Meet Red Mutha - Upcycling Textiles into Fantastic Garments
As part of our Christmas and New Year special, we reached out to local Tyneside makers and sellers who are transforming used materials into something special. This edition features Red Mutha, who has trawled through mountains of clothing to find brilliant textiles and clothes to upcycle.
So why did you start selling on Etsy?
"My wife, Red, the Red Mutha, started selling on Etsy as it is a more personal and ‘nicer’ platform to sell on than others.
"People understand that items are hand made and that you are a small business. Not a warehouse."
What are your thoughts about upcycling vintage clothes?
"We spend a lot of time at jumble sales, Carboot sales and in charity shops.
Vintage is almost non-existent as clothes have become throwaway.
We trawl through mountains of clothing that’s good for a couple of wears. Or, never worn at all."
How important is it that people 'shop small' and 'shop local' at Christmas?
"People are free to do whatever they like. I massively appreciate every one of our customers at all times of year. I find the mass consumerism of Christmas pretty distasteful."
Favourite item?
"I love the ‘Carnage’ denim jackets and our ‘mega’ sweatshirts. I made them during lockdown, and really took my time to make some super detailed garments. They have real depth. I love them."
Where can we find you?
"We sell on Etsy, we take personal commissions, and our clothes are stocked in small boutiques worldwide; New York, Paris, Milan, Dusseldorf, Lausanne-Switzerland and more.
Get in touch with any commission ideas."
Tell us something random
I have a band called ‘Kangarucci’ and we have a new Christmas song out this week! It’s called ‘Never Gonna Write a Christmas Song’, and it’s about wanting love, not presents at Christmas. Find us ‘Kangarucci’ on YouTube and Instagram @kangarucciband.
