Sew Down!

 A few pieces of upcycled material, waiting to be made into a-line skirts. 
Find them next week at Poor Jean!

Here in our 690 sq. foot home, my husband and I are drowning in fabric.  It has displaced the linens in the linen closet, pushed my clothes out of the clothes closet, overtaken  two bookshelves, a wicker trunk, and a leather armchair.  Therefore, as a sort of "fall cleaning", it is time to commence a Sew Down; that is, I'm going to try to sew every piece of new and upcycled material into a garment and post for sale on Poor Jean before the end of September.  All items will be ready to ship, in varying sizes.  Visit Poor Jean early next week for the first batch of Sew Down upcycled a-line skirts, sizes extra small, small, medium, and large!

 - PJ

Adaptations by Anna - Bringing New Life to Old Pants

I had a few conversations with this awesome seller who is also upcycling old clothing into new clothing.  Take a look at some of her clever creations!

This button wrap shirt can also be worn as a skirt...

Gentleman's trousers are transformed into a darling pencil in the pants skirt

I'm always looking out for good upcycling examples.  Taking the time to find the potential value in something that is usually written off as useless is an activity that we rarely consider anymore, but it is those "old and worn out" things that have the most character and personality.  I look at the pencil skirt pictured above and think, what would the former owner of those pants think if he saw that skirt? Ooh la la!

Poor Jean Apparel Now For Sale at Reconstructed Clothing Co.

Seattleites!  If you want to get your rain-soaked hands on some upcycled Poor Jean goods, skip the shipping charges, and support your local economy, then this post is for you.  Poor Jean is now being sold at Reconstructed Clothing Co. at 1922 1st Ave.  Kristen, the store owner, has curated a collection of handmade, upcycled items by local artisans, including some fantastic bags, menswear, jewelry, and buttery soft scarves (among other things).  Stop on by and check it out!

 - PJ 

Upcycling: Where There's a Will, There's a Way

When it comes to upcycled clothing, where there's a will, there's a way.  Armed with a few tablecloths, a curtain, an old wedding dress train, a silk scarf, and lot's of coffee, I set out to make something.  The results are below.

Summer Grays Dress

The skirt was a tablecloth, the bodice a gray curtain.  The collar is wedding dress satin, as is the lining.  Only the thread, zipper, and lace are new materials.

Carefree Cocktail Dress

The bodice is a gray curtain (same used for the Summer Grays dress), the belt is a vintage silk scarf.  The skirt is an upholstery remnant with a beautiful luster, and the lining is a combination of wedding gown and bed sheet.

Both of these dresses were so much fun to make!  The next time you find yourself digging through you closets to throw away old clothes or linens, pause and remember that these items can all take on a new life!

 - PJ

Poor Jean is Officially Green!

Poor Jean has just been accepted into the Kirkland Green Business Program for waste reduction and recycling. To celebrate this distinction I bought some vintage tablecloths and a few large caftans that I intend to make into skirts and high-waisted shorts.   Hooray for sustainability, responsibility, and cute upcycled dresses!

 Sleepy Garden Party Upcycled Dress at Poor Jean

 Dandelion Upcycled Dress at Poor Jean

  - PJ

Introducing 80% Upcycled Frocks at Poor Jean

Upcycled doesn't have to mean lower quality.  For the summer Poor Jean will start carrying dresses, shirts, and skirts made of over 80% upcycled and vintage material with special care and attention to detail.  Each piece created from these materials may be made of 80% upcycled, but they are 100% unique!

I enjoy working with reclaimed material because of the challenge it presents.  Unlike a clean, new bolt of fabric (a blank slate) taking a bed sheet or an old prom dress and turning it into completely new garment is puzzling and sometimes frustrating, but the end product is always interesting and one of a kind.

All the material used for my upcycled clothing has been meticulously checked for defects, thoroughly washed and is guaranteed to be clean and sturdy.  Curious to see what kind of alchemy has been taking place?  Check out my bedsheet frocks below - the first two of many to come!

Upcycled Dandelion Frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
This dress is made of 90% upcycled materials, including the lace and buttons.

100% Upcycled Garden Party frock, coming soon to Poor Jean. 
All materials, including the lining, is reclaimed or vintage.

80% Upcycled Garden Party Strapless frock.  Soon to be on sale at Poor Jean.