Where do you find your materials? 

Mostly, I thrift them at charity shops close to my home. I have family members in other locations who look at their local thrift shops as well. Periodically, I also purchase some supplies from local organizations that deal in deadstock and donated textiles, such as Our Social Fabric and FabCycle. 

Very rarely, I need to purchase some materials – interfacing (helps with the stability of items like zippered pouches and to reinforce points where snaps, buttons, or interior pockets are attached), some hardware (such as snaps and clips), some thread – new. 

What is the difference between thrifted and deadstock fabric?

‘Deadstock’ refers to materials that were produced for a specific manufacturer but were not used in that manufacturer’s production of their items. For example, a clothing manufacturer will order a quantity of fabric that it will use to create a specific item or set of items that it will then sell. If for some reason that fabric is not all used in creation of those items, and is not used for subsequent items in that manufacturer’s production, it becomes deadstock. The amount of it can range from a few meters to a few massive rolls or more (this is especially a problem with fast fashion manufacturers, who frequently change direction in their production runs, which leaves a lot of fabric unused. This is not the ONLY problem with fast fashion, of course. Human rights abuses and environmentally irresponsible production methods are two issues that are everyone should investigate.)

There is also sometimes a problem of manufacturers intentionally having excess fabric milled for them, beyond their production needs, for the specific purpose of later selling the ‘deadstock.’ I buy deadstock only from social enterprises such as Our Social Fabric and FabCycle, both which take donations of textiles from clothing manufacturers and the film industry, which are then sold on to consumers. I do not buy from manufacturers directly. 

Thrifted fabric, on the other hand, is donated to thrift stores or creative reuse shops by individuals. It has typically been purchased from commercial fabric stores by individuals who then donate it on. Maybe they have too much fabric and want to pass it along. Maybe they had some left over from a project and won’t use the rest. Maybe they inherited someone’s fabric stash and don’t sew. Whatever the reason, the fabric has been donated to then be sold by the thrift store or creative reuse shop. 

It is important to note that Something Different Upcycled repurposes fabrics that were bought from thrift stores in other forms, such as tablecloths, curtains, and sheets. I also refer to fabrics from sources like these as ‘thrifted.’ This re-purposing is really at the heart of upcycling, and forms a key part of Something Different Upcycled’s fabric sourcing. 

Do you take commissions using customer-provided fabrics? 

If you have an idea, send me a message and we can discuss! I would be particularly open to using a cherished fabric to make something to keep it in use. I don’t mean memory quilts or bears, though these can be very meaningful and cherished items; rather, I mean something more like taking a favourite garment or household fabric that has passed its usefulness in that form and transforming it into a more practical item. A stained tablecloth from a beloved friend’s or relative’s house that has strong associations of happy times would be a great example of the kind of fabric that I’d love to work with. 

Ok but what about unsentimental items? Maybe you want to have a group of items made from the same fabrics or colours to give as gifts to a special group of people, such as for a friends or family trip, wedding party members, or some other important group of people. Great idea! Definitely get in touch with me about this – sounds fun!

Is it just you making these things? 

Yep, just me, in my home workspace with my consumer-grade overlocker and sewing machine. Fun fact: the overlocker was my mom’s and when she gave it to me, it still had the receipt from its purchase in the mid 1990s with it!

How do you decide what to make? 

I make items that I’d use myself, and items that I think need to be more widely available. My favourite part of this process is trying to figure out what fabrics to put together! 

For those items that require patterns made by people other than me, I also test the pattern first to see if my skills, equipment, and patience are up to the task. Sometimes it’s just not a good fit and that’s OK. Look for those test items during the Samples and Seconds Sale in November.

How do you handle shipping and/or delivery?

All shipping is done via Canada Post, though I do look for alternatives to bring down the cost as much as possible. Your order will arrive in minimal packaging, at least some of which is likely to be reused. Interior product packaging is minimal. 

A few things to keep in mind about shipping:

-Consider grouping your order with some friends to reduce shipping charges!

–Delivery outside of Canada is not possible at the moment. Please let me know if this is something you’d like me to offer in the future. As is the case with any purchase, international customers who choose to come to Canada for a meetup in the area mentioned below are solely responsible for any customs, import, or other fees incurred while taking their item(s) back to their home country. 

About meetups and delivery: If you’re in the lowest part of the lower mainland of BC (roughly east of the Pacific, south of the south branch of the Fraser, north of the border and west of Hwy 11, but get in touch if you’re close to those borders), it might be possible to arrange delivery (by me!), or a meetup (also with me!) at a reduced rate as compared to shipping via Canada Post. If this is something you’re interested in, please message me here or via Etsy’s messaging system prior to ordering to see if it is an option for your order and the timeline in which you require delivery. Please note that pickup at my workshop is not possible and payment in full must be received prior to any delivery or pickup attempts.  

Special note for the super local-to-me folks: If you’re in South Surrey/White Rock/Crescent Beach/Grandview Heights, Strawberry Hill/Panorama/Newton, or Cloverdale, delivery or a meetup is free! Please include a message at checkout to request this or get in touch before you order to get more information. 

What’s your return policy?

At the moment, because I sell exclusively on Etsy, I follow a standard policy set up by them. Within 14 days of receipt of the item, the buyer must get in touch with me to initiate a return. They are responsible for return shipping and for any damage or wear to the item. Fees may apply if the item is returned in a condition that is different than it was when it was shipped from me. 

Some items, such as napkins and multipurpose cloths, are not returnable due to the nature of their use. 

Do you do exchanges? 

Not at this time. If there are some items that you are having some difficulty choosing between, please get in touch with whatever questions you have. I’m happy to provide more detailed photos and/or measurements.  

If you’re shopping for a gift and are not sure what the recipient would like, consider an Etsy gift card and provide the link to the Something Different Upcycled shop. Then the recipient can choose the thing they like bes or