Diane Austen ~ Designer and Creator of Multiple Threads fashions and accessories.
My ideas about recycled fashion began at a very young age when I began making a “fur” coat for my Barbie doll out of a tan sweatshirt, mimicking the hip sheepskin coats popular at the time.
Growing up in rural upstate New York in a pretty little town called Ithaca, I considered myself very lucky to have my mom and Grandma Shockey who were ahead of there time recycling of all kinds of fabric scraps, buttons and lace. I am equally grateful for my Dad and his mom, Grandma Marshall, who crocheted handmade lace.
Grandma Shockey showed me how to turn torn stockings and old t-shirts into beautiful brand new crocheted rugs. In Grandmother’s day, she made her daughter’s dresses from printed flour sacks and quilts made from dairy farm milk strainers.
I was taught to sew by my mother, a fabulous Tailor. My creativity was opened up by my mother’s continuous demonstrations of awesome design and versatility with different fabrics in making the family’s best “dress” clothing.
While dad was out on the tractor, my mother became interested in quilting. Mom began creating quilts for her own children, babies “at risk” in the community and beyond…. grandchildren and now great grandchildren….. All are original designs using her fabric collection and trading fabrics with other quilters. It’s no surprise that I find myself mixing up my fabrics too.
As an avid environmentalist, I am happy that my products help support the need to reduce waste on our planet. We are "using" more and throwing less!Diane
Multiple Threads ~ 1820 Solano Avenue, Berkeley CA 94707 ~ 510-527-1517
