About 23 bins
Our Unique Journey
23 bins was built on the belief that beauty can be found in what others leave behind. What began as a creative exploration of discarded materials has grown into a full-service design and tailoring studio focused on craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality.
Each piece in the REscued Collection starts with a process - sourcing garments and textiles that have been cast aside, carefully cleaning and restoring them, and reworking them into something entirely new. No two pieces are ever the same, and that uniqueness is intentional.
Alongside the REscued Collection, 23 bins also specializes in alterations and tailoring for everyday, professional, formal wear, and bridal, as well as custom garments for the saddle seat community and instruction out of the 23 bins WRKRM. The 23 bins WRKRM offers classes, workshops, special events, and hands-on instruction.
The goal is simple: to create clothing that feels personal, purposeful, and built to last.
Meet the Founder
Cara Buono
Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, I was inspired by my parents, who made much of
our family's clothing by hand. What began as a practical necessity became a
lifelong passion when I took my first sewing class at age 12 and discovered the joy of
creating garments that were entirely my own. I am a follower of Christ, and my faith is
the foundation from which I draw purpose, inspiration, and direction. Sewing has been
a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it has always been a creative outlet that
allows me to express both craftsmanship and passion. Through my work, I strive to create
with excellence, integrity, and gratitude for the gifts God has given me.
By age 15, I was working in a local alteration shop, beginning a journey that would lead me through garment construction, patternmaking, textile design, costume creation, teaching, and entrepreneurship. I earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Textile and Apparel Design from Northern Illinois University, where I expanded my knowledge of weaving, dyeing, and textile artistry.
Throughout my career, I've worked as a patternmaker, costume designer, educator, and master seamstress. I have designed costumes for Chicago-area theaters and have served as Costume Supervisor for a professional dance company. I taught at The Illinois Institute of Art and The International Academy of Art and Design, Chicago and am currently a faculty member at Fine Line Creative Art Center in St. Charles, Il. Instructing and supporting students, helping them develop their own creative voices through fashion and textile education is a passion of mine.
Today, I work from my home studio in St. Charles, Illinois, where I create custom garments, provide tailoring and alterations, teach workshops, and design The REscued collection under the 23 bins label. The name "23 bins" comes from the many bins of fabric, textiles, and materials that fill my studio - each one holding possibilities for something new.
Whether through a custom garment, a carefully tailored piece, or a classroom experience, my goal is always the same: to create, teach, and inspire, with integrity, through thoughtful craftsmanship.
