Meet Kneelen Buotte | Sustainable Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kneelen Buotte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kneelen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always known I wanted to go into the fashion industry, but the older I got and the more jobs that I worked, the more I realized I wanted to be my own boss. I love being able to come up with an idea and see it through to the final product and only have to answer to myself. I have such a passion for sustainability I really wanted to have a business that centers around that, but can educate others as well. I host classes and post tutorials on how to mend your old clothes, dye with plant matter, upcycle previously loved clothing to something new and unique, how to embroider, etc. I wanted a business that was more than just clothing, but a learning source and a way to bring the community together as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about sustainability and inclusivity. I want everyone to feel beautiful and unique, but I also want to educate people about sustainability within the fashion world and how to consciously grow your wardrobe. I incorporate a lot of upcycled and natural materials into my work. I dye fabric with plants, use plant based materials (such as hemp bamboo cotton, wool, etc.), create patch fabric out of fabric scraps, utilize various materials in a different way than they were intended (repurposing shower curtains, futon covers, curtain, table cloths, etc). What makes me the most excited is dyeing with various plants and never really knowing what the outcome will look like. Whether it be eco printing or piece dyeing, it’s always something new. It’s so fun finding out what color something will dye. There are the obvious ones like turmeric and dandelions creating yellow dye, but then there’s the unique ones like avocado pits create a blush pink dye.

It took a long time to get to where I am today professionally, and it definitely hasn’t been easy. I’m still not where I want to be but I am closer than I was even a year ago. I created Your Local Fairy Godmother back in 2019, but I have been sewing since I was about 6. At first, I really only created items for my friends, but they encouraged me to branch out and try to reach a wider audience. Which, eventually turned into Your Local Fairy Godmother. The biggest challenge has been pushing myself to continue when it doesn’t seem like my dream will become a reality. But luckily, I have a great support system that always inspire me to keep creating. I’ve learned that I only need to answer to and stay true to myself and the rest will fall into place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is actually perfect because my best friend from High School is visiting next month so this has been on my mind a lot. First, I’m an outdoorsy gal and I love music, food and art. So, what better place than the Mishawaka? Whether it be for a concert, art market or just lunch it’s the best place. There’s also a ton of beautiful hiking trails in that area. Since I live in Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is also a must. Its beautiful to just walk around, sit and take in the scenery, swim, or find some hiking trails. I also love biking and Fort Collins is known for their insane network of bike trails, you can basically get anywhere in town via the trail system. One of my favorite spots is actually right off the trail, the Lyric Cinema. It is such a hub of art and community. They play a lot of artsy films, put on concerts, outdoor screenings of movies, art markets, and so much more. As far as food, go to spot is Cafe de Bangkok. They hands down have the best thai food in town, I go there way too much it’s fully addicting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandmother is the one that originally taught me how to sew. She would make me and my siblings and cousins clothing throughout our childhood. However, she didn’t just stop at sewing. She also would knit/crochet sweaters and afghans, and made each of us quilts throughout the years. She was also an amazing cake decorator. She was crafty all around, which is definitely where I get that from. My mom is also an incredibly crafty woman. She is big into DIY and truly has an eye for it. Growing up surrounded by such strong and creative women definitely rubbed off on me. It was engrained in me from a young age that if you want something done, go and get it done yourself.

Website: www.yourlocalfairygodmother.com

Instagram: @YourLocalFairyGodmother