Victoria and the Machine

I never thought that there would be a moment in my life where I expressed significant gratitude and appreciation for my steel scissors. What once was perceived as just another helpful object, when it isn’t always missing, has become a great tool in my life, one that allows me to explore and shape shift pieces of fabric.

I would also like to share my gratitude for Value Village. It's the place where I found my passion and allows me to continue with it till this day.

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When I was young, I used to create skits in my head, attach it with some uncoordinated choreography and make a performance out of it for my one and only audience- my family. These skits usually resulted in my family hysterically laughing and crying (quite prematurely in my opinion) but ultimately their response to my performance reinforced a new-found idea which led me to believe that when I grow up, I would be an actress. Inevitably after, the thought of moving to Los Angeles came too. This dream of mine was rather fleeting and when I was actively in school, my path shifted from wanting to be a marine biologist (I am extremely afraid of fish and most aquatic species so I am still perplexed to this day) to a veterinarian. The idea of becoming a veterinarian perpetuated me enough to explore my post secondary studies in animal biology. Throughout the duration of my studies, I always had this inner doubt questioning whether this path was right for me. When I look back to that part of my life I realized that I was quite unhappy and only propelled myself through it because I was scared of the opposing scenario- choosing to leave. One of the reasons behind my fear was the potential feelings that would welcome me on the other side of my decision- confusion and feeling lost. I realized I was trying very hard to convince myself into believing that this is what I should be doing when truthfully what I really wanted to do was explore something that engaged with my creative side (Something I was discovering more and more throughout). I battled with this inner dialogue for 3 years until I finally made the decision to leave- this was a choice I will always be thankful for.

The whole reason why I brought up my background above was to emphasize how humans are always in a constant state of flux. Especially during our early years when we are exploring the world and developing a relationship with it. During my time in school, I always felt like my right brain was significantly active even though I always needed to engage with my left because of the sciences. It was almost as if the activity of my right brain was like an alarm radiating immense energy that carried a message with it which served as two things:

1) A warning- when I was engaging in things I never truly enjoyed

2) A positive reinforcer- when I was engaging in things that were harmonious with my true nature.

I first felt this strong uplifting creative energy when I was around clothes. During my adolescent years, I was always fascinated by vintage fashion and second hand clothes in particular. I really appreciated the idea of wearing a piece that not only was one of a kind, but knowing that I'm providing it with a new life and purpose. I realized that clothes served as a creative vessel for me to express myself. Which brings me to my appreciation for places like Value Village and many other small local thrift stores that I've encountered throughout my years. I cannot begin to describe the excitement I experience when I walk into a second-hand store. When I visited these stores I started to envision clothes differently. For instance, I would see certain blouses and shirts and my imagination would go crazy with visions of how these garments could be transformed and up-cycled. But during that time, I knew nothing about sewing and was still perplexed yet intrigued how clothing was even put together. Eventually my family recognized and heard my up-cycling ideas and gave me my first ever sewing machine back in December of 2020. Little did I know how significant of an impact this gift had on my life.

Immediately after, I started educating myself utilizing the beauty of youtube watching multiple sewing tutorials and education videos to begin my process of sewing and re-working clothes. My journey started with simply learning the basics of hemming to re-constructing vintage jeans, all the way to creating blouses, shirts, dresses and my ultimate favourite-designing and creating my own PUFF SLEEVES! I was extremely proud and grateful of where I am today with my own sewing and creating journey. But it didn’t stop there. In the beginning I was only sewing and re-working clothes for myself, but I had this inner desire to share my creations with others. This eventually led me to creating my very own online vintage shop where I up-cycle vintage clothes and make my own garments from fabric that I almost entirely purchase second-hand. Second-hand stores really provide me with accessible means to purchase fabric. When I visit second-hand stores to source my fabric, I really have no idea what patterns and materials I am going to come across and that is the beauty of it-it encourages me to stretch my creativity while allowing me to re-imagine clothing in a unique way. It also allows me to see how working with less is actually more.

Sewing and reworking clothes has become my biggest passion in life. It allows me to honour the energy that has been screaming at me since time. It also connects me more with myself and my true being allowing me to manifest the creative visions I have been having for so long as well. Till this day I never would have imagined to be in the position that I am. I still remember vividly sitting in a university lecture possessing such a different state of mind compared to now. If I were to go back in time and ask my old-self if they would see themselves doing what I do today, I feel as though my old self couldn’t imagine it and instead become quite scared and intimidated to even take the initiative to explore this path. But, that is the part where I truly appreciate the flux of life. If it were not for these other paths, I would never be in this place experiencing all that is right now.

As a last note, I wanted to share how extremely honoured I am to be able to share this passion with others. And, to whoever is reading this, I thank you for your time and I hope that this writing piece may inspire you to listen to what your inner spirit is telling you. I believe your inner guidance is always propelling you to the right path, you just have to take a moment to listen to it.

Victoria Dhennin,

Owner of Earth + Moon Vintage, @earthandmoonvtg