“Sewstainable Designs are retro inspired women’s, men’s and children’s garments and accessories constructed of repurposed and vintage materials using classic tailoring techniques. Each piece is truly handmade and one-of-a-kind.
Sewstainable Designs is the culmination of a long and winding road traveled by clothing maker, Jennifer Ranger. Uninspired by current trends, prices, quality and character of available clothing, Jen turned to her own devices (a beginner sewing machine) to alter vintage garments she found at thrift stores into pieces that would showcase her own style. A natural progression from altering clothing to constructing retro inspired pieces made from scratch gave Jen the creative freedom to design unique garments with a perfected fit.
When it was time to head to college, Jen pursued in earnest an education in Apparel Design. After three years of coursework she discovered it was not the fashion world she was passionate about but rather what kept her awake at night scheming was creating classically tailored and styled garments with her signature hint of whimsy. Knowing she loved sewing and not yet sure where it fit into her grand life plan, Jen finished her degree in Sociology and then took off to travel Southeast Asia for a year with hopes of finding her true calling.
As suspected, that calling is making clothing. So, with a widened perspective of the world and a well worn backpack in plain sight, Jen has finally arrived at the perfect place on this winding road to settle into her sewing perch above Alberta Street at The Make House. Jen spends six days a week creating one-of-a-kind handmade garments made from high quality vintage fabrics she has scoured from her favorite Portland thrift stores.
Sewstainable Designs specializes in using vintage patterns, fabrics and notions. Stop in to The Make House shop to browse retro patterns and fabrics for your own custom women’s, men’s or children’s garment and see Sewstainable’s array of ready-to-wear pieces.”