Featured Refashionista!

1.      Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Kaori (aka Koala Brains) and I’m originally from Okinawa, Japan - I moved to the U.S. when I was little.   I’ve been living in Atlanta, Georgia the past 10 years with my husband and 3 year old daughter.  We made the trek to the ‘burbs 3 years ago and it was then that I started to sew like a maniac.  Many evenings are dedicated to my various creative outlets which are needed as much as the air I breathe.  Seriously. 

 

2.      Why did you choose to start refashioning?

I gained a bunch of weight with my pregnancy and I was already 20 lbs overweight to begin with.  I didn’t have many casual clothes since I mostly bought work clothes so I found myself with very little to wear after my daughter was born (the little I had didn’t fit!).  I refused to buy new clothes until I dropped the weight so in the meantime, I started taking in my maternity clothes to get me by.  Fast forward 3 years and I’m still refashioning because it’s challenging and fun.  To start from scratch can sometimes be intimidating for me so I like refashioning because I already have something to work with. 

 

3.      How would you describe your style?

Modern, sporty, and unfussy. I do step outside of this but I always feel a bit out of sorts.  I’m drawn to black, grey, and olive but started throwing in color when I was pregnant and continue to but it’s forced.   I just feel kind of out of place in black from head to toe at the playground in suburbia (LOL!).  I love sewing for my daughter because I can have fun making clothes that are colourful and girly...pretty much the opposite of my style!

 

4.      Tell us about your favourite refashion.

My favourite refashion is a green peasant dress I sewed for my daughter made from a tablecloth I found at a thrift store.  It was my first project ever where I modified a pattern by taking a shirt and lengthened it to a dress and changed the sleeve.  I also incorporated the existing lace as the hem of the dress.  I’m still a newbie so I look forward to how far I will take refashioning and what I’ll be doing a year from now. 

 

5.      What inspires you?

I’m inspired by blogs including Wardrobe Refashion of course!  There are so many women who have refashioning ideas that make a big impact without advanced sewing skills.  I also find NYC inspiring.  Every time I go, I leave with lots of ideas and I buzz with creative energy.  I used to make jewelry and I always came up with a new collection upon returning from NYC.

 

6.      Tell us 5 random favourites (blogs/designers/people/objects etc)

1.       My Benina Record 930 which I inherited from my mom is my prized possession.  She spent so many hours on it that I feel a strong connection with her whenever I sew.

2.      My blender.  I love making my morning smoothie which consists of a plethora of ingredients that result in a dark green thick concoction that my husband and I refer to as “Swamp Thang”.  It looks disgusting but it’s super healthy and oh so delicious! 

3.      My laptop.  It’s allowed me to explore the internet where I’ve found so many inspiring blogs and like-minded women.  

4.      Joann’s.  I’m always there and I immediately get giddy when I walk in. 

5.      My husband and daughter.  I’ve known my husband since we were 18 and he has been such a positive influence.  He is my best friend and biggest fan as I am his.  My daughter is an empathetic, kind and giving, funny, and intelligent person.  She is truly an old soul.  She’s always been an easy going child and I feel VERY fortunate!

 

7.      What are you looking for on the Wardrobe Refashion site?  Is there something you would you like to see here?

Wardrobe Refashion inspires me to push myself to improve upon my skills so I enjoy learning new techniques.  Something I would like to see, hmmmm... how about contests Project Runway style?  You could set interesting parameters per contest so the options are endless.  Not sure about the programming/work involved but it would be fun if readers could vote.

Comments

[koala brains]

Thank you, Nikki, for featuring me! I am flattered and very honored!
- Kaori, aka koala brains

[dana]

Great interview Kaori! So fun to get to know the woman behind your cute creations. I really love reading about who people are and why they sew. And I really love your creations. You are inspiring!

And I COULDN'T AGREE MORE about the Project Runway idea! I've thought of doing something like that on my blog before....but it just felt overwhelming. I'm sure Nikki can whip it up in you know, all her spare time :).

[Ruth]

The competition idea is cool! It could be a bit like the ones they have on Craftster. Have a topic/task and see how everyone interprets it.
Great interview - it is interesting to learn why people sew.

[Trina]

So glad to see Kaori featured! I adore her blog!

[Kristen Strickland]

My most creative friend. You inspire me. Love the interview!