It is amazing to see how a colour wash can revive a slightly dated floral dress for a fabulous second life.

This floral maxi wrap Laura Ashley dress was passed to me for upcycling by my friend Robyn Sheptooha back in February and now makes perfect beachwear for the gorgeous Steph on Stradbroke Island.

It was originally a cream floral that served Robyn well in its heyday, nearly 20 years ago. There was really nothing wrong with it at all except the cream floral looked a bit dated and Robyn’s style had evolved. 

I diluted several big spoons of pink Permaset fabric paint in a bowl of water to turn the cream into a soft pink, which brings fresh life to the floral pattern. Steph was happy with the existing maxi length, so this was an easy refashion that becomes Sew 277.