GUELPH - Evan Carr gives old clothes a new lease on life.
Making recycled clothing from second hand garments, the 22-year-old from Guelph puts a spin on the fashion trends of today with an environmentally friendly approach.
Carr operates The Travelling Gallery, where he transforms patterned sweaters using recycled materials sourced from thrift stores or secondhand clothing shops.
Fabrics are carefully selected, cut, and sewn onto different sections of the sweaters, revitalizing them through upcycling.
"I began selling sweaters about two years ago, and then it just expanded. My mom taught me how to sew. She used to make wool scarves and skirts from recycled wool. I would go with her to the thrift stores sometimes, and I always had fun," Carr said.
"Eventually, I starting finding things that I thought were really cool. I learned how to sew. Sewing really isn't a skill like it used to be."
Working in his garage from home, Carr uses 100 per cent recycled clothing.
Environmentally, Carr wants to help make a difference. Instead of tossing old clothes in the garbage and before they end up in a landfill, Carr wants to make them new again.
"When thrifting, I go to as many places as I can find. I go to all the thrift stores. I started off in and around Guelph, and then Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge. It's all so close. And usually, I can really fill up," Carr said.
"Items vary. I try to find woven material. Some call it upholstery style. It's a tough woven fabric, and holds really well when you wash it."
When it comes to making sweaters, Carr has become a pro.
"It's what I've mastered. I can get them done a lot faster than I used to. Originally, it took me quite a while, about three or four hours. Now, I have it down to one or two hours," Carr said.
Born and raised in Guelph. Carr attended John McCrae Public School and John F. Ross.
Earlier this month, Carr moved to Halifax to pursue a university degree in art and art history.
"I came to look at the campus out here and it was gorgeous. I was sold right away. I'm right on the ocean. It's just perfect and right in downtown, Halifax," Carr said.
Carr still hopes to operate The Travelling Gallery away from home.
"It will be a little different out here. I'll have to ship a lot of my stuff. I've been trying to make a lot of connections out here as well. I have lots in Guelph, which has been really beneficial. But being in Halifax for school, I would really like to grow it here as well," Carr said.
"I've been talking to some of the independent clothing stores and little shops to see if they might be open to carrying a few of my items. My mom is happy for me. She's a teacher so she's very busy during the school year, but she still keeps my connections going back home."
Carr looks to expand as he creates unique, wearable pieces that, he says, are truly one-of-a-kind and perfect for any occasion.
"I have a design for doing pants, so that's something I want to try next. I want to try those parachute patchwork pants that are popular right now, almost like a hippy pant," Carr said.
Carr says his business venture offers new learning opportunities as well as independence.
"The fact that I work for myself is great. I can do things any time I want. There's no one telling me what I need to do and when to do it. I can make my own schedule," Carr said.
"It's nice. I've worked for people my whole life. It's ok, but it was always on their terms. Now, when I have my own business, on my terms."
Carr has a couple ideas for the future, maybe even taking The Travelling Gallery on the road.
"I have narrowed it down. I really want to get into stores so I can expand, not just online, but in some of the independent shops too," he said.
"I also want to do my own thing. Once I'm done the winter semester, I really want to get a cargo van and turn it into a mobile home. I'll bring my table and sewing stuff and just travel around Canada, stop at thrift stores and make sweaters."
Carr is grateful for all of the support he's received along the way.
"I've made so many friends throughout this," Carr said.
"People buy my items and tell me they love them. That makes me feel so great and it just makes my day to hear them say I wear this all the time."