Linda K Sienkiewicz

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Funky junky recycled fun

June 19, 2023 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Repurposed from Mom:

recycled buttons

I saved a few blouses and sweaters from my late mother’s wardrobe. One blouse in particular interested me. The Parisian-themed print was pretty, but the blouse itself was outdated. It had shoulder pads, and it was cropped short with elastic around the waist, like a jacket. Yet it was a lovely lightweight rayon material. I loved that it had different buttons, too.

Funny, I don’t remember seeing her wear it. It had a distinct eighties vibe.

I knew I’d eventually figure out some way of updating it, but it lingered in a wicker hamper full of scraps for ten years. Every so often, usually when searching for something else, I’d examine it, and then shove it back in in the hamper. Then inspiration struck after I picked up a pattern that looked perfect for different fabrics.

Recycled fabric

Rather than shopping for new fabric, I decided to make use what I had.

My desire to use what I had partly came from a Washington Post article Why You Should Buy Everything Used. In addition to furniture and appliances, the article encouraged buying recycled clothing. Did you know nearly 40% of all clothing purchases get returned? That leaves a mountain of stuff that needs to go somewhere, typically donation bins, landfills and thrift stores. 

I seem to make a lot of regret purchases when it comes to clothes. At the same time, I like the idea of sustainability, cutting down waste, and uniqueness. So, I went through the clothes that hung unused in my closet, looking for fabric that coordinated with the print design.

The end result:

The bodice front is from my mother’s blouse, as is the rectangular panel on the back. I cut the salmon pink bodice facing and side panels (pockets were an extra bonus!) from a summer dress. All the rest came from shirts I don’t wear anymore. And of course, the fabulous buttons are also from my mother’s blouse.

I bet she’d love it. She taught me how to sew, after all.


Thank you for visiting!

Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist.
Learn more about her multi-finalist award winning novel, In the Context of Love.
Learn more about her picture book, Gordy and the Ghost Crab.

Learn more about her latest poetry chapbook, Sleepwalker

See LinkTree for Linda’s social media links

Filed Under: Art & Crafting, It's Personal Tagged With: recycled, repurposed, sewing

The King of Outsider Art

August 29, 2022 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Howard Finster: Leave it to Pinterest to start me on an unexpected journey. I use the site to pair interesting images with inspirational quotes for my Facebook Author Page. The quirky portrait, … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Art & Crafting Tagged With: americana, art, creativity, folk art, howard finster

What, Why, How: Carol Cameron

September 27, 2021 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Carol Cameron

What: I created the “Council of 9” and its companion piece, “The Threshold” as a total of eleven mixed media sculptures. They make up an installation in my studio-turned-exhibit space. Council of 9 … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Art & Crafting, What, Why, How Tagged With: art, mixed media, sculpture

A Little Too Quiet

February 22, 2021 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

"Libraries aren’t as quiet as they used to be. A Little Too Quiet is a podcast for library lovers and the library curious. Book chatter with librarians, community perspectives and author … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Art & Crafting, Writing Tagged With: childrens books, creativity, writing life

Creative Pursuits

November 30, 2020 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

My friend Desiree Cooper shared this post on Facebook. What memories it brought back to me! Without doubt, my creative pastimes as a child shaped who I am today. Solitary Play For hours, I … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Art & Crafting, It's Personal Tagged With: creativity, play

Mittens from Sweaters

January 6, 2020 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Years ago when I was going through my late son's clothes, I came across a thick, wool Abercrombie and Fitch sweater that his sister loved to borrow. I was never a fan of scratchy wool, but she had … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Art & Crafting Tagged With: DIY, memories, sewing

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About Linda

Award- winning writer, poet & artist. Cynical optimist. Super klutz. Corgi fan. Author of two novels, a children's picture book, and five poetry chapbooks. More here.

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