Old houses, old movies, old clothing, old furniture, old fabric, old books, etc. When Will and I moved into our charming Park Slope apartment together we didn't have a whole lot of furniture. So, on a warm Saturday morning I set out with a friend to the Brooklyn Flea Market to see if there were any good finds for cheap. What did I buy instead of purchasing something useful like an end table or a lamp? A 1913 Victor Victrola in good, working condition. Way, way better than a lamp in my opinion.
I'm a believer in buying old versus buying new. And buying old to create anew. "Upcycle" is word I've incorporated into my vocabulary recently. It is defined as the process in which something old or something that would ordinarily be thrown in the trash is converted into something of better quality and value. Essentially, giving it a second life.
Last winter before I was familiar with the Etsy community, I came across a baby clothing designer MAMACOW in a Brooklyn boutique. Each item made was one-of-a-kind and so adorable I had to buy one for my soon-to-be little Lorelei. This was before I found out that everyone gives you baby clothing at your baby shower, so if you're expecting a first child DON'T BUY ANY CLOTHING. Trust me. Anyway, I was curious about her designs so I looked her up and that is how I became introduced and devoted to the world of Etsy. Etsy, a place that supports independent business where makers and collectors and artists can set up shop and sell their items. Of course, Etsy is all over the place now, continuously credited in major news sources and the like. News travels fast.
So, back to MAMACOW. I found out that her designs were all made from recycled materials and that. Cheaper than buying kids stuff at most retailers and cuter in my opinion. You can visit her shop here.
My favorites are her sweaters.....
My favorite of all! LBD sporting her very own MAMACOW sweater a few months ago....
Lately, the idea of upcycling has been spinning around my brain and I've been collecting a library of ideas that will most likely overflow into this very blog. Currently, I'm in the market for a sewing machine because I would love to start making Lorelei's clothing from vintage fabrics. A family friend graciously gave me a few lessons in sewing before the baby was born and I'm eager to get back into it. Love me some new projects!!
0 comments:
Post a Comment