Hello, my name is Janelle and I'm the designer and seamstress behind the Little Ocean label. I live in a big old house in Milwaukee, WI with my husband Matthew and my kiddos; Solomon (18 months), Makai (3), Mara (7), and step-son Elijah (10). Our home is filled to the brim with music, art, books, dirty socks, remodeling projects, and giggles. My husband and I both run our own businesses, so we're always very busy, but never too busy to go on bike rides, visit museums and galleries, go on adventures, and do creative projects with our kids.
The Label
Ever since I made my first purse on my mother's sewing machine 20 years ago, I've experimented with textiles almost continuously. Clothing design is a natural fusion of my interest in self-adornment and my need to create as an artist.
In 2001 I began selling my handmade clothing and accessories. Today I produce a line of handmade jewelry and women's and children's clothing under the label Little Ocean. Each collection is almost entirely made from vintage and reclaimed materials. From the very beginning I've been using vintage fabrics to create my line. What started as a fun and cheap option for sourcing materials has evolved into a statement on consumption and individuality. Today, sustainability is the cornerstone of my business. I scour estate sales, thrift stores, and rummage sales to find high quality and rare vintage materials for each collection. I use everything from vintage yardage, to tablecloths, to sheets and curtains. Because everything is made from special fabrics, it's all limited edition and made-to-order. I also include a lot of surface design into my work. Various dying, printing, and embroidering techniques make their way into my work as I learn them.
Quality and durability is another facet to my commitment to sustainability. I have a lot of pride in my work, and take my time when designing and creating each piece. A lot of care and attention goes into making each garment something that will last, fit well, and look unique.
The current collection is available in my own shop.
I also have an Etsy shop where I list some pieces from the current collection as well as past samples, on-of-a-kind items, and clearance items.
Brick and Mortar Shops;
8 Limbs in Los Angeles, CA
Renegade Handmade in Chicago, IL
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