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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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It’s no secret that thrifting has seen a surge in popularity, especially among Generation Zers who are keen to prioritize sustainability over fast fashion. Indeed, there’s over 2.8 million TikTok posts with the tag, #thrifting, as social media users want to see the hauls of second-hand pieces shoppers managed to find.
But for Kelsey Reese, 28, buying from the thrift store is only just the beginning.
While other people might search for garments that match their style, Reese has a very different approach. Instead of scouring the clothes rails, she prefers to browse the blankets, knowing they could make the perfect canvas to upcycle into an ensemble.
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Reese, of Lexington, Kentucky, told Newsweek that her “childhood dream” was to be a fashion designer. In 2020, she finally got her very own sewing machine, and she instantly fell in love with the creativity it gave her. That inspired her to alter or enhance pieces she found in the thrift store and give them a new lease of life.
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“I rarely go into the thrift store looking for specific things unless I’m putting out a small collection of the same design,” Reese said. “I walk around, look at everything, and have to let ideas to come to me since I never quite know what I’m going to find.
She continued: “I did my first blanket project in 2021, it was a floral blanket that I had thrifted for $1.99, and I thought it could make a cool Penny Lane style coat.”
Reese shared a video on TikTok (@reese.cycled) showing how she turned the red floral blanket into a jacket.
Since then, she’s turned countless second-hand blankets into an array of outfits, including stylish mini dresses and matching top and skirts. If she’s replicating a design she’s done in the past, Reese said she can “knock out a piece in a few hours” now because she’s upcycled so many blankets.
Although, regardless of her experience, it’s not without its problems.
Reese said: “Blankets can be a pain to work with sometimes. The material is thick, so sometimes sewing through those layers can be a challenge. I also struggle because there’s such a limited amount of fabric to work with. If I make one mistake white cutting or measuring, I risk ruining the entire project. There are also several designs that are very limited as far as sizing due to the amount of material they take.”
Like many other thrifters, Reese loves sharing her finds on social media. She regularly posts videos showing how she transformed old, unwanted blankets into trendy new designs.
The most time-consuming element has become sourcing the materials, as Reese now collects blankets year-round. She regularly browses thrift stores, yard sales, and marketplace to find what she’s after.
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“I love the mini dresses I’ve made, and I think the Hail Mary dress may be my favorite because the woven graphic is so different than what you’d expect to see on a dress. The juxtaposition of the silhouette and the fabric really scratches an itch in my brain. My dad and grandpa were both football coaches growing up, too, so there’s a hint of nostalgia in it,” Reese told Newsweek.
Once she’s completed a design, Reese sells the upcycled blankets on her website from anywhere between $120 and $320. However, her most expensive dress was sold at an auction for $300 in 2024.
Since she started documenting her talents on social media, Reese has been blown away by the online response. People love seeing how she transforms "stinky thrift store blankets" into a modern ensemble—but of course, her style isn’t to everyone’s liking.
“I do get the occasional negative remark, but that comes with the territory,” she said. “The designs themselves are not for everyone. Anything that’s different is going to be met with some degree of criticism, and social media can be brutal. I feel very lucky that I think I have a truly kind, uplifting, and supportive online community.
“Beyond just liking the pieces, I think people enjoy the content. It’s refreshing to see people making things, not just content. I also try to approach my content with a lot of humor and personality,” Reese continued.
As many of her TikTok videos have gone viral, hundreds of social media users have taken to the comments to praise Reese’s talents.
One comment reads: “Your talent is unmatched.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “GIRL. These are unbelievable.”
While another person replied: “Inspiring me to get my sewing machine back out of the closet.”
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