This week we launched our Summer Sewing Bee Challenge on our socials and already we’re seeing people across Somerset getting excited to put their sewing skills to the test!
The challenge is to create and transform pre-loved materials into a new summer-themed item – whether that’s delicately embellishing a pair of preloved shorts or adding a pop of colour to an old jacket – the choice is yours!
Upcycling your clothes has many benefits not only for your wardrobe but for the environment too. We spoke to our upcycling queen and Wells Shop Manager Jo, to get her top tips on how you can transform your clothes and why you should get involved in the Summer Sewing Bee Challenge.
What inspired you to start upcycling clothes?
I was first inspired to start upcycling clothes for very selfish reasons – I wanted to have unique garments that no-one else would wear! I was also keen because of the huge amounts of clothing that our charity shops send off for recycling and wondered if there was new life in those items.
My first attempt was made from a whole bunch of ties that we couldn’t sell in our shops. I sewed the ties together by hand and made a tie skirt -it was surprisingly successful, and I have since made tie dungaree dresses, applique skirts and a cape, all from ties.”
Where is the best place to shop if you are thinking of upcycling your clothes?
A great place to start upcycling is by visiting a charity shop like one of St Margaret’s 31 shops. If you make a mistake or your idea doesn’t work, you won’t have spent too much money.
The linen sections of charity shops are a great place to find vintage printed fabrics. I once found a 1950’s curtain and a 1950’s dress pattern and bought the two together, and asked my friend, who is a seamstress, to make me a 1950s style dress and she created something amazing.
This dress has an afterlife because the skirt was damaged, and it’s now been made into 2 tops and decorates a pair of jeans!"
What are your 5 top tips on how to start upcycling your wardrobe?
- If a favourite item of clothing is looking a little tired, find something sparkly to sew on to the collar, or cut out a patch of brilliant printed fabric to sew on as a patch.
- A boring bog-standard shirt can be cropped to modernise it. I hem mine, but it could be left as is, because fraying can look really funky.
- A ribbon sewn round a collar or down the length of a sleeve can completely change a jacket.
- Cut off the right lower leg from 2 pairs of different shade denim jeans and sew each back on to the other pair of jeans.
- Collect jewellery, ribbon, badges, doilies, and lace from a charity shop. Eventually you will find the right piece of clothing to sew it on to.
What are the benefits of upcycling your clothes?
Upcycling prevents clothes ending up in landfill and extends the life of a garment. It gives you a unique look that is sustainably sourced, reasonably priced and gives the individual an outlet for their creativity."
Why would you recommend that someone take part in our Summer Sewing Bee Challenge?
Taking part in the St Margaret’s Sewing Bee might be a way to encourage people to give upcycling a go. Try it, you never know what you might create!
