Refashioning Techniques for a Sustainable Wardrobe

Start by getting to know Gaia Segattini, who tells you about her professional career and the influences that have shaped her style and creative process. She elaborates by explaining how anything can be a source of inspiration: not only other artists and designers, but also music and television, which have greatly influenced how she sees fashion and helped her develop her own unique style.

Learn about the concept of upcycling and sustainable fashion from your teacher's point of view and understand why customizing your clothes enriches both your style and your closet. Then discover how extending the life cycle of your clothing gives you a one-of-a-kind wardrobe that says a lot about your character.

Next, Gaia shows you all the materials you need for the course and gives you some tips on how and where to find them–including your local crafts store or around your home–while following upcycling's principles of sustainability. Search for inspiration for your final project by following the steps in your teacher's creative process and then compose a mood board.

Sketch a design for the sweater you want to refashion and then get to mending: start by cropping the sleeves and the length, alter the collar using some basic knitting and embroidery techniques, and finish by stitching new hems and cuffs to give your piece a modern look.

Now it's time to let your creativity run wild and customize your sweater by adding some decorative details. Gaia teaches you different techniques, like felting, and some simple embroidery stitches to give your garment a unique style.

Once you've finished your sweater, learn how to wash, care for, and store it safely. And to make sure nothing goes to waste, your teacher shows you how to upcycle felted wool and scraps from your sweater to create small items.