Upcycle and Zero Waste Ensemble

The purposeful consideration of sustainable design criteria and processes move sustainable design to the next level. This ensemble combines three sustainable design practices: a zero-waste silk kimono top, an upcycled sweater skirt with matching leg warmers, and a naturally dyed silk scarf. The zero-waste, kimono-sleeved top of grey silk shantung georgette was quilted with a fine layer of polyester batting. Parallel lines were stitched with a double needle 1-inch apart across the width of the fabric. Drafted geometric shapes provide the pattern design for this top. The upcycled sweater skirt provided a creative challenge element. I challenged myself with the thoughtful deconstruction and creative transformation of a sweater into a new garment through the addition of crochet to reshape the sweater into a skirt by filling in the neckline, and finishing the edges. The crepe de chine silk scarf was nui shibori resist dyed with black rice dye