When one of your sober besties calls and says, “Let’s make purses with a sustainable fashion designer I found thrifting,” you say yes—and you grab your favorite oversized shades and get ready for an adventure.
Earlier this year, I spent a fabulous four hours in Seattle’s Pioneer Square with Kate Vitela, fellow Sober Curator contributor and one of the voices behind our Walk Your Talk sober fashion column. Kate discovered the one and only Dan McLean after hiring her for a personalized thrift shopping experience—and ended up with several jaw-droppingly cool custom pieces. So when she told me about Dan’s no-sew purse-making workshop, I knew we were in for something special.
The class was $150 (plus a well-deserved tip) and included everything we needed: recycled fabrics, hardware, tools, grommets, and step-by-step guidance from Dan herself. There were eight of us in the class, and everyone walked out with a totally unique, wearable piece of sustainable art.
My purse was made from soft gray suede rescued from a furniture company and a handle salvaged from a secondhand bag at the Seattle Goodwill. It’s edgy, functional, and full of personality—kind of like the perfect sober accessory, honestly. And the whole experience? Zero stress. Just laughs, creativity, and good company in one of the coolest studios I’ve ever stepped into.
Dan’s Pioneer Square studio has serious “gritty chic” energy. Think: bold sketches on the walls, vintage sewing machines, piles of rescued textiles, and an atmosphere that screams make something bold and don’t apologize for it.
If you haven’t heard of Dan McLean yet, allow me to introduce you to your new fashion crush. Since graduating from Seattle Central College’s apparel design program in 2019, Dan has dressed icons like Megan Rapinoe and Ezi Magbegor, been named Seattle Magazine’s Most Influential Person in Fashion (2024), and become a force for sustainability in the fashion world.
She’s best known for her upcycled “bootleg” pieces—what she calls “fan art.” These aren’t knock-offs; they’re reimaginings. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, built from vintage or thrifted fabric, and dripping with personality.
And beyond her art, Dan is rooted in Seattle. While some designers pack up for NYC or LA, Dan is doubling down on the Emerald City. With four sold-out runway shows and a feature at Bumbershoot 2023, she’s rallying a community of creatives and carving out space for Seattle on the global fashion map. She recently produced a runway show at the spring 2025 SAM Remix party, and you can peep out my IG Reel of the show HERE.
“Seattle is going to be a big place for sustainable fashion,” McLean says. “We don’t even second-guess being sustainable—it’s just the way we are.”
If that wasn’t cool enough, she also offers personal thrift shopping adventures—just ask Kate, who went on one and now has exclusive Dan McLean designs in her closet. (Note to self: book that experience next.)
Dan is currently offering two sewing courses through her website, and I highly recommend grabbing a spot. Whether you’re a crafting novice or a fashion-forward thrifter, you’ll leave feeling more connected to your creative side.
???? Check out her current classes and creations here
If you’re looking for a design project that feels equal parts chic and sustainable, Dan McLean’s no-sew purse workshop is a total vibe. Come for the purse, stay for the community—and leave with a reminder that sober living can be bold, stylish, and full of creativity.
Sober Curator Behind the Sober Scenes: You can check out my IG Reel of the No-Sew class with Dan Mclean HERE.
Looking for more fashion-forward sober adventures?
Follow The Sober Curator and check out our Walk Your Talk column for inspo that proves you don’t need booze to look or feel fabulous. ????
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WALK YOUR TALK: SOBRIETY IS ALWAYS IN STYLE.
✨ Fashion-Forward. Fearlessly Sober. Unapologetically Chic. ✨
Welcome to Walk Your Talk, the go-to destination for fashionable sober living. For those redefining what it means to live boldly and vibrantly alcohol-free, we’re here to prove that sobriety is more than a lifestyle—it’s the ultimate statement piece.
From stunning runway-ready ensembles to effortlessly everyday glam, Walk Your Talk is where sober fashionistas come to celebrate confidence and clarity. Gone are the days of pre-funks and party drinks; we’re dismantling outdated stereotypes, one stunning outfit at a time.
???? Because the best thing you can wear is clarity, confidence, and a killer sense of style.
More than just a fashion hub, Walk Your Talk features curated finds in our #ADDTOCART section, spotlights sobriety-focused small businesses, and showcases unique merchandise to make your sober journey unapologetically chic. We are also proud partners of the Break Free Foundation, sharing the brilliance of sobriety on the runway during New York Fashion Week and beyond.
Join the movement that affirms you can live fearlessly, dress confidently, and thrive fabulously alcohol-free.
CURATED CRAFTS: You got sober; what will you do to keep your hands busy? And no, you don’t have to take up knitting. Although if you enjoy it, get your knit on, homie!
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. You may be the next Sober Picasso, or you may be the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creatively creating something with your hands and expanding your mind. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.
Are you addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting is not your jam, but you may love to read. Head to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.
SOBER IN SEATTLE: Get ready to dive into Seattle’s sober scene—where zero-proof and sober-curious vibes are as iconic as our city’s Space Needle! We’re your go-to guide for all the coolest spots to enjoy elevated, alcohol-free experiences. Picture this: vibrant venues where unforgettable moments happen, from chic NA bottle shops to electrifying recovery game nights with the Seahawks or Mariners. Our community is shaking up social norms and turning wellness-focused lifestyles into a new trend.
Whether you’re a Seattle native, just passing through, or somewhere in between, everyone’s welcome to raise their glass—without the booze. Discover why Seattle’s sober scene is as refreshing as a sunrise over the Puget Sound. Trust us, you’re in for an amazing time!
Got an event, product, restaurant, experience, or story rooted in the Emerald City? We’re all ears! Drop us a line at thesobercurator@gmail.com or slide into our DMs on social media.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
