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I carried out an upcycling project in a community, where I was responsible for designing and sewing all the tote bags using discarded jeans that would otherwise have been thrown away. I aimed to make the most of each piece: the legs were used for the main body of the bags, while fabric scraps, waistbands, and hems were transformed into handles and other details. I also provided trims, such as buttons, that would otherwise have been discarded, so that the tote bags could later be customized by the community, allowing each person to create their own unique identity for the bag. Through this project, I aimed to show that materials considered useless can be transformed into new and functional products. Beyond the environmental impact, the project presented upcycling as an opportunity to develop creative skills and generate extra income through the production and sale of these pieces.
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 :)
“Ethnic Futuristic Warrior” is the theme behind this one of a kind piece, blending rugged, deconstructed denim with Indonesian cultural heritage. Pre-loved jeans are dismantled, reconstructed through patchwork, and enhanced with Sashiko stitching. The armor like silhouette features hand drawn batik applied directly onto denim, showcasing bold Papua motif. Utility details, layered panels, and raw denim textures create a futuristic warrior aesthetic while giving discarded materials a new life as functional wearable art.
This is what Old Jeans can offer: a unique designer garment that is both priceless and timeless. It’s a sustainable yet fashionable piece. The black and gray color scheme beautifully balances the faded areas, transforming the wear of the jeans into art. Meticulously stitched, it's crafted with precision, as if the life of the garment truly depends on it. Would you wear something like this? If so, do you have old jeans that you would love to transform into art?
A dress, a purse and a funny little combi of top and shorts... Their colors matched so perfect, i just had to combine them. I used the original neckline inc zip of the dress and used the fabric and its strap to embellish it, and sewed some shiny little stars on it. I had some matching applique to match as well . A wide skirt is perfect to give a pair of pants some swing. 70's for ever 🪡🏵️