Who is Next of Kin?
Next of Kin is True North and her sister, Linda Cole. True sources all materials, designs, sews and does all hand stitching. The illustrious Linda, is a brilliant problem solver when a piece comes off the dress form. She catches True's vision and gets to work. We live in separate cities, but find a way to get together and stitch, side by side, sharing and giggling like twelve-year-olds for days on end. It's crazy wonderful, and we drink up our time together.
How long have you been sewing?
Both Linda and I are self-taught seamstresses (not counting middle school Home Ec), and have been sewing since we were about ten years old. We are always learning, and regularly push the limits of our abilities. Once, a cowboy boot "told" me that it wanted to become a bustier. I filleted open the boot, and together Linda and I created, perhaps the most intriguing, and certainly the most popular and conversational piece we had sewn to date. As in any career field, when you take on challenges and extend yourself to meet them, the rewards and satisfaction in doing so, are incredible!
Where do you find your materials?
I would say that 85% of the clothing we reclaim is from Goodwill Clearance Centers. Items pulled from their retail stores end up at their Outlet Clearance warehouses. I rifle through dozens of open bins lined up in a warehouse and pull out incredible treasures. I also hit up thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. Friends who have an eye for what I use, gift lovely clothing, and sometimes a random bag of clothing will be handed to us. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for trims, ribbons and lace. The zippers, buttons and snaps we use are reclaimed, and the threads we source are castoff spindles from mega clothing giants. We truly believe in life extension and in reclaiming EVERYTHING we use to create our irresistible beauties.
Where is your shop/studio?
I am based in Carlsbad, California, just north of San Diego. A beautiful series of synchronicities brought me back to Southern California in 2019. Both Linda and I were raised here. When I was 14 (and Linda was 10), our family moved to Oregon, and that has been home until last year. My previous studio was in Portland, Oregon. Nature definitely inspires my creations, and the forests, rivers, and changing seasons certainly influenced my early designs. Our pieces have always been free spirited and bohemian in their personality, but living near the Pacific Ocean now, I am keenly aware of a shift in my designs, taking on a lighter, more ethereal, airy quality.
Where are your pieces available?
Currently, we sell through this online shop, on Etsy and in person. In person can include garden parties and events. In addition, a local boutique features select pieces.
What inspires you?
Nature and my romance with her. All things Mama Gaia...the ethereal, the unmanifest: seeds and seedlings, tiny eggs in nests, growing things, green shoots emerging from branches, freshly turned soil. Potential. Always potential.
Tapestries, Gregorian Chants, ashrams, monasteries and sanctuaries. The Moola Mantra. Mooji. Minimalism and spaciousness, room to breathe, to dance, to dream and to create. Open air, sunshine on my face, breeze on my skin, sand on my feet and water. Always, water.
Textures, light, patterns and color. Sometimes in touching certain fabrics or textiles, the nerves in my fingers come alive. In those moments, I can feel that what I am holding, holds something within it, if I can free my thoughts enough to listen to it with my heart and let it express itself.
Travel, cultures, the texture of life and living. Tastes, experiences, adventure, spontaneity, saying "yes" to Life. Flow. Trust. Leaning in.
Crystals, women sitting in Circle, moonlight, cycles, spirals, braiding hair, little girls in tutus and rain boots. Birth. Birthing children, birthing love, birthing ideas, birthing courage and strength, sovereignty, conviction and vulnerability.
Love. The real stuff. Friends, late night calls and cabs to be there, love notes left on kitchen counters and tucked into luggage and lunch bags. Vintage love songs. Holding, cradling, deep listening and making love.
Fresh sheets, wildflowers, hikes, bicycling in autumn, swirling leaves, campfire smoke, snowflakes, children's laughter, freshly mowed grass, airport hugs, belly laughs, girlfriends. Having life cave-in and rebuild itself. Saying goodbye. Saying hello. Breathing. Stillness. Life. Always, Life.
Do you trade?
You are always welcome to inquire. We would consider trading or giving credit for the following:
- Victorian era clothing or fabric
- Paisley print clothing or fabric
- Embroidery, gorgeous fabrics, tapestries
- Significant amounts of antique beads, buttons (dark colors or white)
- Significant amounts of antique lace, trims, ribbons
– Beads made of crystals or precious stones. Large crystals
- Significant amounts of fabric dye
Can I make a donation?
Donations are always welcome. Much is needed to keep our tiny fashion house humming. The funds made from our art go back into the cycle of creation. That said, we can always use antique textiles, Victorian era materials, silks and beautiful fabrics, antique beads, buttons and lace, notions (zippers, bindings), interesting little accents, broaches, beads made of crystal or precious stones, and tiny "treasures" that can be tucked into the hidden secret pockets we sew into every garment.
Please drop us a note if you would like to mail or hand deliver a donation. Thank you for extending the life of these beautiful things and circulating them! It's good karma. XO
Can I use your photos on my blog, site, etc.?
You are welcome to share or repost my photos if you include a credit: True North or Next of Kin Clothing.
Do you mentor or take interns?
It truly depends on the person.
Press: GoLocal PDX article