Want Own Waste - Upcycled DIY shoulder bag
Why WOW?
The rapid evolution of materials for sportswear has led to a significant environmental challenge: while these materials are highly performant, they often have a negative environmental impact and poor sustainability. For this reason, a garment still has value even after its life cycle ends. The materials can be disassembled and reused. How? The process is simple.
The rapid evolution of materials for sportswear has led to a significant environmental challenge: while these materials are highly performant, they often have a negative environmental impact and poor sustainability. For this reason, a garment still has value even after its life cycle ends. The materials can be disassembled and reused. How? The process is simple.
Disassembly: you will learn to disassemble the jacket.
Adaptation: you will follow the instructions to adapt the material.
Sewing: you will sew your personalized bag.
Adaptation: you will follow the instructions to adapt the material.
Sewing: you will sew your personalized bag.
This project not only allows you to create something unique with your own hands but also to form a special bond with your new accessory, increasing its longevity and reducing textile waste.
Each step is clearly and thoroughly explained, making the process accessible to everyone, even beginners in sewing.
The process began with an old jacket I found discarded in the trash. Out of curiosity and a bit of fun, I decided to deconstruct it entirely, down to the smallest detail. I ripped every seam, separating each material and component piece by piece: the lining, outer fabric, embroidered logos, labels, zippers, buttons, clips, cord locks, elastic cords, Velcro straps, fleece—nothing was left untouched.
When everything was finally sorted, I realized I had over 160 individual pieces. In that moment, it struck me: this jacket was a remarkable product of coordination, logistics, and international collaboration. Each material had a story and deserved to be treated with respect.
With this newfound appreciation, I began experimenting with what I could salvage. Sewing patchwork soon captivated me, as it allowed me to repurpose even the tiniest fragments, stitching them together into something usable and of a decent size.
