Tag Archives: Stradbroke Island

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 276 – Finding treasure on Straddie

Jane Milburn in upcycled silk muumuuSuddenly we were off to Stradbroke Island and in the rush to catch the Straddie Flyer, I left my hat in the car. Arrive at Dunwich to discover St Marks Thrift Shop open for business – find suitable hat as well as two silk garments and a shell belt.

I’m trying to keep out of op shops because I’ve got too much treasure already, but I couldn’t resist $3.50 silk garments that just need a little mend.

So Sew 276 is a silk muumuu with a side seam mended by hand-sewing a little tear. The belt tie was created by stripping a piece from the hemline and resewing the hem by hand (see photos below).  Continue reading →