This piece is a wearable work-in-progress that has become an informal “textile sketchbook” of my ideas and musings in color. Giving a few hours to it each evening, I feel a deeper and more real connection to the thousands of people who once brought needle and vibrant threads to their favorite denim or heirloom-to-be. When I travel home to visit family, my mother and I sit side by side to work on this together; I love that it carries her stitches beside my own. I believe in the power of textiles and handwork to help people connect, and this piece does exactly that for us. ~Michael Cepress, clothing designer, Michael Cepress Studio, Seattle

As a kid I wore oversized T-shirts, leggings, and – my favorite – a chicken bone in my hair à la Pebbles Flintstone. (Shout-out to my very liberal and badass parents.) As an adult, my wardrobe is mostly the same, but dominated by another childhood favorite: overalls. They have become my uniform: lots of pockets, no waistband, and no bra necessary – the perfect solution for working in my studio. ~Grace Kubilius, fiber artist, Richmond, VA

I love bespoke fashion, especially attire that breathes new life into worn-out apparel. My sassy winter skirt by RedShift Couture is made from repurposed wool sweaters. I asked Kristin Mariani, founder and head designer, to add an irregular satin slip that peeks out a bit at the bottom. Kristin’s raucous design, what I like to call “Celtic bootylicious,” can be worn front or back for two fabulous looks. ~Marci Rae McDade, editor, Surface Design Journal, Portland, OR

There isn’t one item that means something to me; rather, it is the act of dressing well. From an early age, Navajo people are taught that you should rise early and dress to get ready for the day so that the holy beings will take you seriously and give you good blessings. This is partly the reason I dress in a suit almost every day and make sure that my hair is well kept. I believe that dressing well allows me to show respect for myself, the people around me, and what I do. ~Orlando Dugi, clothing designer, Dugi, Santa Fe

In my process, I usually start with a design sketch and then bring it to life with my hands, design tools, and machines. However, my favorite design, the Addy vest, came to me in a dream. ~Tamara Nicole, clothing designer, 4 Tamara Nicole, Chicago