What are the biggest challenges AND the biggest joys of running a business making products from upcycled textiles? Legendary guest interviewer, Kat Camfield, has rounded up three intensely talented Canadian upcyclers: Brynn from B-Bot Clothing, Emily from Woodbrick and Meagan from Salt Legacy. We hear how they each started their businesses and their different approaches to the same problem: trying to divert textile waste from landfill. They all share tips and advice, including sourcing secrets for others wanting to get into upcycling, either for themselves or to start a business. 

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Kat Camfield is a sewing teacher and sewing retreat organiser living in Victoria, Canada. You can follow Kat on Instagram @cooperativekatsews. 

Hear Kat on previous episodes of CYT:

Meagan’s business is Salt Legacy. You can follow them on Instagram @saltlegacy: 

Brynn’s business is B-Bot Clothing. You can follow them on Instagram @bbotclothing: 

Emily’s business is Woodbrick. You can follow them on Instagram @woodbrick:

Brynn creates incredible upcycled sweaters (for example) with their ‘schtick’ being adding denim sleeves. Brynn also makes pouffe shells that can be stuffed with textile waste, and also sells the sewing pattern so you can make one yourself:

Woodbrick’s core products are crescent bags and fanny packs (for example) for kids and adults. Jackets made from upcycled textiles, including quilts, have also become very popular with their clients:

Meagan’s business, Salt Legacy, creates a range of durable bags and accessories from unwanted boat sails. Popular items include their signature tote bag design:

Listen to the previous episode about sizing adaptive and inclusive sewing patterns: