HOW TO REUSE BY CREATIVE UPSTYLING & MENDING
To UPSTYLE is to take an existing piece and ‘make it better - more stylish’!
Martha offers classes to learn how UPSTYLE - to RESTORE & REPAIR a tired, pre-loved piece that is showing wear and tear. To artfully mend is one of the best ways to be more sustainable, to extend the life of the clothes you love!
Learn hand stitching techniques (to cover a hole or tear), embroidery, appliqué, embellishing and even dyeing- Martha has a few “tricks of the trade” to help you UPSTYLE & UPCYCLE a piece such as a pair of jeans, shirt, or sweater or…sky’s the limit!!!!
3 hour session recommended minimum @ $120. each. In person or virtual via zoom!
Closet repurposing & wardrobe alterations
Sometimes you have grown tired of an item and need to REVITALIZE it, save it from being a throwaway…perhaps it doesn’t fit quite the same, or looks out of style… through creative TLC I call REPURPOSING, we can make a piece “new again”!
I had a client who shopped in her own closet to renew her wardrobe. I would alter a garment to ‘modernize’, such as make pants skinnier, shorten a hemline, or adjust the fit, in other words, RESTYLE the garment. Some other examples; How to Restyle a Plain Jacket, How to Repurpose a Pair of Jeans and more, just to name a few…
This service starts with a consultation with you and your closet pieces you want to repurpose, then after budget is agreed upon, make the needed alterations. Cost varies on the piece and work involved. I stand by my quality!!!
Sewing classes
I love to teach people how to sew - in the end, it is a very valuable skill for sustaining your wardrobe!
I recommend these to be in person, in my studio here in the Adirondack Park in Redford, NY. However, I will also travel (within reason). My preference is to teach you on your own machine to allow you to continue sewing! I start with a 3 hour session (it goes by quickly). My fee is $120 for the 3 hours. Full guidance is provided on how to sew & understand your machine. I also love to teach you to sew from a pattern, as well as finishing techniques including hand sewing a hem etc.
Most beneficial to work in 3 hour sessions for 3-4 weeks in order to complete a piece; this class is $350.00.
Private or group classes are available upon request. Ages 10 and up from beginners (eg. no experience) to advanced!
​
​
repurposing classes
​
We have been talking about how important it is to REPURPOSE, REVITALIZE, REINVENT, "reduce & reuse” REFRESH, REPAIR, & RESTYLE to lead a more sustainable lifestyle….
Restored by Design offers a variety of techniques on a one on one/in person basis (the best), but can also be ON LINE…
​
Private VIRTUAL DIY workshops and tutorials can be customized to your needs. So you may learn & experience in your own studio or living room. This is a great way to share some fun with a group of your creative friends, and of course, individually as well.
Some examples can include: How to Make Denim Flowers, How to Restyle a Plain Jacket, How to Upstyle a Pair of Jeans and more.
dressmaking MADE TO ORDER
​
I love to create for you, repurpose for you, custom design and make to order just for you. This includes special occasion pieces, such as a wedding dress, mother-of-the-bride, brides maids, or a night out etc.
This service begins with a picture, a pattern you like, or a pre-loved piece!
We sketch it out, I create a pattern to your specifications (and you can always make another piece later), we choose the fabric you would like and begin the journey with a muslin piece. This is carefully fitted to you (and used as the finished pattern)to make sure it fits YOU! Attention to detail and quality are always a priority. Price varies depending on the piece.
On average, a dress begins at $300.
CReative coaching & mentorships
​
Are you working on a project and need some CREATIVE GUIDANCE?
A sounding board and feedback?
Too many ideas going through your mind and need help ORGANIZING YOUR CREATIVITY?
Are you stuck and looking for some INSPIRATION?
Are you learning to sew at home and need guidance with your project?
​
I find creative minds need help from time to time, and coaching you through is a great way to unlock and get your creative juices flowing… I have a few ways I can help!
Private one on one coaching sessions are available in person, virtually via zoom. Consultation session is 30-60 minutes, $75.00
​
Mentorships are a great way to learn how to sew, and how to repurpose from a master. Best in studio program can be arranged. Ages 15 & up, recommended 4-6 weeks. Please inquire.