We’d like to introduce Erin Walker, the winner of our Wedding Dress Upcycle Challenge. Her story describes her passion for sewing and upcylcling and gives a little insight in her day-to-day life.
It’s hard to believe my stroll into Beatnik Betty’s would turn out like this!! This dress is the most beautiful thing I have made in a long time, and it felt good. I always forget how much creating things fills up my cup until I have gone without for a while. With two little ones at home (2 years and 6 months), and trying to get a new business off the ground, once I get down my to-do list – it’s hobbies vs. sleep. Sleep almost always wins – that’s part of what makes completing this project and winning this challenge so incredibly SWEET!!
When BERNINA staff talked to me about this post and gave some suggestions that included sharing a picture of my sewing room or other recent projects I have going – I actually laughed out loud. My sewing room consists of an overcrowded and un-organized craft closet, and an old table my 2-year-old uses for crafts in our office/playroom!
My current projects are crammed into said closet and let’s just say it’s been a while since they have seen the sun! This contest was a unique opportunity that allowed me to MAKE time to create something!
As I thought about what to write I decided in the spirit of the contest I would share other things I have upcycled. A few years ago we were given a dinette table from my husband’s grandmother. I looked everywhere for chairs but couldn’t find any we could afford that had the retro look. I went to a local thrift shop and purchased six chairs for a dollar each. After a few visits to the craft store picking up supplies I ended up with a beautiful set of chairs to match the table I loved. Even now, Saturday morning pancakes wipe up quite nicely off the red vinyl!
The second project was a Christmas present for my niece. I received a box of clothes from a friend that included a rather unfortunate floor length denim skirt. It was ill-fitting and outdated, so with a little upcycling it made a beautiful messenger bag!!
The last project I want to share was for my baby’s bedroom. For my first child I really wanted one of those amazing PLUSH gliders with the matching foot stool. I LOVED them – the ones we could afford were uncomfortable and not good quality. The really great ones were WAY too expensive, seeing as we had a new baby on the way. So my in-laws found a good quality rocker at a garage sale and I went to work matching it to the baby’s room. New cushions and covers in just the right colors. I also made her a quilt and matching pillow; you can see them in the picture. It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. It is still as comfortable as the day I finished and it looks beautiful. I love when I walk by her room and she is sitting in it by herself reading to her dolls.
Creating things, I am sure like many of you, not only makes me happy, but fills up my soul. Some people like to read, some paint, or jog. I like to take old things that are at or near the end of their life and make them new again.
I grew up watching many of the women in my family sew. Most of my favorite things from childhood were handmade. I can remember sitting down in home economics class and making my first pair of shorts. Funny how things change, growing up wearing homemade clothes wasn’t always “cool.” Now it is a source of pride – go figure?
This contest was awesome, the staff at BERNINA has been great and I am really looking forward to picking out a new sewing machine! Thank you BERNINA for the opportunity, there were so many amazing entries and I can’t wait to see what the next challenge is.
Note: For information on the next BERNINA Challenge – Make Yourself at Home! – click here!
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