so-pretty Sarah wearing Topanga Canyon Dress during a practice.
These ladies worked so hard preparing for the show for many months!

The serenely ravishing Chrystal wearing Apple Orchard Dress during a fitting session.
Many heartfelt thanks to my models for their patience with me while I customized each piece!

Many thanks to my husband, Matt, for the beautiful surprise flowers on the big day!

And here I am, ready to head to the show, a bit nervous but very excited!

...

This experience was a truly wonderful one for me, and I am so happy that I was asked to take part. I got to meet so many amazing women who inspired me with their incredible creativity, their talent, and their positive energy. I made new friends and new memories thanks to this hugely collaborative project that went off without a single glitch. Thank you to everyone who helped make the SPIRIT Fashion Show a huge success this year, and congratulations to all who participated!

-Jackie

P.S. If you'd like to see more photos, you can visit my Flickr set here.

This Saturday...

2011-04-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Featuring a collaborative body of work

from Iron City Upcyclery + Fruits Of The Forest,

plus many other talented local designers and performers.

A very special evening, not to be missed!

Spirit Fashion Show Sneak Peek!

2011-03-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I am honored to have been asked to contribute eight pieces for this year's Spirit Fashion Show at CMU, and I am working hard to finish my dresses before the first fitting this Sunday. Just thought I'd share a few photos of and comments about the works-in-progress...

The theme for my part of the upcoming show is "Earth - The Element." When I was coming up with the nature-inspired pieces for the show, I kept thinking about how great it would be if the models could also wear some bits of "Earth" in their hair, too... which led me to immediately think of my amazingly talented friend from Fruits of the Forest in Oregon who designs and lovingly handcrafts beautiful accessories, headpieces, corsages, etc. from nature's bounty. I asked my dear friend if she would be interested in collaborating with me for the show, and she said yes! To my delight, the headpieces arrived yesterday in the mail, and I am just simply overcome with wonder at how magical and exquisitely perfect each one is!

I can't wait to see the models in their dresses and their headpieces... here are some photos to give you an idea of what's coming!

The Spirit Fashion Show is on Saturday, April 9th at Carnegie Mellon University. Spirit Fashion Show "is an entity of SPIRIT organization, Carnegie Mellon's Black awareness organization. The fashion show is among the largest annual events for CMU students. The show prides itself on presenting a diverse, vivacious, and entertaining atmosphere for any audience. In its 23rd year, the SPIRIT Fashion Show will continue to provide a platform for some of the most creative and distinct exhibitions to the Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburgh community."

Hand Embroidery Class Update: New Time!

2011-03-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

Updated course information has arrived for you!

Calliope School has offered me a classroom earlier in the evenings for my embroidery course, so I'm taking them up on the offer. I think it will be nice to hold class a little earlier and therefore be able to take our projects outside while the daylight is still upon us.

What: Hand Embroidery Class

When: Tuesdays from April 5 - May 3

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (*updated*)

Where: Chatham University Campus

Who: Embroidery enthusiasts of all levels and ages!

Click here to read detailed information from the school's website or to register!

...

This class is offered through the Calliope School of Folk Music in Pittsburgh. During the course, we'll be learning lots of different stitches, as well as tricks of the trade like how to use a stitch dictionary, how to properly stretch a hoop, and how to transfer your own awesome hand-drawn or found designs onto fabric for embroidering!

Class begins Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. and ends around 8:00. The class is every Tuesday and runs five consecutive weeks through May 3. We were lucky enough to get space for this class at Chatham University, so if the weather is nice, you know we'll take it outside and embroider together under the beautiful trees on campus!

Click here to sign up, read more, or get the materials list! Feel free to email me if you have any questions: ironcityupcyclery@gmail.com. Thanks for reading, and hope to see you soon!

Tunic Dress

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Tunic Dress -- a style that has been around since Ancient Rome, and a perennial classic that is open to reinvention. Here is my own version of a tunic dress, inspired not only by the Ancient Romans, but also by the designs of modern dressmakers such as Paul Poiret (one of my all-time favorites!), who designed the tunic-style dress in the top photo. Poiret was famous for "freeing women from the corset" and other such tight clothing in favor of looser-fitting dresses that were based on draping techniques rather than tailoring and sewing. I am usually so meticulous about darts and gathers and zippers and other tailoring techniques, I also felt liberated as I created this simple dress that just pulls over the head and can be gracefully and comfortably worn by many different body types. Pair it with a belt for a night out, or wear it free-flowing anywhere you like -- that's the beauty of such a breezy and elegant design!

Available at Fabricate in Cincinnati for $65. Made from incredible vintage knit cotton.

Lazy Paisley Dress

2011-02-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a dress that will hearken you to think of not-so-faraway springtime picnics and bike rides and sunny days! One of my favorite happenings of the season is when I am lucky enough to have a day off with friends or my sweetie, and I get to just take things as they come and play it by ear all day. Just having an easy, breezy time with loved ones. That's what Lazy Paisley Dress is all about.

The dress is for fuller-figure ladies and measures up to 40" around the bust. It is a pull-over style dress made from incredibly beautiful vintage woven cotton printed in a cornflower-blue and red paisley. The bodice is made from reclaimed red cotton that is soft and comfy against the skin. The matching red seam binding, handmade bow tie and accent button make this a one-of-a-kind creation that someone special will truly enjoy wearing.

Available for $75 at Pageboy Boutique.

Sweetheart Dress

2011-02-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

I don't necessarily consider myself a huge fan of Valentine's Day. I love to love and be loved (and that statement applies to friends, family, my honey, my cat...), but I don't like the idea of people feeling lonely or pressured to have a date for this one day. That said, though, I will admit that I really, really like antique paper valentines and also classic black-and-white romantic movies (which oftentimes feature some of the most stunning dresses I've ever seen). Those two things put together inspired this dress, which was once a matronly secretary-style vintage dress with glimmers of potential. Let me tell you, this dress once covered every square inch of skin from chin to shin! So I got out my scissors and transformed the dress into Sweetheart Dress by creating butterfly sleeves, replacing the red skirt with a vintage knit floral fabric, and adding a handmade skirt ruffle in red around the bottom. I kept the bow tie neckline because I thought it was unique and just kinda sweet, and because I know that some ladies like a high neckline sometimes. So there you have it: Sweetheart Dress!

Sweetheart Dress measures approximately 36"-38" across the bust and the elastic waistband stretches comfortably from 32"-40" (at least). It is available at Pageboy Boutique for $75.

Yarn 'n Yinz Starts Tonight at Beehive Coffeehouse!

2011-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

There's a new craft night in town, and it starts tonight!

What: Yarn 'n Yinz

When: Every first and third Thursday of the month

Where: Beehive Coffeehouse in Pittsburgh

Address: 1327 E. Carson St.

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Edie Dress

2011-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:00

Edie Dress is an upcycled dress that I initially found in dire disrepair and subsequently brought back to life! The beautiful 1960s-era paisley skirt fabric caught my eye because it reminded me of that transitional period in fashion between mod and psychedelic prints. I felt like this dress could really represent both periods, kind of like Edie Sedgwick did with her simple black dresses juxtaposed against her intricately exotic chandelier earrings. So I went to work on this dress, and here's what it looks like now! I completely overhauled the bodice and chopped off a large cowl neckpiece that I felt made the dress look too dated and fussy. Instead, I streamlined the neckline and added a bit of black vintage lace that is soft and elegant. I also repaired the lining and other technical details on the inside of the dress. I'm happy with the final result, and I just know that this dress will look really gorgeous on someone!

Edie Dress is lined and has a back zipper. The bust measures about 36" and the waist measures about 28". It is available for $65 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh. ~SOLD~

Woodland Wanderer Shirt

2011-01-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I'll find a nice vintage button-up that yearns to be given some personality... and in this instance, I felt like this awesome men's sage-colored woven cotton button-up shirt wanted some mushrooms on it, in particular. So here it is! I drew the fungi freehand onto the shirt with a fabric transfer pencil, then embroidered the little guys onto the shirt in brown and rust-colored threads using split stitch. It's the perfect shirt for your favorite forest forager!

This shirt is a men's size L and measures about 40" across the chest. It is available for $30 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh.

Wooden Ships Dress

2011-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Wooden ships on the water, very free and easy

Easy, you know, the way it's supposed to be

Silver people on the shoreline, let us be

I'm talking about very free and easy...

-Crosby/Stills/Kantner

Wooden Ships Dress was finished just recently; it was inspired by thoughts of creaky ships on glimmering waters and harbors full of graceful seagulls. There is something very magical about ship tales and ancient sea sagas, and those images were filling my head as I sewed away...

Wooden Ships Dress measures about 38" across the bust and 36" around the waist; it is available for $85 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh. ~SOLD~

Iron City Upcyclery at Fabricate in Cincinnati!

2011-01-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

It's official! Iron City Upcyclery has branched outside of Pittsburgh; I just sent a batch of lovingly handmade garments to Fabricate, a gallery/boutique hybrid in Cincinnati that looks super fun and chock-full of amazing handmade wares and top-notch artwork! If you're in that neck of the woods, please pop in there and check it out:

Fabricate

4037 Hamilton Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45223

Hours:

Wednesday-Saturday 12-6

Sunday 12-5

Phone:

513.407.6057

Email:

info@fabnorthside.com

Web:

http://fabricatestore.wordpress.com/

Happy New Year!

2011-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a great year! I've been busy as can be in my beautiful new studio, coming up with new sketches and designs and reworking old slopers and patterns and getting inspired by all the wonderful sewing communities out there that kindly share their tips and tricks with anyone who is interested (me!). I've also been interviewed recently by two local publications and one local design student; I'll be sure to post more information about those great experiences down the road! In other news, I've been asked to sell my clothing at an amazing new boutique in Cincinnati, Fabricate, and that's certainly a very exciting development around here. I'll also be holding a trunk show at the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh on Thursday, March 24th, so swing on by if you're in town! Also of great import: I'll be contributing eight original pieces to the Spirit Fashion Show at Carnegie Mellon University on Saturday, April 9th! Such an honor!

What a rad start to 2011 -- I hope that you, dear reader, are also feeling inspired and motivated by the fresh energy that a new year can bring!

Roxy Dress

2010-12-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

The ball drops, a thousand specks of glittering silver confetti spread out over the crowd, and your sweetheart leans in to give you a New Year's kiss... for moments like this, I've conjured up the Roxy Dress, one of my favorite party dresses yet! I let the sounds of Roxy Music and their incredible costumer/stylist Antony Price be my inspiration for this festive frock.

Roxy Dress has a three-tier ruffled skirt that I made from complementary fabrics in flowery velvet, sparkling gold, and solid purple. The bodice is sleeveless and features flattering front and back darts as well as a black rick-rack detail around the collar. The gathered purple sash around the waist ties it all together nicely for a totally special look that will make you the belle of the ball for sure!

The bust measures about 34" and the waist about 28"-30".

Roxy Dress is available for $105 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh.

Prairie Dress

2010-12-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

For the lady who loves walking through the tall grass of the boundless meadow: the Prairie Dress. This lovely dress is a mid-calf-length dress with a wide ruffled hemline, gathered elastic waistband and beautiful, flowing split sleeves that tie at the elbow. Simple romance. Pair it with some cowgirl boots, some turquoise and silver jewelry, and a single white rose in your hair for a truly special ensemble that is both timeless and feminine.

This dress will fit a bust size of up to 36" and the elastic waist fits 28-34".

Prairie Dress is available for $85 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh.

A Crafty Exchange

2010-12-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

I recently did a swap with one of my talented crafty friends, Lynne from Charmed By Nature, and this is what she made for me in exchange for upcycling a skirt for her!

I love my new necklace; it's truly a seamstress's dream!

Thank you, Lynne!

Goldberry Dress

2010-12-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

Goldberry sang many songs for them, songs that began merrily in the hills and fell softly down into silence; and in the silences they saw in their minds pools and waters wider than any they had known, and looking into them they saw the sky below them and the stars like jewels in the depths.

-J.R.R. Tolkien

Goldberry Dress is made from vintage upholstery fabric; it's a gold-and-green shimmery fabric that is really quite stunning to see up close. This is the last of it; I've used it for three projects now! The embroidered waistband is made out of a pair of suspenders that are probably from the 1960s. The tulle overskirt is a deep navy color and is absolutely my favorite part about this piece. I may go through a tulle phase this winter!

Goldberry Dress is available for $95 at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh. ~SOLD~

P.S. Greetings from my studio assistant, Toody.

Square Wave Dress

2010-11-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Rivaling the creative brilliance and aural beauty of My Bloody Valentine without having achieved any of the commercial success (sadly!), The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa was a Czech shoegaze band that was around in the '90s... and I happen to love them. I love them so much, I named this dress after one of their songs that I totally and completely adore. This dress is a piece upon which I performed major sewing surgery; it was once just a sad, old discarded dress from the '50s that was kindly handed over to me. I loved the geometric squares and the amazing colors of the fabric, so I decided to clean it up and turn the whole thing into a pinafore-style dress with ruffles and big buttons and ribbon trim to compliment the sweet fabric. Here it is after the overhaul.

This wee dress fits a 30-32" chest and a 24-26" waist (so about an XS). This dress zips up the back. Want this in a bigger size? Get in touch!

Square Wave Dress is available for $65 in my Etsy shop.

Woodland Sprite Hooded Dress

2010-11-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

As autumn sets in and the leaves of the forest show their myriad colors before they fall to the ground, a woodland sprite from a dreamscape is conjured up in my mind. She gathers for the harvest and celebrates the changing seasons. To keep warm, she draws up her hood and continues her walk through the shady woodlands and golden fields, stopping to collect nature's bounty in the form of wild herbs and winter squash and red apples...

This is the kind of story that I like to weave around pieces like this that I've created... in reality, though, I made this dress to wear during a very special musical gathering that I took part in recently: the first-ever electric performance by Great Blue Heron & Friends that happened on Tuesday, October 26th at Garfield Artworks in Pittsburgh!

Fall is bringing great things to my life, and I hope that you, dear reader, can say the same!

Woodland Sprite Hooded Dress is not for sale; please contact me for a custom order of this design!

Rainbow Prism Dress

2010-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

"She comes in colors everywhere / She combs her hair / She's like a rainbow"

This black beauty with colorfully fractal ribbon trim was once a discarded maxi dress with a broken zipper and no one to love it. I rescued it from the refuse and brought it to my studio for some well-deserved attention. I shortened the skirt length to give it a more casual feel, and I gave it a brand new zipper. Easy. Look how she shines now!

Rainbow Prism Dress is available at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh.

Embroidery Class at Calliope School of Folk Music

2010-09-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hey dreamers, just wanted to spread the word that I'll be teaching a class on embroidering your own designs by hand at the Calliope School of Folk Music in Pittsburgh this October!

Embroidery is an ancient folk art form that is still being used today all over the world as a means of expressing ideas and embellishing fabrics in both traditional and untraditional ways. In this class, I'll be teaching students the basics of embroidery, including six different kinds of stitches, how to use the tools of the trade, and how to transfer your own original designs onto fabric for embroidering!

Click here to sign up!

Much love on this autumnal equinox,

Jackie

Jean Genie Dress

2010-09-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

This bright little number was inspired by my love for two great human beings: my mother and David Bowie. With its simple cut, big buttons, rick-rack trim, and paisley fabric, this dress looks a lot like something that my mother would have loved years ago when she was riding around on the back of my dad's motorcycle during their days of courtship. My mom's nickname is Jean. I'm not sure that she loves Bowie as much as I do -- she's more of an Elton John person -- but I am certain about my habit of singing "Jean Genie" to myself sometimes when I think about my mom. The song is actually about a man, but so what? This one's for you, David and Jean, though you may never know it...

With love,

Jackie

Jean Genie Dress is available for purchase at Pageboy Boutique in Pittsburgh!

BurdaStyle Book Design: The Amanita Bag

2010-08-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Oh hello, little mushrooms! This is my finished piece for the upcoming BurdaStyle sewing book. They asked me to design and sew a purse/bag, so here it is... I'd never really made a purse before, so this was a new challenge, and I'm actually pretty happy with the way that it came out. I was provided a basic pattern from Burda, but then I changed it to make it more "me" -- I added a front pocket, embroidered on it, and moved the tassels from the front of the bag to the sides. Amanita Bag is on its way to New York City right now... very exciting! I'll keep everyone posted on the BurdaStyle book; it's scheduled for release Fall 2011!

Golden Dawn Dress

2010-08-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

As a tribute to the sun, here's a sunny summertime creation from my studio... the Golden Dawn Dress! This one features an empire waist with sweet yellow piping, and lots of handmade ruffles (of course -- they are still my favorite thing to add to dresses right now!). The dress zips up the back and features a silky lining to keep you comfortable and cool during the dog days of summer.

This one will be available soon at my Etsy shop!

The Dottie Dress

2010-07-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

The last time I visited my little hometown in Illinois a few months ago, my mom and husband and I went thrifting at a consignment shop run by a small group of elderly ladies who like to do things old-school. Like smoke inside the shop and write every receipt by hand and get feisty with people who ask questions. I like this place and its quirks. To my delight, in the very back of the store was a sheltered little room full of beautiful old linens. It was in that room that I found a pristine set of Dotted Swiss sheer curtains with ruffled edges. I fell in love, swooped them up into my arms, and imagined what a lovely dress those curtains might become.

And here it is: The Dottie Dress! She's available for $65 in my Etsy shop.

Modern Lover Dress

2010-07-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

I never got to see Modern Lovers play live, but if I had been a little bit older back in the day, I would have maybe wanted to wear this dress to the show. The Modern Lover Dress is a new piece that I made from a beautiful, old silk blouse that has a lovely paisley pattern to it. I modernized the cut of the blouse, added black vintage lace at the neckline, and then made the gathered black skirting and classy sash from lightweight cotton fabric. The waistline is a nice, comfy elastic and the back of the neckline features a cute black button keyhole closure.

Available at for $58 at my Etsy shop.

Zodiac Dress

2010-06-15T12:42:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, a frumpy old housecoat was found in a very old house in Pittsburgh. Printed on the housecoat was an amazing collection of images from the zodiac and other celestial wonders. The housecoat needed a makeover in a big way, so it spent some time in my studio. Now the housecoat has a happy new life as a very special summer dress.

Summer Dresses Now at Pageboy!

2010-05-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Super exciting news over here at the Iron City Upcyclery studio in Lawrenceville: we're at Pageboy now!

Pageboy Salon & Boutique, located at 3616 Butler St., is an awesome vintage clothing and independent designer clothing store run by talented friends Rachel Vallozzi and Dana Bannon. This store is seriously rad! In fact, it's my favorite place to shop for clothes in Pittsburgh, and I'll tell you why...

During my first year here in Pittsburgh, I admit to having felt displaced among the drastically different styles on the East Coast compared to those of my former home, Oregon. Yeah, it's true: I've been known to wistfully conjure up images of the free-spirited, colorful clothing found in thrift stores, vintage shops, and indie boutiques on the West Coast, and I never dreamed that I'd find that kind of vibe right here in Pittsburgh. Then I went to Pageboy. It's all there, like a rainbow oasis! Lovely dresses, bright colors, whimsical prints, bold designs... I'm so happy to see them right here in Lawrenceville now!

Read more about Rachel and Dana's entrepreneurial journey in this article by Pop City Media in Pittsburgh!

And yes, much to my delight, you can also find Iron City Upcyclery clothing at Pageboy. I think we make a great pair. Here's a picture of a current window display at Pageboy featuring one of my pieces, the Somebody to Love Dress!

Free Ride Sundress

2010-05-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Biking weather is here! I've already taken my Black Beast on a ride up the Allegheny River this week. It was a great little trip, but I've realized that I'm definitely in the market for a new bicycle soon. Four years biking on the Beast is quite enough for this lady. Ah, but I do love biking. You make me feel so free. I fondly remember the free bicycle system in parts of Europe; in Amsterdam, I think I remember the free bikes being yellow. Apparently they're red in Rome.

This dress is inspired by such things. It's also inspired by Pittsburgh's very own bike recycling workshop, Free Ride.

This piece has SOLD, but please contact me for a custom version!

Jackson Pollock Sundress

2010-04-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Available soon at my Etsy shop.

---

"Jackson Pollock is not your friend"

by Rupert M. Loydell

I know I shouldn't be thinking like this.

I mean it's all in the past and we've been

and moved on, but I find myself below glass

watching over and over the blur of a man

as black paint is flicked, poured and thrown.

Jackson Pollock is not your friend,

he works far too large for comfort,

makes too much mess in the lounge

and leaves drips everywhere in the toilet.

(Light olive with spots of dull umber.)

I know I shouldn't be thinking like this.

New ideas are great but up on the wall

they can suddenly seem old. And I can't

help but think of the drunk, brutish painter,

his one-sided fights with poets and friends.

Jackson Pollock is not your friend.

He wouldn't want to be one anyway,

would rather turn the jukebox up and down

pints at the bar before bragging about

his ongoing battle with colour and form.

"The stars are brilliant tonight."

---

New Rack of Iron City Upcyclery Clothing at Wildcard in Pittsburgh

2010-04-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! I delivered a fresh batch of springy/summery handmade clothes to Wildcard in Pittsburgh this morning, and they get a garment rack all to themselves! Go check it out in my beloved neighborhood, Lawrenceville! Wildcard's store hours are here. While you're there, check out all the other local artisan wares... it's a feast for the eyes.

Flower Power Wrap Blouse

2010-04-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Bohemian style and comfort join forces in this one...

I love this blouse! I made it from vintage flower-printed cotton and some beautiful lace that I found at a curiosity shop in northwestern Pennsylvania. The blouse features my current favorite sleeve detail, ruffles, which I've been adding to lots of pieces lately. The blouse also has front and back gathers both around the yoke and at the waistline, and its only closure is the cloth belt tie made from the same print as the blouse. I can't wait to see someone wear this.

Available for $45 at my Etsy shop.

Dovetail Blouse in Black Eyelet

2010-04-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Back in Black: Here's the Dovetail Blouse making a comeback in sweet black eyelet cotton fabric. I added one of my handmade belts to make it a lovely little top for a night out on the town!

The Dovetail Blouse has SOLD, but I can make a custom version for you. Just ask!

Hey, finally! Spring Trunk Show video footage is here!

2010-04-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Footage of my show on 3.25.10!

See my older post for more photos/info...

Sweet Weekend, Gettin' Ready...

2010-04-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a rad weekend visiting my family in Illinois... I also scored some sweet vintage fabrics while there! Check 'em out! Now I'm busy sewing lots of new stuff for Crafty Supermarket in Cincinnati on the 17th. My studio is heating up (literally) now that springtime is here and the sun is back in action in Pittsburgh, but if I crank some jams and make myself a glass of iced coffee, I barely notice!

Looking forward to checking out Cincinnati and seeing what the crafty peeps there are up to!

Spring Trunk Show Highlights

2010-03-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Iron City Upcyclery Spring Trunk Show (called "A Zephyr Breathes") last Thursday was an amazing time! Here are some great photos courtesy of my sweet husband, Matt, and Thommy Conroy, my stylist/event guru!

Here are photos of all the beautiful models in their Iron City Upcyclery pieces...

...and here's my table of non-clothing merchandise!

Special thanks to artist Mary Tremonte for her self-designed squirrel-print fabric for one of the dresses, and also to WildCard for hosting the show! You're the best!

Pittsburgh Craft Collective Interview!

2010-03-28T07:47:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share the love here for a minute. One of my favorite organizations ever, the Pittsburgh Craft Collective, recently published an interview with me for their rad blog. Here it is, revealing my love for sewing and all my nerdiness in its full glory!

Name: Jackie McDowell
Craft: Clothing Design & Construction (Sewing)
Websites: Etsy, Flickr, Blog
Member Since: February 2010

What inspired you to pursue crafting?
My mother has been an incredible influence on me as an artist and a crafter. Some of my earliest memories are watching her work on her sewing machine in the finished attic of our home. She would make clothing for me and my little sister, Jessica, as well as blankets and gifts for friends and family members. My mother noticed my enthusiasm for art at a young age, and she has continually encouraged me throughout my life. She always told me that I had a great imagination, and she made me feel confident about my creativity. I never once got the feeling that she regarded art as a waste of time, and I am just now starting to realize how important and formative that attitude was for me. She also instilled in me a respect for nature as well as the value of reducing waste and finding new uses for old materials, which I think is wonderful. One of our favorite “dates” now is digging through thrift stores together, looking for old and forgotten treasures. Her ideals about finding new uses for old materials have stuck with me and influenced my sewing immensely; I only use reclaimed fibers for all of my clothing designs! This allows me to reduce waste while also giving my clothes a vintage look and feel, which I love.

I also find myself increasingly inspired by contemporary fiber artists who push the boundaries of their art forms. Two of my favorite fiber artists who are doing more avant-garde work are Kay Sims from Portland, Oregon and Grace Kim from San Francisco. I was lucky enough to see one of Kay’s handmade gowns in person at the Junk to Funk fashion show in Portland two years ago, and I was blown away by both her aesthetics and her creative process: she actually buried cotton sheets in the forest and left them there for months as a means of dyeing her fabrics. I love the idea of encorporating nature so integrally with a work of art. Grace Kim, another amazing artist, is doing cutting edge work with textiles and electronics. Her piece The Soft Electric is one of my most recent favorites; it’s a handmade shawl embroidered with conductive threads that actually light up. She juxtaposes the traditional crafts of knitting and felting with modern technology and explores the dynamic between form and function, which I find fascinating. There are so many wonderful fiber artists out there, and I am continually inspired by their new creations!

How long have you been crafting?
Honestly, I don’t remember a time when making things myself hasn’t been a part of my life. While I never really had formal sewing lessons from anyone, I have certainly been around sewers my whole life and gleaned most of my technical skills from watching them create. The last four generations of women in my family have been seamstresses, either professionally or as hobbyists, and I have tremendous respect for them. Sewing never seemed daunting to me for this reason. I was sewing by hand by the age of seven, and I also learned to cross-stitch around then, too. I started to use a sewing machine in high school when I became frustrated with shopping for clothes; the limited offerings in the department stores in my small hometown in Illinois didn’t look anything like what I wanted to be wearing. So, out of necessity, I started to alter thrift store clothes into new creations and wear them to school. I also started embroidering around that time. I actually still have pictures of embroidered jeans that I made for my high school friends! My machine-sewing skills evolved steadily after that, and within a few years I was using patterns to sew complete pieces. Now, I oftentimes forego patterns altogether and just use my sketchbook, dressform, experience and imagination to create my clothes.

What piece of art/work best represents you?

I think Emmylou Vest is a good representation of my work over the past year. The idea for the piece came to me while I was daydreaming at my day job, and I sketched it out during my lunch break. I had just acquired my dressform for my home studio, and I used it every step of the way for the construction of this vest. It really helped me get a new sense of objectivity while creating the piece, and I think it pushed me to improve my designing skills. As usual, I used only reclaimed materials for Emmylou Vest. For the outer panels of the vest I used squares cut from old denim jeans, and for the inside lining I used a special vintage cotton fabric that I found at a thrift store months ago. The button closures are made entirely out of a hanging plant holder from the 1970s. After finishing the piece, I named it Emmylou Vest because it reminded me of something that Emmylou Harris, one of my favorite musicians, might wear. Music is a huge inspiration in my life, and I name a lot of my pieces after musicians.

Do you have a “day job”?
Yes, I do. I work part-time at East End Food Co-op. The job is great because it gives me the opportunity to meet and spend time with a lot of wonderful, creative people who either shop or work there. I would like to eventually focus on Iron City Upcyclery full-time without having to work a side job, though. That’s a goal of mine.

Tell us about a typical day in your crafting life.
When I’m on top of my game, I like to get up around 7 a.m. and do yoga for an hour or so before anything else. After that, I make coffee or tea and eat a healthy breakfast while listening to one of my favorite records. I like to check my messages and maybe update my sewing blog with some new photos and write-ups before noon, typically, and then comes my favorite part of my day: working in my studio. My current studio is on the top floor of our home, and it is very conducive to creative work because I’ve put a lot of time into the space. The window faces west, which fills the room with beautiful natural light in the afternoon. I have a big work table for cutting and sketching, and I have a desk for my pride and joy, my vintage Morse sewing machine! My dressform takes up a corner, and I have a rolling garment rack that migrates around the room. I keep my fabrics semi-organized in an old dresser, but it can’t hold everything, so I also have boxes of notions and scraps underneath my work table. My studio walls are plastered with inspiring imagery cut from old magazines, photos, found objects, etc. I have a collection of old design books, sewing books, and art books at hand. I also keep a radio in my studio with a stack of tapes; most recently, a friend of mine sent me a stack of tapes from her home label, Stunned Records, and I’ve been listening to those while I work. I also have The Lord of the Rings on audiobook, and that definitely keeps me riveted during long studio hours as well! My studio time is broken up into periods of designing new pieces, choosing and cutting fabric, sewing (and sewing and sewing!), altering, creating labels and tags, and photographing finished pieces. I work really well at night, too, so oftentimes I’ll take a break in the afternoon to do other things, then return to the studio later. I definitely have stamina when it comes to sewing – I suppose because I love it so much.

What do you find most challenging about being a crafter?
Remaining true to your creative vision is sometimes challenging when your items aren’t selling well. The issue of compromise is a difficult one, and each artist approaches it differently. I don’t like to compromise my clothing designs, but if I need to ensure a broader appeal and guarantee some sales (for example at a craft fair), I will make lower-priced items instead, such as upcycled belts, totes and pillows. That’s how I tackle the issue of artistic integrity within the handmade market.

What advice would you give to someone entering the crafting world?
Find a space to do your work. Spend time on craftsmanship. Meet other crafters. Get feedback and exchange ideas. Go to a craft fair and check out what other people are doing. Go to art shows and get inspired. Keep a sketchbook with you. Don’t second-guess yourself – just go for it! Do what you love.

Do you show your work locally?
Yes, I have pieces at WildCard artisan boutique and at Zombo Gallery, both in Lawrenceville. On March 25th, the last Thursday of the month, I’m having a trunk show at WildCard thanks to the shop’s proprietress, Rebecca Morris. I’ll be showing about a dozen of my newest clothing designs from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend! There will be music, wine, and sweets!

What is the one tool you couldn’t live without?
Probably my sketchbook. Get those ideas down before they’re forgotten!

Favorite movie or TV Show?
I don’t have a particular favorite movie, but I love foreign films. Breaking the Waves is a wonderful film from Lars von Trier. I studied German film in college, so of course I love classic movies like The Blue Angel and Nosferatu. I also adore David Lynch and John Waters – really any directors who explore American culture in an absurd sort of way. I will admit that I also have a huge weakness for ‘80s movies like The Lost Boys andGhostbusters, too!

Favorite book?
Anything written by Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

Favorite colors?
It changes daily. Today? Hmm, electric blue.

Favorite superhero?
Does Peter Venkman count?

Favorite food?
Veggie burritos. No hesitation there.

Famous last words?
“I should really (insert cleaning task here).”

Upcoming Shows and Handmade Markets!

2010-03-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

6 - 8 p.m.

Iron City Upcyclery Spring Trunk Show @ WildCard

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Iron City Upcyclery @ Crafty Supermarket

Cincinnati, Ohio

Friday, July 16th - Sunday, July 18th

Iron City Upcyclery @ SouthSide Works Exposed

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Electric Squirrel Dress

2010-03-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Electric Squirrel Dress is one of my favorites so far! It is a collaborative piece between me and another Pittsburgh artist, Mary Tremonte, who designed and hand-printed the green fabric with squirrels in multiple colors (including hot pink and electric blue, hence the name!) holding tiny sprigs of lavender in their little paws in celebration of springtime. Mary is a talented printmaker who is part of the Just Seeds art collective; check out her work here!

The dress is an original design that I came up with using my Psychedelic Star Trek Minidress sketches as a starting point. The Electric Squirrel Dress features hot pink fold-over sleeves and collar, a high waist reminiscent of women's fashion in the 1950s, and a full A-line skirt bottom. It is a size small, but can be custom-made in any size.

The Electric Squirrel Dress will be worn by Mary at the Iron City Upcyclery Trunk Show at Wild Card in Lawrenceville on March 25th, 2010!

Dovetail Blouse

2010-03-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Dovetail Blouse is a tribute to the birds of springtime! The white blouse is made from a lovely ruffled tablecloth that I found at a thrift store. This sweet piece features a gathered neckline with a vintage lace collar and butterfly sleeves. The waist is free and lends itself nicely to a belt.

This piece has SOLD, but it I can make a custom version just for you... you need just ask!

Apple Picker's Skirt

2010-03-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Apple Picker's Skirt is one of my newest creations for my upcoming trunk show. I know that springtime is upon us and apples are more of an autumnal offering, but I saw this vintage-inspired printed cotton fabric and had to whip up a skirt from it. I put large green pockets on the front -- very utilitarian in case one happens to actually be picking apples or storing any other found treasures -- with bright red piping along the tops of the pockets, and rick-rack along the bottom hem. The skirt has an elastic waistband and is a size large.

Come check this one out at Wild Card in Pittsburgh!

The Harvest Moon Dress

2010-02-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

The Harvest Moon Dress is a piece that I made for myself to wear on the happiest day of my life: the day I married Matt (well, actually, one of the two happiest days of my life... we had two "weddings," one legal wedding in the courthouse with just two witnesses, and then later another more festive-type ceremony at a cabin in the woods with friends, family, a potluck, music, and all that awesomeness!). Yes, I wore this dress to the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh on September 9, 2009, for the joyous occasion of marrying my wonderful and talented husband. Naturally, I needed a special dress for the event, and this is what I came up with. I named it The Harvest Moon Dress after the Neil Young song because we both love his music so much, and because our wedding was during the most beautiful time of year: autumn.

I used two vintage tablecloths to make this dress: one was a goldenrod color and made of linen, and the other was a sheer dark brown lace tablecloth. I made the flower corsage out of the lace trim on the goldenrod-colored tablecloth (I made a matching one for Matt, too).

The Harvest Moon Dress is not for sale, but I can make a custom version for you; just ask!

The Dinette Skirt

2010-02-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

The Dinette Skirt is a custom-made piece for one of my friends who shared with me an amazing photo of a diner waitress, posted above. I love this skirt! I designed it with clean lines and contrasting fabric panels so that it resembles an apron or vintage waitress' uniform. The front and back panels are made of vintage knit fabric with a wonderful lime green/turquoise/black & white geometric criss-cross pattern, and the side panels and waistband are cut from turquoise cotton fabric that I found in a thrift store. I used elastic for the waistband and added a ruffle, too. The faux side pockets have wooden leaf-button closures sewn on with bright green crewel thread, and the bottom hemline is accented with oak-brown rickrack. Divine! I can't wait to see it on my friend.

The Dinette Skirt is for sale at Wild Card in Pittsburgh!

Black-Eyed Susan Top

2010-02-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Black-Eyed Susan Top is one of my latest pieces, inspired by my favorite wildflower! The top features puffed sleeves and a front and back yoke, as well as back button closures. It is hip-length and can be worn freely or with a belt for added style.

The Black-Eyed Susan Top has SOLD, but if you'd like a custom version made for you, just ask.

Spring Trunk Show in Pittsburgh!

2010-02-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so very happy to announce my first trunk show on Thursday, March 25th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wild Card handmade boutique/art space in Pittsburgh! If you will be in the area and are interested in seeing my handmade clothing in person, please save the date and plan on attending this rad event!

This will be an up-close and personal opportunity to see my handmade dresses, skirts, and tops as they look when worn as part of a complete ensemble! About a dozen of my springtime-inspired creations will be presented on models, and even more will be available for sale on a garment rack. I will discuss my sewing process a little bit during the show, too. There will also be complimentary wine and mineral water, as well as sweet snacks! My talented husband, Matt McDowell, will be providing the music for this special occasion.

This is truly a collaborative event that wouldn't be happening without the efforts of many wonderful folks. Rebecca Morris of Wild Card is to be thanked first and foremost for asking Iron City Upcyclery to be the first in a series of trunk show artists at her space. Thommy Conroy, the creative force behind the scenes at Pittsburgh's annual Sprout Fund Hothouse benefit, is also integral in assisting me with the trunk show. A group of my dear ladyfriends will be wearing pieces of my handmade clothing that night, and I am very thankful for their help and their support. Mary Tremonte, a Just Seeds artist, is contributing a custom silkscreen design for the fabric that will be used for a unique skirt in the show. Most importantly, my dear husband is to be thanked for his endless love and encouragement; he is my biggest inspiration.

Hope to see you there!

Fruits of the Forest Dress

2010-02-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

The Fruits of the Forest Dress is a specially-made piece for my friend Myste in Oregon. I designed the dress using a similar cut as the Somebody to Love Dress, but I made a few changes to make this dress unique. The color scheme is based on hues and shades found in the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest: golden sunshine, green fir trees, white-capped mountains and pink rhododendrons all came to mind as I was sewing. The fabrics, ribbons, and notions used for this dress are all special vintage finds.

Myste is also a creative spirit; please check out her lovely and fanciful knitted creations by visiting her Etsy store!

The Fruits of the Forest Dress is a custom piece and is not for sale, but I can customize, alter, or re-use the pattern for a new piece. Just ask!

Waste Not! Pillows from Reclaimed Fabrics

2010-02-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

I've got quite a collection of vintage scrap fabric in my studio, and sometimes I like to use them for small, non-wearable projects like these wee upcycled pillows that I recently finished. Check them out in person at their new home: Wild Card artisan boutique in Pittsburgh! They are available for purchase there along with my handmade belts and appliqued totes.

The Queen of Hearts Smock Top

2010-02-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Call Alice when she's 10 feet tall..."

This smock-style top was inspired by Jefferson Airplane's song about Lewis Carroll's classic novel; just imagine wearing it while sipping a nice cup of tea with some wonderfully strange friends!

The handmade top is made of two vintage cotton blend fabrics. The body of the smock and the ruffled sleeves are made from black and white striped fabric. The contrasting yoke and heart-shaped pockets are made from a deep red fabric that features a delicate diamond-like pattern woven into it. The back of this piece has three lovely brass buttons shaped like pine cones. The yoke is lined in both the front and the back, and the inside seams have been serged for extra durability. This is a very well-crafted and unique handmade top made for an imaginative and whimsical wearer! I recommend pairing this smock top with black leggings and boots, and perhaps a belt cinched around the waist if so desired.

The Queen of Hearts Smock Top has SOLD, but I can make a custom version for you; just ask.

The Psychedelic Star Trek Minidress

2010-02-03T13:51:00.001-08:00

This fun little number reminds me of what a crew member of the Starship Enterprise may have worn to an intergalactic rock 'n roll show. I designed this little pull-over minidress to highlight the amazing vintage elastic waistband, which is made out of golden woven elastic threads. The fabric is truly outstanding; I found a few uncut yards of it at a thrift store. What luck! I also used a contrasting fabric, black cotton printed with golden roses, for the collar interfacing. Super groovy!

The Psychedelic Star Trek Minidress is SOLD, but I'll make more dresses in this style!

Appliqued Tote Bags

2010-02-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks, I've been gazing with dismay at my overflowing scrap fabric bin in my studio and wondering what I could create with such a crazy variety of scraps in so many colors and patterns. I finally decided to make a few appliqued tote bags for the upcoming I Made It Mine craft fair this weekend -- check 'em out!

For the applique designs, I picked things that I love: music, animals, good food, Pennsylvania, etc.! I like imagining people using my totes to carry their groceries, or maybe their lunch or favorite book...

My appliqued tote bags are available to purchase at Wild Card boutique in Pittsburgh!

Show Your Love!

2010-01-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

Show your Iron City Upcyclery pride with a mini button for your favorite jacket or bag! I designed these little buttons myself using the ICU logo of a needle and thread, and naturally I chose black and gold colors to represent Pittsburgh.

I'll be attaching one of these little buddies to every piece I sell. If you'd like to just purchase a button on its own, email me at ironcityupcyclery@gmail.com!

P.S. Many thanks to Busy Beaver Buttons in Chicago for their fabulous work on these!

Iron City Upcyclery Featured on 'I Made It Market' Blog

2010-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted to report that Iron City Upcyclery was recently featured on the I Made it! Market blog as part of their efforts to highlight featured artists who will be present at their upcoming indie craft fair on February 6th at the Union Project. I'm tickled pink, and can hardly wait until the big day arrives!

Catch Iron City Upcyclery in Pittsburgh on Feb. 6th!

2010-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the I Made It! Mine craft fair in Pittsburgh at the Union Project on February 6th!

Press release:

"I Made It Market, the city’s nomadic indie craft marketplace is hosting a handmade market just in time for Valentine’s Day. Shop on Saturday, February 6 from 12 – 5 pm at the Union Project where over 50 local crafters will offer their best handmade wares. Visitors to I Made It! Mine will find a variety of goods including bath and body products, greeting cards, clothing, plush toys, kids costumes, letterpress artwork, photography, housewares, ceramics and so much more. For more information about the I Made It! Market, visit their website by clicking here."

Hope to see you there!

Handmade Tags and Cards Are Here!

2010-01-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tags and info-cards are here! Thanks to skillful stampmaker Neon Canvas, I now have a custom stamp with which to make Iron City Upcyclery labels!

I used old album covers for the card stock, which you can tell by the unique imagery on the back of every tag and card. I also made cloth tags to sew into each piece. I'm very happy with the way that everything turned out; the stamp really reflects my overall aesthetic and the old album cover card stock reflects my love for music and repurposed materials!

Dragonfly Tote

2010-01-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute little tote I recently made for my young sister-in-law. I used vintage fabric for the body of the tote, and colorful scraps from my "scrap bin" for the dragonfly applique. The tote measures about 18" long and 15" wide and is perfect for carrying things in style while also saving a plastic bag from ending up in the landfill!

Available at Wild Card in Pittsburgh!

The Emmylou Vest

2009-12-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

This handmade vest is inspired by one of my favorite musicians, Emmylou Harris. This vest was made by hand and took weeks to design and finish, making it one of the pieces of which I am most proud.

The patchwork cropped vest is a unique design created from reclaimed denim fabric for the outer shell and vintage flower-printed cotton for the lining and trim. The high neck can be worn up or down, however you like. The vest features round vintage wooden buttons handsewn onto the front with sturdy, bright red crewel thread. This is a truly outstanding piece and will be cherished by the wearer, I believe.

The vest fits like a S or M. Measures 16” from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the cropped waistline; the collar is 4” tall from the collarbone to the top. The bust is 34” around and tapers slightly towards the waist.

The Emmylou Vest is SOLD, but I can sew custom versions of it upon request.

The Wildflower Sunrise Dress

2009-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

Perfect for summer, this special handmade dress reminiscent of the 1960s is inspired by the pastel pink and orange hues of wildflowers against a sunrise backdrop.

The dress features a wide neckline gathered with gathers at each shoulder, as well as an elastic empire waistline accented with a cord belt that matches the shoulder tassels. A burlap pocket accents the front. I used vibrant vintage fabric in pristine condition to make this one-of-a-kind dress.

This piece should fit like a S or M. Measures 30” in total length from top of shoulder to bottom of dress hem. Empire waist fits a 22”-28” waistline.

The Wildflower Sunrise Dress has SOLD, but I can make a custom version of it for you; just ask!

The Green Tambourine Dress

2009-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Bright and classy, the cut of this sweet and versatile handmade dress is reminiscent of semi-formal gowns from the 1970s, but this simpler creation is best worn as a casual sun dress on a beautiful day.

The strapless dress features a ruched elastic back for support, as well as side halters that can be tied in the front or back, depending on your taste. The dress is calf-length and features a classic empire waist. The bottom of the dress is embellished with white lace and brown trim to match the green, white, and brown colors found in the dress fabric. I used vibrant vintage fabric in pristine condition to make this one-of-a-kind dress.

This piece should fit like an XS or S. Measures 35” in total length from armpit to bottom of dress hem. Empire waist fits a 24”-28” waistline.

The Green Tambourine Dress is on sale for $35 at my Etsy store by clicking here.