Created in 2011, the subreddit “Sewing” became a treasure trove for needle and thread enthusiasts around the world. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind clothing piece or adorable toys, the subreddit is full of inspiration and excitement for anyone interested in sewing and crafts. It has grown into a supportive hub where both beginners and experienced crafters come together to exchange tips and ideas.

We were lucky enough to get in touch with Tristian Laney, a 19-year-old designer from Detroit, Michigan and Marvelous Mba, a designer and a founder of the 1622 brand, whose designs were also included in this list, to share their experiences and journey with sewing. Scroll down to read the whole interview!

Marvelous Mba shared that originally, he named his brand "Afrykanized" to blend African ankara fabric's vibrancy with modern jeans, creating a fusion that's uniquely "Afrykanized." However, he recently felt the urge to broaden his designs beyond just African prints. “I didn't want anyone to feel excluded just because of the name. So, after some deep thought, I settled on ‘1622’ as the new brand name. It's a special tribute to my two kids, whose birth years are 2016 and 2022. They've been such an inspiration in my life, and this new name reflects that growth and inclusivity.”

Tristian Laney is attending Michigan State University for Apparel Design and Theatre Costuming. He has spent his entire life sewing and has created a niche in the fashion and theatre scene for out-of-the-box designs with exaggerated silhouettes and experimental textiles. The designer shared that he got started with sewing because of his mother. “As far back as I can remember, there was a sewing machine in our basement. She started teaching me with small hand sewing projects and it has snowballed from there. Beginning with pillowcases and stuffed animals to now, couture gowns and 60 costume theater productions.”

Laney is also a founder of the “Overgrown Apparel” brand. He shared that the journey of the brand started in 2019 as a mix of vintage and upcycled clothes. The designer would take thrifted materials and update them with different fabrics and designs to make one-of-a-kind pieces. “As I entered college, I began to realize there was a much larger market for the style of clothing I was interested in creating than I originally thought. This led me to take a turn with my brand. The meaning behind the name ‘Overgrown Apparel’ is twofold: first, I wanted to evoke the feeling of nature and wild freedom. Sustainability is a huge aspect of my work and with it, the freedom to dress how you want to, regardless of the situation. This lends itself to my second meaning, I want to take the societal expectations of avant-garde clothing and outgrow that box even more. I now use the brand to sell the designs I make myself with a focus on fun and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Just like Laney, Marvelous Mba uses vintage clothes to create unique pieces. Originally from Nigeria, Marvelous Mba's sewing journey began just two years ago in Poland. Remarkably, he acquired all his sewing skills through online YouTube tutorials, an avenue that opened up a world of discovery and learning for him. “I'm still honing my sewing skills. But the thrill of creating something unique and one-of-a-kind has kept me going,” the designer shared.

We were wondering what inspired Marvelous Mba to create clothes from used jeans found in thrift stores. The designer replied that it’s the thrift store treasure hunt. “It all began when I decided to customize my jean jacket. After that, I couldn't resist the urge to design and sew more pieces. To make it more budget-friendly and eco-conscious, I started exploring thrift stores for used jeans. It's not only great for the environment, but you can find some real gems there too!

As for inspiration, I love staying up to date with fashion trends. The beauty of working with thrifted jeans is that it challenges me to think on my feet and adjust my designs based on what I have. So, there's a certain spontaneity to it. I don't usually sketch my outfits beforehand; I have a mental picture of how I want it to turn out, and as I'm sewing, I make those creative decisions on the fly. It's so much fun!”

Looking at all the designs Tristan Laney created, we got curious about how he comes up with design ideas. The artist shared that a lot of the designs he creates are inspired by media he’s consumed in his life. “This includes music, movies, TV, and books. Bands like Tally Hall and MIKA and shows like The Muppets have provided me with endless fuel for my creative brain to run wild.

My design process usually begins with a spark from one of these sources. I may be inspired by a scene or texture in a film or even a perfectly blended harmony. From there, I begin my sketching process, creating multiple designs with the ideas in mind. After that, I start searching for textiles to draw from to make my final garment.”

“Some of the things I enjoy most about the art of sewing include the ability to let the world fall away as I create. I’m allowed to forget about personal and external hardships and let my energy flow into what I’m creating. Seeing something I’ve taken from an idea to a physical piece can still shock me sometimes as well but my favorite part about sewing is seeing the look on the face of my client when they try on an item they truly fell in love with. Whether that’s an actor putting on a costume that lets them fall into their role or a model spinning around to let a dress fan out, the joy that fashion can bring is what I always work toward,” Laney shared what he enjoys the most about the art of sewing.

For Marvelous Mba, sewing is pure joy. “I absolutely love the creative process from start to finish. Coming up with fresh ideas, designing a unique outfit, and watching it come alive under the sewing machine – it's a feeling like no other! And you know what's even more exciting? The fact that I'm still learning as I go. So, sometimes, I surprise myself with what I can create. Accessorizing the final outfit is like adding the cherry on top! The whole experience is just so fulfilling and keeps me motivated to keep learning and growing.”

After being asked if there are any outfits that stand out as personal favorites for Laney, the designer replied that he loves all of his pieces equally, but of course, he does have his favorites. “My tin can dress is probably my favorite of recent. The hours spent working on it have bonded me to it in a way that’s different from other pieces I’ve worked on. Other favorites of mine include the Ugg corset, the Angel tapestry skirt, and the costumes I design for Alice in Wonderland.”

1622 clothes feature a wonderful blend of artistry and sustainability. “In today's world, eco-conscious fashion and upcycling play a vital role in tackling the pressing environmental and social issues that plague the fashion industry,” Marvelous Mba shared. “These movements are not just trends; they're a necessary response. Think about it: every time we purchase a piece of clothing, we are indirectly contributing to resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation. Eco-conscious fashion steps in to break this cycle of environmental damage. But it's not just about the production process; it's also about raising awareness among consumers. When people are informed about the consequences of their clothing choices, they can make more responsible decisions. This shift in consumer behavior is essential to driving the fashion industry towards a more sustainable and ethical path.

Upcycling, on the other hand, is a beautiful way of giving new life to discarded materials. Instead of adding waste, creative designers can turn old garments or fabrics into something fresh and exciting. It's like a dance of creativity, where the designer repurposes and reimagines, bringing new stories and experiences to life through each upcycled piece.

Together, eco-conscious fashion and upcycling offer a pathway towards a fashion industry that is not only environmentally friendly but also socially just. These movements are not just about clothing; they symbolize our collective effort to protect the planet and care for one another. As we embrace eco-conscious fashion and upcycling, we take a step closer to a future where style and conscience go hand in hand. Together, we can make a lasting positive impact on the world, one eco-friendly garment at a time.”

For some last words, we asked Laney if he has any advice or tips for beginners who are interested in sewing and design. “The biggest advice I like to give to people who are just starting out with sewing is to let go of the fear of mistakes and just do it,” Laney replied. “You will make mistakes and continue to mess up but that should never stop you from doing something you want to do. Your ideas might not work, but what if they do? There’s no one watching over your shoulder waiting for you to mess up, so try to let go of the fear of judgment.”

Find unique and eco-friendly fashion at Overgrown Apparel and 1622. They offer one-of-a-kind pieces that are creative and sustainable.

Check out Laney's portfolio, and follow him on Instagram and TikTok for updates. For Marvelous Mba's 1622 designs, visit his Instagram and TikTok pages. Explore the world of fashion and creativity with them!