Jos, Josie, Josephine
Jos grew up near the ocean; born and raised in Nanaimo, the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw. Now, she lives in Victoria, on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen.
Jos works as a project engineer in her 9-5, and as a seamstress who makes things in her 5-9. She likes to think that her background in mechanical engineering gives her a unique set of skills for making garments.
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Sustainable
Slow Fashion
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Jos Makes Things was born in early 2024, out of a realization that Jos couldn’t keep making things just for herself; she was running out of closet space, and wanted to learn to draft patterns for a wide range of sizes and body types.
Handmade on Vancouver Island
Born and raised in traditional Snuneymuxw territory, Jos now lives and sews in traditional Lekwungen territory. Sewing in the living room of her one bedroom apartment, she makes pieces that are inspired by island life.
Environmentally conscious fabrics
Jos focuses on working with upcycling vintage textiles, like your grandma’s lace tablecloth. When buying new fabric, she look for remnants of natural fibres such as cottons and linens. She uses her scraps for binding edges and stuffing pillows.
One-of-a-kind pieces
Jos doesn’t like to sew the same thing over and over again. That would be boring (thanks, ADHD!) Each piece is slightly different, and she is always learning and improving her skills. She loves to work with clients to make custom fitted garments - please reach out via email <3
Can you expand on “environmentally conscious fabrics”?
Upcycling
According to Upcyclethat.com, upcycling is “The act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and new function.” Specifically, Jos is after your grandma’s well-loved Battenberg tablecloth, a high quality flat sheet with a small stain, and your sun-faded lace curtains. She works to breathe new life into these textiles that are at the “end of their service life.” All scraps are used here, with longer linen pieces used for binding on garments and blankets, and the rest used for stuffing bolsters and pillows.
Vintage
Sometimes, this means finding a roll of 70s printed linen. Other times it means upcycling embroidered tablecloths. On occasion, it means repairs and “renos” to vintage denim garments, refreshing the cut, fit, and features to reflect modern styles.
Shoutout to The Found Studio for sourcing the most incredible vintage textiles to upcycle.
Natural fibres
When Jos is going to buy new fabrics, she only selects natural fibres, most of which are OEKO-TEX certified, such as organic cottons, linens, and hemps.
Are you looking for the ultimate way to buy new fabrics? Seek remnants from the local sewing shop! These are <2m pieces left at the end of the roll of fabric, that are often sold discounted. It’s a great way to try a new fabric or fun print you’ve been eyeing.
Shoutout to The Sewing Club for saving remnants of the beautiful fabrics they carry and sharing them with me (and also, helping me regain confidence in sewing)!