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An ode to the Sorrento Bucket Hat pattern by Elbe Textiles. It's been a staple over the years and the pattern was also a fundraiser for Aussie bush fires at one point. My first make came about from a dog walk around the neighbourhood. Someone left a pile of clothes out on the verge and the bright floral shirt jumped out at me! The next hat was a tribute to my dad. He lived in Levi jeans even in the summer. He was chuffed that I was repurposing his favorite trousers. So far they are an apron, hat and messenger bag. After he passed I made the hat and lined it with my favourite floral jeans that were no longer wearable to remember him.
Lots of thrifted shirts, an apron, napkins, doilies and even a bit of denim jeans were used for this creation. I dyed the table linens and doilies and pieces it all into a dress. I repurposed the apron ties to pull it in around my waist and give it a bit more shape as it felt a bit swamped in fabric! It's my favourite frock! And I love how I get to educate people on upcycling when I wear it :)
My entry to the Oversew Fashion Awards way back in 2015. I actually sewed the tartan skirt from a cotton wool blend fabric when I was 16 in 1992. The leather 80's jacket took a lot of work to clean up and transform. I made the spats from the arms of the jacket. The buttons are a mix of my great grandma's, grannie's and my mum's as a tribute to the strong and creative women that make me who I am.
A recent make to celebrate my works 25 year anniversary of supporting the local community. This is the New Look 6582 pattern. I found the satin dress for $5 at a local opshop. I looked it up and it was on sale for $200 in their Waiapu Rd label shop. It's a NZ Māori artists design. But it was far too small so I upcycled it. The silk georgette sleeves is from a remnant from the Fabric store that I've had in my stash since 2012. #newlook6582
I found this Lelenga Choli, with a Dupatta wrap for $20 from a local Red Cross opshop. It was not in good condition so I fixed the rips and some unravelled embroidery, replaced sequins and upcycled it into a regency style gown for a Bridgerton Four Seasons themed Ball. I was Autumn 🍁 I used the Dupatta for the train and sleeves. The silk gold leaves on the sleeves were from an unfinished thrifted dress. The accessories included a drawstring bag from leftover fabric and I painted a thrifted fan gold to match. I found $15 thrifted red ballet flats, and borrowed a friend's gold gloves so a very cheap formal outfit that rescued something unwearable and transformed trash to treasure. And the Ladies of the Ton were suitably impressed! It may have even gotten a mention by Lady Whistledown :)
