Check Out Jessica Blouin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Blouin.

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always loved vintage clothing and wearing unique pieces from the 60’s and 70’s in particular. I always had a different style than most of the kids in high school. I was into punk rock and post punk music and you could tell by the way I dressed. I loved going into second hand shops and vintage stores to find the pieces that really spoke to me.

About two years ago, I took a sewing class in Los Alamitos called the Sewing Lab and fell in love with the creative process of using vintage patterns with 50’s tablecloths and old quilts. I quickly found I could combine my love for vintage fabrics and to creatively express myself in a unique way. I thought maybe others would appreciate handmade sustainable fashion like I do and started sewing every night while listening to my audio books. My husband and I built a studio in our backyard so I can have more space to do my art. I bought lots of old quilts, vintage tablecloths and 70’s bed sheets. I started sewing quilt jackets, tablecloth tops, quilted planters with succulents, tote bags, sunglasses cases, tea towel shorts, and eventually I had quite the inventory.

I started doing pop up markets and did well! Then I took some samples and went door to door in Long Beach to see what shops might want to sell my work. Lucky Penny in retro row located in Long Beach was the first one, followed by Prism Boutique. I was so excited to see where this would go and so far it’s been quite life changing. I have an incredible group of friends who are always supportive, a space in the slow fashion movement, and a passion that is always evolving and changing. This is all due to putting myself out there by taking one sewing class.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have always been a creative type by trying to play guitar or paint. I still feel like I never found that one thing that truly drives me until I discovered sewing.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have carved a space out for myself in the slow fashion world. I thrift fabrics from local flea markets or buy fabric from small businesses in my area. I use indie patterns to bring those materials new life which is also what makes me the happiest. My favorite is buying an old cutter quilt and making it into a chore coat that someone can love for years. The whole process fights the fast fashion industry, gives money back into the community by buying from a small business, then I sell my handmade items in a local boutique which helps them and myself.

I think what sets me apart is being able to focus on slow fashion and community by carving a space for my art while giving back to the local shops.

How do you think about luck?
The only part of luck I have is finding the most incredibly patient and selfless husband who will always support me by giving me space to do what I love. He also built me a sewing studio because he knows I absolutely love what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.millthistlesewing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milk_thistle_sewing
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MilkThistleSewing