ABOUT GC

I’ve been creating things since I was a little girl. Whether it was sewing alongside my Mom on my little Singer machine or sitting and crocheting with my Grandma, I’ve always had the need to create. It's like breathing to me; second only to thrifting- something else I've been doing since I was a little girl. To me, digging through racks of discarded clothing is like going on a treasure hunt. Gallimaufry Clothing is really a marriage of these two longtime hobbies-creating and thrifting.

Shopping at thrift stores and upcycling old clothes into something new has always been more appealing to me than buying a new outfit from a department store. Maybe it's the combination of growing up in a family of do-it-yourselfers, never having a lot of extra money, and wanting to deviate from the fashion norm. But whatever the reason, I LOVE IT!

Finding out there was a market for upcycled clothing was like a dream come true. I new I had found my niche. My slight ADD also makes this a perfect vocation for me. I've never been able to stick with one thing for too long. But making one-of-a-kind clothing never gets old to me. I have so much fun working on each design, but when I'm finished, I'm ready to create something different.

 

My only rule when it comes to designing clothing is- there are no rules. To me, designing a dress, skirt or blouse is like creating a piece of art. I never use a pattern and I don't follow the usual sewing rules. Raw edges, tattered hems, exposed seams and asymmetrical lines are all part of what make my designs so unique- hince the name Gallimaufry which means hodpodge, medley, array, mixture, patchwork, etc.

My inspiration for my designs comes from many places- costumes in a movie, illustrations in a storybook, vintage and recycled fabrics and even nature. Since my mind seems to always be in creative mode, it’s pretty easy for me to get inspired. One thing I don’t do, is focus on the latest fashion trends. I’m much happier creating something that speaks to me personally rather than creating what someone else has decided is “in style” at the moment. I feel that as long as I’m being true to what I enjoy, I will never lose the passion for my work.

Probably one of the biggest challenges that I have had to overcome as a designer is my perfectionism. I have a problem with not doing things unless I can do them perfectly. So, most things never get done. This is a real problem when it comes to creating. Perfectionism and creativity just don’t mix. I have had to learn to trust my instincts and not think too much about what I’m creating. If my designs are not flowing from me naturally, then that probably means that I need to take a break from what I’m working on and focus my energy elsewhere- like making accessories, editing photos, or blogging.

 

 

My perfectionism does come in handy when it comes to quality control. I want my customers to be 100% satisfied when they receive their item. So, I am very fussy when it comes to how each garment is constructed. I spend a lot of time inspecting my clothing, making sure that everything is in excellent condition before the item is shipped.

There are so many reasons that I love what I do. Creating unique one-of-a-kind items, helping the environment and being able to support local charity thift stores are just a few of these reasons. But knowing that I'm using a gift that God has given me and utilizing that gift to glorify Him brings me the most joy.

I hope to pass along a little piece of that joy through each item that I create. If I can do that, then I will have succeeded.

Deanna