Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Emilie Tomas and I upcycle second hand materials like tapestry blankets, quilts, and table cloths into one of a kind items of clothing. Charavel is named after my Grandmother who I first learned to sew from. It’s a tribute to honoring what we already have in new, creative ways.
Is this a full-time business for you?
I work full time as a fundraiser for a local non-profit. I’m also a High School Speech Coach part of the year. It can be tricky balancing in enough time to sew, but even though it’s now a business it remains my creative outlet amidst a busy schedule.
How did you get started in your art / business?
While I’ve had a lifelong love for tinkering, I started sewing in 2022 when I took a corset making class. I quickly switched over to thrifted materials and fell in love with upcycling. After getting interest from my family and friends, I decided to take my work out into the world.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
One moment I’ll always remember was attending my first big market. It was a big leap taking my pieces from my living room out into the world. I was incredibly affirming to know that people saw something special in what I was doing and liked it enough to invest in my work. Watching each piece I put hours into find a person that really resonates with it never gets old.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
I get nearly all of my materials from local thrift stores - in a way all of my work is a collaboration with my neighbors who have owned these pieces before me. I’ve worked with anniversary blankets, handmade quilts, baby blankets. There’s a story behind each piece and I love playing a role in them being cherished in someone else’s home after they’re donated.
What are some tips or suggestions you would like to offer?
Think really critically about what you’re buying and who’s making it. Spending so much time sewing has made me intimately aware of all the steps that go into making your clothes. It is a skilled labor and it’s not reasonable to expect clothing to be just a few bucks. Find pieces you really love and invest in them. And never underestimate the thrift store!
What sets your designs apart from others?
Each piece is one-of-a-kind! When you buy an upcycled piece you know for sure that no one out there is wearing the same thing as you.
What do your customers love most about your products?
I like to say that each piece I bring to a market is just trying to find it’s person. I have people who like my work but are still waiting for the right piece thats the exact style and size for them. When they do find it, it feels like it was really made for them. That’s a really special thing that my customers and I both share.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
Periodically, I’ll host giveaways and do a custom piece for a random winner. Right now I’m hard at work on the giveaway custom! I consult with the winner to get an idea of what they’re looking for and bring their vision to life. It took a little while to find the right sweatshirt, but I’m finally starting to get sewing. I have this great cat tapestry blanket and we’re turning it into the cutest crop hoodie.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
I’ve been saving up some Christmas tapestry blankets, so stop by if you want to have the most unique sweater at your next Holiday party.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
Lots and lots of upcycled sweatshirts! I also work with denim jackets, jeans, and dresses. Each piece is one of a kind and I’m always finding materials with niche interests. Maybe I’ve upcycled a blanket from your hometown or a bedsheet from your favorite childhood TV show.
Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @shopcharavel