Welcome to Paganoonoo, a fashion design house specializing in upcycle fashion design.

Michelle Paganini
Pattern Designer

Upcycle Sewing Made Simple!

Working with existing garments to make new fashions is both rewarding and challenging. Upcycle Sewing is different than sewing with flat cloth; the starting materials are previously owned garments.  There are no pattern pieces to print, cut out, and then pin to garments.

Instead, Paganoonoo patterns include step-by-step illustrations & detailed instructions for garment disassembly and reassembly. You will be guided through the process of creating a new and unique garment custom fit to your figure.

Paganoonoo instructions save you time and aggravation, making upcycle sewing simple. Leverage upcycled fashion designer Michelle Paganini’s proven methods to make your upcycling project a success!

Get started today!

Are the patterns multi-sized?
Sizing is a function of the starting materials, so sizing is all-in-one, meaning that anyone who can find a dress shirt that fits the way they like in the bust and shoulders can successfully make Paganoonoo blouses.  Height is easily adjustable.

All other elements of the pattern are self-scaling and will be customized to your body through the process of deconstruction and reconstruction.  This is one of the beauties of upcycling with Paganoonoo.

Pattern Pieces?
There are no actual pattern pieces; there are instructions for deconstruction and reconstruction of the starting garments.  Illustrations show you exactly were to make cuts on each garment.

Skill Level Required?
Intermediate sewing skills are recommended.

If I haven’t upcycled before, which pattern would you recommend?
The Patti pattern.  It is the easiest and most versatile. It looks great on every figure type.  It can be made very dramatic (more back length) or more sedate (less back length).  If you have particularly beautiful cloth to use, the back panel is a great place to do so.

Do I need prior experience in upcycling?
No, prior upcycling experience is not needed.

Where will I find starting materials?
Goodwill, Savers, other thrift / charity stores, rummage sales.
  Caution: Avoid raiding your spouse’s closet without explicit permission.

What do I need to know when choosing starting materials?
Everything you need to know is covered in the preface to the pattern instructions, e.g. sizing, color, pattern, etc.

Do I need any special sewing tools?
No special tools are required.  Having a dress form is an advantage, but not required.  I highly recommend pinking shears for finishing seams and one is required for the Judy Flower pattern.  If your sewing scissors are dull, get them sharpened or treat yourself to a new pair – you deserve excellent tools.

What are the differences between the blouse patterns?

The Patti Blouse is very loose fitting at the waist and hips. It floats over the figure.  Only one shirt shows on the front.  The front is accented with pieces from another shirt and the lower back panel uses a third shirt. The design features a high front hem and lower back hem (high/low hem).

The Peggy Blouse features a fitted empire waist (front) with a center arch and dramatically cascading lower side panels. The lower front panels are from two different shirts so the blouse shows 3 different shirts in front creating color blocking. It floats over the hips and features a high/low hem.

The Ashlee Blouse features a horizontal empire waist. The lower half of the blouse is pleated all the way around.  The front of the blouse is all from one shirt.  The back panel features one or two other shirts.  This design floats over the hips and features a moderate  high/low hem.

The Sandy Blouse is one shirt on the front, with circle accents from other shirts.  The back has a dramatic large circle on the upper section and then a loosely pleated panel coming from under the circle down to the hem.  This panel is narrower at the hem so cups the rear a bit.  Sounds odd but it is very flattering and creates a elegant silhouette similar to a 1920’s cocoon coat. It has the least width at the hips and there is still play, it is not tight. The design also features a moderate high/low hem.

What should I know before I start my first Paganoonoo garment?

• You’ve been set up for success!
• Have it be a learning experience.
• Do not use your favorite shirts quite yet.
• Be willing to make mistakes and experiment.
• Try the garment on frequently to see how things are working out.
• Have your seam ripper handy and make tweaks till you have it the way you want it.