As we strive for more success, possessions, money, positive experiences or recognition, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters in the world.

Taking time to show care and kindness to others; living simply to nurture our health and wellbeing; valuing quality, integrity and traditions; and respecting the environment which sustains all life.

My material world is being turned on its head this year as I spend each day playing with existing clothing and upcycling it for a second life. And it is wonderful to feel connected with a global and organic movement for change which is the Fashion Revolution.

Eco-fashion pioneer and Fashion Revolution Day co-founder Orsola de Castro says that environmentally and socially, the fashion system isn’t working and needs to change. Be inspired by reading more from Orsola here.

Simple truths are explained in this clever little Fashion Revolution Day video, featuring a six-year-old’s perspective on why clothing is cheap … because people and ecosystems are being exploited. 

I’m having a wardrobe revolution of my own this year, playing with existing clothing by upcycling it into wearable alternatives. I’ve rescued five wardrobes (and more) of cast-offs over the years and now I’m reworking it with scissors and simple home-sewing techniques.

Sew 109 is a stretch viscose skirt that was a top which I turned upside down, cut off the sleeves, cut open the shoulders and zigzagged the raw edges. One sleeve was used to fill in the V-neckline hole. I turned over the waistband to form a casing for elastic. The checked top was fine as it was. I folded a brown silk shirt inside on itself and tied the arms to become a shoulder wrap, which is then secured by a knot created from the left-over sleeve. The images below give you some idea of the play process, and aim to spark your imagination and creative instincts to rework your own wardrobe rejects.