Those colorful, oversized hoodies Ashley Battersby rocks at comps and in video edits? They're all handmade by the lady herself. And better yet, Battersby, a Winter X Games slopestyle competitor, is ready and willing to make a hoodie for you, too.
A few years ago, Battersby was without an outerwear sponsor, but she had plenty of ideas all her own. "I had always helped the companies that I rode for with product input, and I was always thinking of colors and designs," she said. "When I learned to sew, it was all I wanted to do. I made up my own pattern as I went."
What started as a hobby and a way to de-stress is now a full-blown business venture. Battersby takes custom orders, then creates individual hoodies from different fabrics (fleece, leather, suede, faux fur, flannel, silk) and recycled materials (sheets, drapes). Pockets, zippers, snaps, and iron-on or screen prints can be incorporated; bright color combinations and zany patterns are standard.
"My take on it is, everyone's got their own style and personality, so they should stand out in their own way," said Battersby, who's a summertime coach at Windells camp in Oregon. "I was so bored of seeing the same hoodie or piece of clothing on all the kids, and I wanted to do something new. Even though my style is a bit over the top, I love the uniqueness and standing out."
[Battersby takes orders from April to November, and when she has time during the competition season. Visit Abomb.bigcartel.com to get yours. Prices start at $55.]
