“There’s already so much material in the world; we just have to look at it differently.”
 

Designer Dana is the creative mind behind Sunworn Vintage, an upcycling brand known for transforming thrifted textiles into one-of-a-kind wearable pieces and accessories. After reconnecting with sewing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dana turned a personal creative outlet into a full-time career rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Her work celebrates the beauty and potential hidden in secondhand materials.

IG: @sunwornvintage
Website: sunwornvintage.com
Pre Loved Podcast Episode: Apple Podcast

SHOW NOTES & TAKEAWAYS

• Dana shares how she rediscovered sewing during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing her job, eventually turning her creative outlet into a full-time business
• She shares how thrifting became both a creative resource and a source of inspiration through the excitement of “the hunt”
• Why estate sales offer a different kind of experience, connecting objects to personal histories and uncovering unexpected stories
• The shift from solely creating products to also teaching others how to upcycle through digital sewing patterns
• The importance of making sewing and upcycling feel approachable for beginners and hobbyists alike
• The evolution of Sunworn Vintage, a sustainability-focused brand centered around upcycling thrifted and vintage materials into functional, wearable art
• A growing interest in custom commissions, including transforming sentimental items from loved ones into wearable keepsakes