Comfortable, Colourful, Cowboy! Upcycled Style With Arizona-Based Francisco Diaz

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Francisco Diaz (@CiscoSews) is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and sewist with a focus on upcycling. Through their style posts and eponymous clothing brand, Cisco’s work plays with notions of gender in clothing. In this excerpt from Sew&Tell Issue 3, our digital magazine about sewing with style, sustainability and substance, we ask the burning questions that inquiring minds want answered!

images COURTESY OF FRANCISCO DIAZ

How did you learn to sew?

I am self-taught; I learned mostly by trying to recreate clothing I saw online and a lot of YouTube tutorials. I’m still learning a lot and would really love to take some classes to expand my skills in the future.

Do you remember the first garment you made?

I don’t know if it was the first garment, but I remember making a matching shirt and short set from black double gauze. It lasted one wear until the shirt fell apart at the collar. I’m still really bad at collars but they last a little longer now.

What’s the make you’re most proud of?

I got to display an upcycled dress in an art exhibition last year! I finished it in two nights for the show, left it there at the venue and have not seen it since.

Do you have a favourite tried-and-true pattern?

I’ve made so many different versions of the Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Company! It’s a really easy pattern to follow and easy to manipulate.

What about a favourite fabric?

I love working with thrifted button-ups the most. The fabric is usually great quality with plenty of pattern options to upcycle it with.

How would you describe your style in three words?

Comfortable, colourful, cowboy!

QUICK FIRE, GO!

Knit or woven?

Woven.

Zips or buttons?

Thrifted and vintage buttons!

Pants or skirts?

Skirts! I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to skirt outfits I need to recreate.

Patterns or drafting?

Simple patterns with unique textiles.

Indies or the Big Four?

Both!

Social media or IRL?

IRL shopping; social media for idea sharing.

Podcasts or music?

Reality TV!

This article originally appeared in Issue 3 of Sew&Tell. Click here to get your hands on our lovely Sew&Tell digital magazines.