Welcome to MICH Monthly :)
a newsletter about the wanderings of an upcycle designer
Well hey there! Thanks so much for checking out the very first edition of Mich Monthly. You might know that I’m an upcycle designer who sews and sells in Boston but maybe you don’t know all that much about my design process, my growing lists of interests and fascinations, what I like to do around Boston, and the behind-the-scenes info about upcoming markets and events. Welp, I’m here to share it all in neat little piles of three. So let’s get started :)
This Month’s (3) Musings
November is my favorite time of year. During the spring, summer, and fall I sell at outdoor shows pretty much every weekend and sew during the week. It can be exhausting! November is when the ride slows wayyy down, and I can decompress from the selling season…well at least for a week or two until Holiday shows start back up. I like to take this time to review my year and get started on next season’s designs. Here's 3 key takeaways:
1. Everyone’s on board for crewnecks
The fist garment I ever sewed from start to finish was a hoodie four years ago. Since then the hoodie has held its ground, but lately the crewneck seems to be eclipsing its cozy cousin. Personally, I think it’s the crewneck’s adaptability. It can sort of go undercover and play a bunch of different roles in your wardrobe. Unlike a hoodie, you can infinitely layer it and it can sneakily slip into all sorts of situations. I’ve got three key crewneck styles that have been my MVPs this season: crewnecks made from tapestry blankets (see above), crewneck sweaters and sweatshirts with big smile appliqués made from fleece scraps, and granny slashers, which are crewnecks with little windows cut out to reveal bits of colorful granny square blankets…but I think I’ll also start incorporating solid colored fleece and bits of tapestry blankets here.
2. I am retiring sleeping bag jackets.
This is crazy for me. Sleeping bag puffer jackets have been my puzzle and my pride since I started my brand four years ago. So it’s funny that just when I figured out how to make them exactly to my standards, I’m moving on from them. It has to do with a couple things…the cost to me and the cost to you. From my end, they’re just really hard to make. The material itself (vintage sleeping bags) are hard to find and difficult to work with. One jacket can take me up to a day and half to make! That’s just way too much effort to butt up against the next problem: they are the most expensive pieces on my racks, costing as much as $486.
I’ve come to the realization that this is too much for me and too much for you, so buh-bye and onto something that’s even more fun and equally important, more functional. Which brings me to my next and final bullet point….
3. Alt-Jock as the official MICH look for 2024
I totally made this up, but I kind of love it. Alt-jock sums up my style and my ethos in a neat little package: functional and comfortable while still unique and totally embracing the fact that you can’t buy this sh** at the mall. This will most be interpreted in so many pieces and looks, but they will all share this core element. If you look closely or maybe, better yet, step back and squint your eyes, you’ll see that I’m always channeling this :)
3 Things to Do in (and around) Boston this month
1. Time Out Markets
***Update! This event has been cancelled due to rain! Sad face***
On November 18, Fenway Flea is kicking off a series of markets outside of Time Out Market in the Fenway district. The theme for the opening day is Studio 54 so there’s gonna be a DJ, dance party, and of course, all your favorite vendors! I’ll be there along with a pile of amazing vintage dealers. See ya there!
2. Astral Plains + Suburbia Circus Studio Opening
When I set up at markets, I meet a lot of vintage clothing sellers. Astral Plains moved to town this year and her stuff is just so cool. There’s something about her balance that works for me. She’ll have edgy and soft, city and country, designer and workwear and it all just works. On November 18 she’s opening a studio space with another amazing vintage dealer, Suburbia Circus in West Warwick, RI. They both specialize in designer and collectible fashion pieces, so if you’re teetering on the edge of the fashion rabbit hole or way deep down it, let these two guide you to the motherland of vintage fashion treasure. See their instagrams for details @suburbia.circus @astral_plains_
3. Burger Night at The Delux
I remember grabbing beers here back in the day, but went for dinner the other night after my last SOWA market and mind was BLOWN! Amazing burger, and such a chill and cozy atmosphere. Vintage decorations, including giant pink soft-serve blo-mold lamp, obviously got me going :)
Mich’s 3 Picks (just for fun)
Just a few things I’m loving right now :)
This candle will get you through the dark and chilly nights with a warm glow and a smell that’s just so incredibly calming. I grabbed one of these when we were set up next to each other at a SOWA market this summer. I swear, I can feel the chill and friendly vibes everytime I light this baby.
A silk scarf is such a staple. It’s a great mid point between bare neck and big wool scarp. It’s a strapless tank when you can’t bear to wear real clothes. It’s a wrap skirt when you can’t be bothered to pack a coverup. It’s my closet MVP. And this printed one from 3 Women Co is so fun! I’ve been wearing mine for a few months and I love the feel and look of it. It’s just very good.
A fun read for anyone who likes fashion or has nightmares about their demanding boss. But the movie is better. Period. 3.One of the only books where the movie is better! It’s not a terrible read, in fact it’s really fun, but the movie delivers the story so much better. I mean it’s gotta be damn near impossible to compete with Anne, Meryl, and Emily Blunt. But if you love the movie, this might be a good Thanksgiving weekend read. See for yourself!
That’s all for now!
Mich