Through my brand, I share how I learned to thrift, how I learned to sew on my own, how I learned to love what I already own, how I ultimately learned to wear my values more – and how my community can, too.

Years after setting onto this journey, I've grown Anna's Green Threds into a prominent sustainable fashion brand on UMass Amherst's campus during my time in college, initiated my own podcast Sust Fash Talk stemming from AGT, and joined forces with like-minded creators enthusiastic about amplifying my brand and it's mission: to encourage the reimagining of our relationships with what we wear. 

Here is Fashion Wizardry's Youtube Tutorial I followed.

After gaining some confidence after that first project, I tried totally winging the next few – applying basic techniques I learned in just that one tutorial.

It can be daunting at first hearing that in every project you will always be facing something that's new, but reframing that into excitement is pivotal in learning how to sew (and anything, right?). 

Improvising is a lot of fun, but seeking more structure in my sewing endeavors, I started leaning into youtube tutorials – especially those with free access to corresponding sewing patterns. 

Then after exploring both winging it and following a tutorial step-by-step, I started seeking projects solely for what seemed exciting to create and to add to my closet. Drawing inspiration from other upcycling creators, I improvised my first pair of pants using secondhand sweatshirts that were on their way out of some friends' closets – therefore, in need of a revival.

From there, I was set on making a corset – a piece I had been eager to bring into my wardrobe for it's versatility and classic, regal, feminine sillhouette: my favorite qualities in a piece! Once I created my first one, it became one of my favorite projects, consistently choosing thrifted drapes and table cloths with damask prints to turn into intricate garments to wear.