Presenter(s)

Meghan E. Cooper

Abstract

Scrappie Jackie is my senior capstone project where I take thrifted fabrics and transform them into unique, one-of-a-kind garments. I started this journey with no prior sewing experience, but through trial, error, and plenty of learning, I've developed a process that allows me to give new life to old clothing.

The core idea behind Scrappie Jackie is simple: I use donated clothing to create something new. This process promotes sustainability by upcycling fabrics that would otherwise go to waste, instead of contributing to the fast fashion cycle. The beauty of this project is in the transformation—each piece of clothing holds potential to become something completely different, and I love finding those possibilities. Whether it's a worn-out t-shirt or a vintage jacket, I see it as an opportunity to create something truly unique.

One of the main reasons I took on this project is because I've always been drawn to sewing. It's a skill that's been passed down through generations, and it's meaningful to me because it's often considered a "feminine" craft. Historically, sewing has been overlooked as an art form, even though it holds deep cultural significance and creativity. With Scrappie Jackie, I want to highlight that sewing is more than just a practical skill—it's a way to express oneself and create something personal and beautiful.

The name Scrappie Jackie comes from my own family connection. My grandmother, Jackie, taught me how to sew, and I wanted to honor her in the name of the project because she's been an important part of my creative journey. The focus of the project is on what I can create now, using the skills I've developed and the materials I work with.

At this point, Scrappie Jackie is run through Instagram, where I showcase my latest designs and offer commissions through a Google form. I'm still learning and figuring out the best ways to grow the project, but it's exciting to see it take shape and connect with people who want to be a part of this sustainable fashion movement.

Scrappie Jackie isn't just about making clothes—it's about creativity, sustainability, and upcycling. It's about taking something that would otherwise be discarded and turning it into something new, beautiful, and meaningful. I'm excited to continue learning and experimenting, and I can't wait to see where this project takes me.

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department

Art & Design

Campus

Winona

First Advisor/Mentor

Danilo Bojic

Start Date

4-24-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

4-24-2025 10:00 AM

Presentation Type

Poster Session

Format of Presentation or Performance

In-Person

Session

1a=9am-10am

Poster Number

19

Comments

WSU Review Needed

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Apr 24th, 9:00 AM Apr 24th, 10:00 AM

Scrappie Jackie

Scrappie Jackie is my senior capstone project where I take thrifted fabrics and transform them into unique, one-of-a-kind garments. I started this journey with no prior sewing experience, but through trial, error, and plenty of learning, I've developed a process that allows me to give new life to old clothing.

The core idea behind Scrappie Jackie is simple: I use donated clothing to create something new. This process promotes sustainability by upcycling fabrics that would otherwise go to waste, instead of contributing to the fast fashion cycle. The beauty of this project is in the transformation—each piece of clothing holds potential to become something completely different, and I love finding those possibilities. Whether it's a worn-out t-shirt or a vintage jacket, I see it as an opportunity to create something truly unique.

One of the main reasons I took on this project is because I've always been drawn to sewing. It's a skill that's been passed down through generations, and it's meaningful to me because it's often considered a "feminine" craft. Historically, sewing has been overlooked as an art form, even though it holds deep cultural significance and creativity. With Scrappie Jackie, I want to highlight that sewing is more than just a practical skill—it's a way to express oneself and create something personal and beautiful.

The name Scrappie Jackie comes from my own family connection. My grandmother, Jackie, taught me how to sew, and I wanted to honor her in the name of the project because she's been an important part of my creative journey. The focus of the project is on what I can create now, using the skills I've developed and the materials I work with.

At this point, Scrappie Jackie is run through Instagram, where I showcase my latest designs and offer commissions through a Google form. I'm still learning and figuring out the best ways to grow the project, but it's exciting to see it take shape and connect with people who want to be a part of this sustainable fashion movement.

Scrappie Jackie isn't just about making clothes—it's about creativity, sustainability, and upcycling. It's about taking something that would otherwise be discarded and turning it into something new, beautiful, and meaningful. I'm excited to continue learning and experimenting, and I can't wait to see where this project takes me.

 

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