Buttons for My Sweater Coat from KLA Originals

I finally finished the buttons for the Sweater coat I showed you the other day that was made by Kirsten of KLA Originals.  I had to put some thought into what type of buttons to make as I wanted them to compliment the piece and be noticeable yet not overwhelm it.  After considering several possible styles, I finally settled on a stacked mokume gane technique matching up several clay colors that were in the coat.  I knew I didn't want round buttons and they had to fit through the button holes so designed a sort of trapezoidal shape.

Thanks again to Kirsten for this wonderful wearable work of art and instant conversation piece every time I go out.  I now keep a supply of her cards in my pocket to give out when people stop and ask me where I got this beautiful coat!

My Sweater Coat from KLA Originals

Kirsten of KLA Originals makes the most gorgeous upcycled sweater coats and jackets and I had thought it would be so cool to own one some day.  I don't often splurge on myself, but in the case of this sweater coat, I couldn't help myself!

This coat was created from at least a half dozen sweaters and I love how Kirsten has such a flare for creating a unique design with all the ruffled layers.  The two triangles on each side of the skirt are nice deep pockets and under the navy placket is a zipper.  We make buttons for KLA's sweater coats and Kirsten finished this off for me so it is ready to add after.  I still have to make them but in the meantime I couldn't wait to wear it and show it off.

This is the back of the coat and the special piece in the back of the hood is really lovely.  The other feature is the little thumb holes at the end of the sleeve.

This coat seems quite heavy but doesn't feel that way at all when it is on and I feel so dressed up in it.  I wore it to Salmon Arm today and was stopped by several ladies asking where I got my coat as they loved it and several expressed how much fun it must be to wear.

You can see more of Kirsten's work, at KLA's Originals website and she is also on facebook here.

Gorgeous Sweater Coats by KLA Originals

We really enjoy collaborating with other local artists.  Our recent one was with costume designer and artist, Kirsten Atkins of KLA Originals who creates fabulous upcycled sweater coats and jackets.

Kirsten was in need of just the right buttons for her latest project -- a sweater coat that would be entered into the Kamloops "Art Exposed" show.  The show is over so I am now allowed to share the photos with you.  Kirsten entered two sweater coats.  One was titled "Fire" and the other "Ice" and when you see them together you can see how the titles are so fitting.  As soon as I saw the beautiful textures and colors in the "Ice" sweater coat, I immediately thought of our Color Wheel buttons which seemed to go so well with the piece.  Rather than going with just one color, we did them up in several shades of blue, turquoise and teal.

So here are a few photos of the sweater coats that Kirsten created.  While they do look great, they look even more awesome in person as you can see up close all the detail and work that went into them!  Every square inch has been carefully arranged and pieced together which took many hours to create.

"Ice" by Kirsten of KLA Originals

"Ice" by Kirsten of KLA Originals

"Fire" and "Ice" by Kirsten of KLA Originals

"Fire" by Kirsten of KLA Originals

"Fire" by Kirsten of KLA Originals

Kirsten sells her original sweaters at local art shows and festivals but also has them available on her website if you would like to check out more of her awesome work.