BURLINGTON, Vt. -
When they're too small, they're out of style, or they're just not just working for you anymore -- It's time say goodbye.
And when you're donating that favorite sweater that your husband accidentally shrunk, you don't expect to see it again. Especially transformed into a high-end garment.
"Everything -- we make it hand crafted -- lovingly made and one of a kind," said Maggie Pace.
Friends and creators, Maggie Pace and Lisa Lillibridge, are artistically inclined. Maggie excels in knitting -- Lisa in painting. The two have sewn together their talents creating Sift, a Burlington clothing company that takes bargain finds and revamps them into couture clothing.
"it's been hand stitched, hand formed -- everything from scratch," Pace said.
"I've always loved the idea of being able to transform something," said Lisa Lillibridge. "It's not about the savings, It's about doing something out of the ordinary and wearing something special that no one ever will have on."
They duo start with quality goods that cost ten bucks or less -- anything from a pair of gently used shoes from Goodwill, to a clearance rack sweater from a local store.
"A good shape is a good shape, unless it's very 80's. That's something we stay away from," Lillibridge said.
Reporter Gina Bullard: What makes this a good find?
Maggie Pace: The fabric is great. It just misses when you put it on. It feels like a bathrobe.
Pace and Lillibridge both work their magic -- painting, surging, stitching their way to new green, high-end looks.
"We worked with the same esthetic, same whimsy, but in totally different medium," Pace said.
They also do custom work -- even grandma's trench coat that needs a little updating.
"I think Maggie and I are thinking about women like us, who like to dress artistically and wear at least one piece in their day that's kind of unique," Lillibridge said.
"Why start from scratch and buy something new when you can have something old, made new again?" Pace said. "There's something really special about that."
They are special pieces that are re-made in Vermont.
