Paganoonoo
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Announcement
DIY Refashion like a pro with Paganoonoo upcycle sewing instructions!
Who can upcycle? You can!
If you have successfully sewn a garment in the past you will be able to make these designs. The best designs for beginners are the Patti and Ellie. To learn which design will be most flattering for your figure type visit: https://paganoonoo.com/patterns/pattern-features-table/
We’ve done the work to make upcycle sewing simpler for you. No traditional paper pattern pieces are needed. Instead, the tutorials guide you through existing garment deconstruction and reconstruction (cut apart and put back together), creating a whole new style.
$16 for digital tutorials (easy to print on a home printer and pop in a binder)
$22 for a hard copy (mailed to you)
The "Paganoonoo look" is a combination of classic and arty. The designs are fit-and-flare.
Sizing and fit are easy - by selecting one starting garment that fits your chest and shoulders the way you like you will automatically get a custom fit for your figure. Looseness below the bust is built into the designs.
By taking advantage of already existing features, like hems, shirt plackets, etc., the sewing is made easier. For the blouses and dresses there are no alterations above the armhole, so there are no sleeves to set.
Any person who can find a starting garment that fits their torso the way they like can successfully fit the blouse and dress designs.
For the skirt, the size is a function of how many panels you create, so it scales to any size.
For the Boro jacket, the base is a readymade spa/bath robe with waffle fabric. Find out more about the Paganoonoo method of fitting:
https://paganoonoo.com/pattern-sizing/
Also see other useful tips at: https://paganoonoo.com/pages/getting-started
Who can upcycle? You! If you have successfully sewn a garment in the past you will be able to make these designs. The best designs for beginners are the Patti and Ellie. To learn which design will be most flattering for your figure type visit: https://paganoonoo.com/patterns/pattern-features-table/
Bonus! Upcycling is earth friendly and inexpensive. Take advantage of the overabundance of fashion already on the planet and create something special for yourself or a friend.
Announcement
DIY Refashion like a pro with Paganoonoo upcycle sewing instructions!
Who can upcycle? You can!
If you have successfully sewn a garment in the past you will be able to make these designs. The best designs for beginners are the Patti and Ellie. To learn which design will be most flattering for your figure type visit: https://paganoonoo.com/patterns/pattern-features-table/
We’ve done the work to make upcycle sewing simpler for you. No traditional paper pattern pieces are needed. Instead, the tutorials guide you through existing garment deconstruction and reconstruction (cut apart and put back together), creating a whole new style.
$16 for digital tutorials (easy to print on a home printer and pop in a binder)
$22 for a hard copy (mailed to you)
The "Paganoonoo look" is a combination of classic and arty. The designs are fit-and-flare.
Sizing and fit are easy - by selecting one starting garment that fits your chest and shoulders the way you like you will automatically get a custom fit for your figure. Looseness below the bust is built into the designs.
By taking advantage of already existing features, like hems, shirt plackets, etc., the sewing is made easier. For the blouses and dresses there are no alterations above the armhole, so there are no sleeves to set.
Any person who can find a starting garment that fits their torso the way they like can successfully fit the blouse and dress designs.
For the skirt, the size is a function of how many panels you create, so it scales to any size.
For the Boro jacket, the base is a readymade spa/bath robe with waffle fabric. Find out more about the Paganoonoo method of fitting:
https://paganoonoo.com/pattern-sizing/
Also see other useful tips at: https://paganoonoo.com/pages/getting-started
Who can upcycle? You! If you have successfully sewn a garment in the past you will be able to make these designs. The best designs for beginners are the Patti and Ellie. To learn which design will be most flattering for your figure type visit: https://paganoonoo.com/patterns/pattern-features-table/
Bonus! Upcycling is earth friendly and inexpensive. Take advantage of the overabundance of fashion already on the planet and create something special for yourself or a friend.
Items
Featured items
All Items
Reviews
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Nancy on Oct 30, 2021
5 out of 5 starsI just wanted to say that Michelle went above and beyond with her customer service. Thank you!
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LIZ on Sep 19, 2021
5 out of 5 starsGot pattern quickly. I currently looking for vintage shirts & I can't wait to sew with this pattern.
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Leslie on Jul 1, 2021
5 out of 5 starsDigital copy so delivery was immediate as promised. Clear and concise instructions and cool design.
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octobernorth on Nov 17, 2021
5 out of 5 starsCan't wait to get started on this, illustrations and instructions looks great.
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Toni on Sep 7, 2021
5 out of 5 starsArrived in good time. Looks comprehensive, now I just need the time to start making it....
Thank you
About Paganoonoo
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We create the illustrations for each step of deconstruction and reconstruction.
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My custom made leather and velvet wrist pin cushion, indispensable!
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This is what a "stash" looks like when you are an upcycle fashion designer. LOL
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One of my favorite parts of upcycle designing is the opportunity to combine different colors and patterns.
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I have a dedicated work space for sewing samples and garments.
Medical Device Executive Turned Upcycled Fashion Designer
I'm living my dream life!! How did that happen?
I have always loved sewing and art and wanted to be an artist. However I moved out at 18, paying my own bills with a job in the Medical Device Industry. For years I'd said to myself that someday, when I retired from medical device regulatory compliance work, I would pursue art as a second career.
30 years later(in 2009) I had an epiphany when a coworker at one of my clients was diagnosed with throat cancer. Realizing that retirement years are not guaranteed, I immediately enrolled in the Fashion Design Department at Canada College in Redwood City, CA, USA. Since then I've logged 64.5 units with a 3.9 GPA. I've loved every minute of my schooling!
In the process of being educated I learned some shocking information about the impact of the fashion industry on the planet's resources. One example is that 25% of pesticides used worldwide are used for cotton crops!! I made a pledge to myself around 2010 to forgo new retail purchases and either make my clothes, buy from another artist, buy clothes second hand or swap with friends.
I started to modify my second hand clothes, and women started to asked about my creations. It was then that I knew I had a potential business! A business that could help sewists use their magical sewing skills for the good of the planet.
My goal with Paganoonoo is: Upcycle Sewing Made Simple and that we look terrific in the upcycled clothing. Being a post-menopausal pear-shaped lady I know all about the lack of flattering and interesting clothes in the retail market. My designs have a signature semifitted bust, loose hip and belly area, and typically a high / low hem, all very flattering on women.
I hope you enjoy my tutorials! Please check back often, there will be more to come! Connect with me on social media - links on www.paganoonoo.com.
P.S. See my article on upcycling published in Threads Magazine's Feb/March 2015 issue 177. Also check the TV show It's Sew Easy for my guest appearances.
Shop members
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Michelle Paganini
Owner
Michelle Paganini is the founder and owner of Paganoonoo. She is a formally trained fashion designer with a passion for upcycling. Her wish is that all sewist would take a foray into greener sewing through upcycling and get hooked.
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George
Photographer, Groupie, Logistics
Photographer as an avocation for over 30 years. Best husband ever!
Production partners
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2nd hand find
Los Gatos, CA
This item was purchased 2nd hand.
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
I don't accept cancellations
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
Returns and exchange details
Due to the nature of digital sales, refunds are not available, and we are happy to work with you to resolve any questions or issues.
Additional policies and FAQs
YES. Sizing is a function of the starting materials, so sizing is all-in-one. Anyone who can find a base garment that fits the way they like can successfully make Paganoonoo garments. What is a base garment? For the tops and dresses the base garment fits the torso, so the key to a perfect fit is in the shoulders, bust, and arms. If the shirt used for the torso fits, then the rest of the garment will automatically be a perfect size. All other elements of the pattern are self-scaling and will be customized to your body through the process of deconstruction and reconstruction. This is one of the beauties of upcycling with Paganoonoo. Height is easily adjustable. Learn about Sizing here!
Pattern Pieces?
There are no actual pattern pieces; there are instructions for deconstruction and reconstruction of the starting garments. Illustrations show you exactly where to make cuts on each garment. The instructions are scaled to print on regular American printer paper, 8.5″ by 11″ and can be easily printed on a home printer from the PDF file. If you choose to purchase a hard copy, the pages are printed for you and are delivered 3-hole punched for placement in a binder.
Skill Level Required?
Do I need prior experience in upcycling?
If you have made a garment before, you can make an upcycled garment. The easiest pattern is the Patti blouse, or Ellie t-shirt. Intermediate sewing skills are recommended. No, prior upcycling experience is not needed.
If I haven’t upcycled before, which pattern would you recommend?
The Patti pattern. It is the easiest and most versatile. It looks great on every figure type. It can be made very dramatic (more back length) or more sedate (less back length). If you have particularly beautiful cloth (including flat fold) to use, the back panel is a great place to do so.
Where will I find starting materials?
Thrift / charity stores, Op shops, rummage sales, etc. The point is to use existing (already made and worn) clothing that might otherwise end up in the landfill.
Caution: Avoid raiding your spouse’s closet without explicit permission.
What do I need to know when choosing starting materials?
Everything you need to know is covered in the free supplement sheet, e.g. sizing, color, pattern, etc.
Do I need any special sewing tools?
No special tools are required*. Having a dress form is an advantage, but not required. I highly recommend pinking shears for finishing seams and one is required* for the Judy Flower pattern. If your sewing scissors are dull, get them sharpened or treat yourself to a new pair – you deserve excellent tools.
What should I know before I start my first Paganoonoo garment?
• You’ve been set up for success!
• Have it be a learning experience.
• Do not use your favorite garment quite yet.
• Be willing to make mistakes and experiment.
• Try the garment on frequently to see how things are working out.
• Have your seam ripper handy and make tweaks till you have it the way you want it.
More information
Frequently asked questions
Wholesale availability
Paganoonoo does offer wholesale prices, dependent on volume. Contact michelle@paganoonoo.com