Tag Archives: Steph

Sew 360 – Thanks upcyclers, models

Steph wears upcycledToday I thank the many upcyclers and models I’ve had the opportunity to work with during this Sew it Again year.

Looking back at the 360 photos (to date) taken during the year pinned here on Pinterest is a great reminder of the breadth of both old and young who’ve been involved with the project.

Upcycling appeals across generations and of course was a practise routinely undertaken in earlier times when clothing was valued for the natural resources it represents. People refashioned and reshaped, mended and passed clothes along as hand-me-downs.

We’ve been reclaiming some of that conscious and conservative culture during 2014 – and I thank those who have been part of the journey by engaging in workshops at various locations or at the Textile Beat studio in Brisbane Australia.  Continue reading →

Sew 277 – Dyeing for a refresh

Steph wears upcycled floral maxi dressIt 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.  Continue reading →

Sew 229 – Max models fancy pants

Max wears fancy pantsQuality remains long after price is forgotten. I bought a harlequin cotton Canterbury rugby jumper decades ago and it has stood the test of time, still intact although benched.

Knowing I would see Max this weekend for our family trip to Toowoomba (ref Sew 228) – I decided while watching Hercule Poirot (there are puzzles in both) to refashion the jumper as fancy pants since the first pair (ref Sew 202) went well. Reflecting on the harlequin jumper – made in Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand (home country) – I realise they were probably created as a way to use off-cuts from single-coloured jumpers. The jumper began life with thrifty values, worthy of refashion rather than bin.  Continue reading →