My name is Rebekah Kilpatrick. I am currently a graduate student in the University of North Texas Technical Communication Department.

I currently work as a customer service agent for a major clothing retailer but hope to use my graduate degree to transition into a career as a technical communicator. I have a passion for clear instructions and efficient communication. I hope to bring these skills to my iFixit guides!

My bachelor's degree is in Fashion Design and I have over 15 years of experience with professional sewing and costume making. My primary focus while working with iFixit is going to be clothing repair. Clothing was meant to be worn and used for years, something that has been lost in our consumer-based fast fashion culture. Most repairs are simple and will extend the life of your clothing. Buying used clothes and repairing clothing you already love keeps those pieces out of landfills and reduces pollution caused by garment manufacturing.


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This dress was entered into several recycled fashion shows across Texas and is made mostly of recycled materials. The base is a damaged wedding dress I thrifted with fabric sourced from another damaged red silk dress. The "sequins" covering the dress are thousands of guitar picks that I punched from discarded Starbucks gift cards. Did you know Starbucks sells over 50 million gift cards each year with most only valuing $5? These plastic cards are usually thrown away after one use.



Skills

  • Competency with Microsoft and Google Office suites
  • Accomplished communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent management of time and budget
  • Able to adapt quickly and master new techniques
  • Master of sewing and pattern drafting

Repair Experience

  • I've been altering and repairing my own clothing since I was a child (I had 3 older cousins and lived in their hand-me-down clothes).
  • I've repaired drywall for walls and ceilings (I like to hand things on my walls)
  • I've replaced the spark plugs and head/tail lights in my cars


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This is another recycled dress I made using vintage doilies. The base was deadstock fabric left over from a major fashion label.





Accolades

  • Department Honors Day Award recipient for the UNT Fashion Program (2014)
  • Audience Favorite Award: Red Heart Fashion Show (2013)

Hobbies

  • Yarn crafter (knitting and crocheting)
  • Cosplayer and costume making
  • Watching anime and reading manga
  • Yoga and walking enthusiast