MRS. AMERICAN MADE

Hello, I am Ana. Welcome to my style blog. I am a mom in Boulder, CO, trying to look cute on an everyday basis. Some days I try on many outfits, and I plan them from head to toe. Other days, I just throw on something that I already know works. I am not a model. I am not a super-duper, high-end fashionista, but I do love clothing and one of my favorite places is my closet of wonderful #madeinUSA things; however, I know our apparel has a significant impact on the environment so I am trying to do better. And, lately, I have been enjoying making some of my own clothes. Join me on my journey to creating a more #sustainable wardrobe.

[mrsamericanmade]

Hello ethical and sustainable fashion friends, do you want ideas and advice on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable? Or do you want to learn more about what that means and why it’s important?

Check out the "unCover Handbook," a beginner’s guide to sustainable fashion. It’s a magazine that I created and share online (also available in print by special order) for shoppers to learn how to make small changes toward making less of an environmental impact with their clothing. This work was my research and thesis project for my Master's degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado, and, so far, it has reached over 40,000 readers in over 30 countries. Come learn how you can take small steps to have a big impact.

Remember: You don’t need a major wardrobe overhaul — and that can be overwhelming, anyway. No matter where you are in your journey, the handbook offers tips that can take you to the next level. You can get information on the impacts of various textiles and dyes (hint: it’s a lot!); read words of wisdom from experts in the field; find new ways to shop secondhand or learn how to best care for the awesome clothes you already own. You decide. What will your next step be?

[mrsamericanmade]

A CREATIVE-WHAT-CENTER?!?!

Several years ago, I had not even heard about CRC's so I did not even know what they were. But I have to say I am a big fan now of creative resource centers (CRCs) because they save art and craft supplies from ending up in landfills, and they provide inspiration and materials to so many -- but they are also a step toward a smaller footprint for those of us who love to create and hate to waste.

As I have mentioned before, the apparel industry has a significant impact on our environment, and textile production is a large part of that. But according to research, each one of us sends an average of 70-80 pounds of textiles to landfills every year. This is bad because synthetic fibers take so long to decompose that we might as well say they last in the garbage piles forever, unused. And natural fibers, while they may not last as long there, create methane (bad for climate) as they rot there. Some better solutions include reusing textiles or composting them. And CRCs give textiles one more chance to be sold and made into something useful.

We are lucky in Boulder to have the amazing "Art Parts" and Ashley from the Trash to Treasure Movement is on a mission to highlight as many of these great spots across the country as she can on her Instagram Live interview series "Talking Trash with Ash". Inbetween conversations with those who run these wonderful shops, Ashley also chats with people who frequent the creative resource centers -- like me!

A few weeks ago, we talked about everything from the evolution of my blog, about #sustainable fashion in general, about the “unCover Handbook” and my Master’s degree program, as well as showcasing some of my sewing creations with “rescued” fabric from @artpartscrc in Boulder, including the cute plaid bias tape on the inside of my #ilfordjacket shown here.

Have a listen and enjoy. And check out the rest of the series.

Talking Trash with Ash on Instagram

Talking Trash with Ash on YouTube

[mrsamericanmade]

Summer wedding #madeinUSA outfit details: blue lace dress by Shoshanna; “Blythe” necklace by Loren Hope jewelry; vintage pearl clutch

So this is the Shoshanna “Carmen” Lace Fit & Flare Dress in navy blue. I won it on eBay and I am guessing it is from a few seasons ago, but I thought the lace was so pretty and we all know I am sucker for navy blue so I bid and won. When I received the dress, it had a white lining which I felt was too much of a contrast for me so I took a big chance and did one of my RIT dye jobs. I used a bottle of green dye that I already had at home (bought on sale one day) and the fabric soaked it up more like a mint green, but I rather liked the end result. :)

Here is photo from online of the dress with original white lining:

Linking up with Jess’ Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Alice’s Happiness at Midlife and Nicole’s High Altitude Style

[mrsamericanmade]

SUSTAINABLE FASHION: RIT DYE TRANSFORMATION

#TBT Who else loves to dye their clothing to give it new life? Want to see more? Just search the hashtag #ritddye :)

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: MEADOW IN THE SPRING

I am so happy with the way this latest #PSferntop hack turned out. I can imagine wearing it with white shorts in the summer heat, and here it makes a great outfit with some cropped denim #persephonepants in Spring. A Fall look could incorporate jeans, boots and a light jacket. It is an all-season top, for sure, and destined to be a closet favorite. So, I used my adjustments from the last time, when I added a longer puffy sleeve – but I also used Casey’s #squareneck expansion. And I love it!

This lightweight 100% Oeko-Tex certified rayon challis in “dim” by Art Gallery from Oak Fabrics was lovely to work with, and the results are a light but soft top that holds a flowy shape and drapes beautifully. The online description reads: “Windblown wildflowers in colorful green, yellow, aqua, red, and peach pop against a black background on this potent rayon challis, designed for Pat Bravo's IndyFolk collection.” 

Top pattern: PatternScout #psferntop hacked to puffy sleeves and #squareneck expansion

Fabric: Art Galley Meadow rayon challis

Pants pattern: Anna Allen #persephonepants, exposed the button fly after-the-fact and chopped a couple of inches off in length to frayed edge.

Fabric: regular blue denim from Joann Fabrics

Belt: made by Zeke :)

[mrsamericanmade]

AND NOW, FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, FOR ME…

As an advocate for sustainable fashion, I blog, write, educate, and continue to learn. And last year, some colleagues from our Environmental Studies Master's program at the University of Colorado started a podcast, "Flipping the Green Switch" – and they recently invited me to share my thoughts on the industry these days.

So, when they asked me to speak about my favorite subject, I was more than happy to oblige. As they say, Haylee and Amanda are here to break down buzzwords and ask big questions such as: How do you balance looking fly-as-hell, while simultaneously upholding the pillars of sustainability? What is fast and slow fashion? What can I do if I can't control who makes my clothes? Is thrifting the answer? 

Have a listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode

If you've ever wondered how your shopping habits are impacting people around the world, look no further. 

I spoke to them about the history behind the current fashion industry, and the problems that arise when you try to find easy answers about how to look good while doing good. Tune in to hear our discussion and get some tips on how to help fix fast fashion and slow down the impact of the industry as a whole.

And a little more about their podcast: "Flipping the Green Switch" explores sustainability in the context of everyday life; the drivers and obstacles that shape our interactions with the world and its resources. Our goal is to educate, uplift, empower, and entertain our audience as we navigate the many issues and topics that are touched by sustainability. For us, nothing is off-limits, and we are here to learn as we go, and share what we can to create a more sustainable world for everyone. We are here to break down the overwhelming amount of science, news, and gossip to provide solutions to help everyone make a greener switch!

So if you are looking to learn more about ways to be more sustainable in your every day, check out more episodes wherever you get your podcast.

photo credit: http://www.pxleyes.com/photoshop-picture/4b437af86e520/flip-the-switch--go-green.html

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: TOPS AND FEELING SPRING-Y

My daughter and I were feeling pretty Spring-y in our coordinating #memade tops 🌺🌹And guess what?!? Both of these were #madewithartparts made with salvaged materials from @artpartscrc in Boulder.  1) My top is a lovely cotton broderie anglaise that was sort of “peptobismol” pink- ish. I dyed it with RIT dye and I love the burgundy color that resulted. I made myself this @fibremood #fibremoodlola top, and love it.

2) @nadia_the_triple_threat found this cute floral scrap of quilting cotton and squeezed out a sleeveless #m7899 with a couple of small denim straps from the stash.

AND THE PANTS!

I styled the #fibremoodlola with white wide-legged pants here, in a dreamy deadstock Rag and Bone cream twill from Mood fabrics that became my 9th or 10th pair of @annaallen-clothing #persephonepants. I can't wait to wear these more when then weather is warmer. 

#quarantinemakes #memadewardrobe #handmadewardrobe #imademyclothes #imadethis #imakemyownclothes #sewing #sewingpatterns #sewersofinstagram #sewingdenim #sewover50 

#buylesschoosewell #uncoversustainablefashion #sustainableliving #sustainablefashion #bloggerstyle #shopyourcloset #ethicalootd #wearyourvalues #secondhandfirst #chooseused #thriftedstyle #fashionrevolution #lovedclotheslast

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: MINERVA MAKES

I am super excited to finally blog about this top I made with some fabric gifted to me by Minerva.com. I selected it last year, and it shipped out a few weeks later -- but apparently, my package took an unexpected detour to Canada. LOL The lovely Melissa Lowry of melissalowrydesign.com rerouted and got the fabric to me. Thanks!

When the fabric arrived, I knew I wanted to make this top the #m7977 --- especially after seeing the many great versions on Jessica Quirk’s blog. And I had already made one version with shorter sleeves, so I decided to hack the pattern a bit to extend the sleeve and add elastic at the cuff instead. I also added this lovely piece of black lace as an applique across the front yoke/bib.

As far as construction, I used French seams along the sides and sleeve lengths, but I sewed and "faux-serged" (Janome stitch #9 ) the sleeves on as well as the inside ruffle seam. And I pre-washed (and - gasp -dried!) the fabric before sewing so I can care for this top as I do the rest of my #sustainablewardrobe. This will be a piece I will wear often and for many years.

#madeinUSA

Worn here with Anna Allen #persephonepants in Big Sur canvas in Walnut, Nisolo suede mules, and self-made pearl necklace. 

[mrsamericanmade]

STYLE: AN OLDIE, BUT GOODIE 

Here are some photos of an outfit I wore pre-Coronavirus but I never shared. I found the pics and they reminded me of a slight refashion that I did on the military jacket — which I post later in the next few weeks. So stay tuned. 

But, for now, here are details on this classic, all-season #madeinusa #sustainablefashion #ootd outfit:

Jeans: American-made Rag & Bone jeans, secondhand 

Top: animal print silk top by sustainable clothing brand Amour Vert, purchased secondhand from ThredUp 

Scarf: animal print light weight scarf from ThredUp 

Jacket: 100% cotton military jacket by Current Elliot, purchased secondhand at a local consignment shop

[mrsamericanmade]

CHECK IT OUT!

As a #ThredUPambassador, I am lucky to be able to participate in some pretty cool things. Recently, they asked me – and a couple of other ambassadors -- to talk about re-energizing at home and sharing our top three self-care tips. In these trying times, self-care is more important than ever so check out our advice and do something nice for yourself.

Click here to read: ThrEDIT bloghttps://www.thredup.com/bg/p/self-care-lifestyle-tips?tswc_redir=true

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: HACKING AWAY

This last year of sewing made me much more confident in my ability to switch up directions and patterns. So I have been hacking more pieces to create just what I want, and to perfect fit. The creativity turns out to be one of my favorite things about sewing garments.

This is the @patternscout #psferntop with v-neck expansion that I further hacked to create a longer, fuller sleeve. I saw a few examples of the sleeve idea online, and I thought I would try my hand at it. 

Voilá! This is my favorite thing I have made so far. The top came out just as I dreamed, and the @atelierjupe floral rayon is incredible. 

[mrsamericanmade]

SNOW DAYS AND SWEATERS

We got some snow here recently, and it was the perfect time to bring out the cardigans and sweaters. I love this cozy and super versatile hooded waffle cardi #madeinusa by @splendidla. I found it some years back #secondhand but in pristine condition on @thredup. And it has remained a favorite over the years. Are you looking to fill some holes in your Winter wardrobe? Check out more pre-loved options and reduce your impact on the environment. 

My others layers today include some ultra-cozy black leggings by Beyond Yoga that I have had for many years and a floral tunic I finished up sewing a few weeks ago. The pattern is NewLook 6574, version C (with shortened elastic sleeves and shorter hem) and while it fits nicely through the bodice and skirt I don't think I will  make it again because the collar is a bit too fussy. I do like how it turned out, howwever, and this Atelier Vert viscose print was wonderful to work with. 

[mrsamericanmade]

MAKING IT MINE

The more I sew, the more I learn. And the more I learn, the more I adjust and customize specific parts of patterns. Is that how it is for everyone? I don’t know, but I just know that the creative side of this hobby is great fun for me. I am loving it!

This is the same #V1701 I have made a handful of times already, but I added a self-drafted short sleeve, a ruffle on the collar, a ribbon notion and bow at the neck, button and rouleaux closure in the back instead of the zipper, and elastic ruffle sleeves (a la Natalie Ebaugh) – and it is the romantic top of my dreams. 

Here I am wearing it with American-made dark denim jeans, tall suede boots, and a coordinating mask, of course. But I am excited to wear it tucked into lighter wash jeans, booties, and a black blazer in the Spring. 

This fabric is luscious, as well. So soft, I feel like I am wearing pajamas. It is called “Rayon Challis – Outlined Floral – Black,” and it is from Stonemountain & Daughter. And I used a combination of french seams and my Janome “faux serge stitch” inside so nothing is irritating or annoying. 

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: STILL AT IT

Happy New Year, all! 

I have been steadily sewing up a storm here at home, but I have not taken many photos or posted much recently. Why? I am not sure. Maybe it’s because it has been chillier, even snowy some days, here in Boulder. Or maybe it’s just “covid fatigue.” But I did want to update you all and share my progress and some more of my recent makes.

This is a dress that I made with a longer, fuller sleeve adjustment that I made to the @patternscout #psferntop last year, also using the v-neck expansion. Here, I elongated the bodice a bit and added the gathered skirt –– with pockets, of course. I love the versatility of the fern pattern, and this version turned just as I had planned. This is what I wore for the holidays last year, with Hipstik tights and my Alice Alan mary jane pumps. But the dress works as a 2020 “nap dress” just as well. Yay!

One reason it is such a great dress is that I made an ‘80s style elastic clip in the back with fabric scraps –– so I can wear it loose or cinch it in at the waist for a more form-fitted look. I found the metal clip parts at the local creative resource center, @artpartscrc.

Lastly, a word or two about this amazing fabric: I splurged a bit last year, and I purchased a few of the newly released prints by @atelierjupe, and I have to say that they did not disappoint. The colors and prints are gorgeous, and the rayon is absolutely luscious and dreamy to work with.

[mrsamericanmade]

FENNEL AND PUMPKIN PIE, ETC.

I just loooove this how this little #fennelfannypack came together. All summer, I watched as other sewists made them and posted on Instagram, and I thought I might make them for gifts this holiday season. But time got away from me, and I never did it. But last week, I fell in love with a little upholstery sample swatch at @ArtPartsCRC, and I knew it would be perfect for this bag. So I made one up for myself and I am super happy with it! It was a very quick and fun make, and I had most of the supplies at home already. Check out SarKristen.com for this and other great .pdf patterns. 

Also shown here is another favorite make: my corduroy @annaallenclothing #persephonepants in a 14-wale “pumpkin pie” corduroy. These photos make the color look quite orange, and I think in reality it is a little more toned down and brown-ish. Either way, they are a great pair of cool weather pants. Worn here with a dress (tucked in to look like a top and featured in this blog post from the archives) and my #fennelfannypack. 

Happy, happy outfit to end the year of sewing, blogging, and sharing. 

[mrsamericanmade]

SEWING: SAGEBRUSH IN MOAB

I have one last series of photos from our family trip to Moab last month: featuring the @FridayPatternCompany #sagebrush top.

This top is such a fun and easy make - this is my fourth one if I include the little hacks I have done so far. This here was a straightforward version with no modifications, but I made a matching mask and scrunchie with a bit of extra fabric. The fabric was salvaged at @artpartscc as was the mask elastic. 

Worn here with a green canvas pair of #persephonepants, Kala sunnies, and Nisolo suede mules.

[mrsamericanmade]

VISCOSE VA-VA-VOOM

Many of my makes use salvaged fabric to reduce waste in the industry, but once in a while I do splurge on some “nice” textiles. I recently found a new European company called Atelier Jupe, and I ordered a few of their 100% viscose OKEO-TEX certified fabrics for some special garments. They have beautiful prints, and this “navy blue viscose with orange and pink flowers” shown here is no exception. The fabrics are a joy to sew!

This top is the Pattern Scout #psromywrap, and I chose to leave off the sleeve cuff simply because I wanted some variety – I have made quite a few puffy sleeve tops this summer/fall. But otherwise, I pretty much followed the pattern, and I love it. Worn here with a much-loved and much-mended pair of #madeinUSA Paige jeans, ready for a casual date perhaps. But I could also pair the top with a pair of black pants and heels to dress it up a bit. Overall, a great addition to my wardrobe.

[mrsamericanmade]

GRATEFUL

Feeling grateful for this platform to share my makes and looks, and for those of you who keep up with me here. Enjoy your holidays!

Notes: Outfit pictured here piggybacks on the outfit posted last week with a #memade #v1701 top, @annaallen-clothing #persephone pants –– but also showcasing my @grainlinestudio #tamarackjacket made with quilted denim and beautiful Japanese cotton lining from Elfriede's Fabrics in Boulder. This was a huge endeavor for me as I had never done any quilting before, but it was a great  and satisfying learning experience. It has been a perfect outer layer for our Colorado Fall.