Sometimes we invest a lot of fabric, effort and energy in handcraft only to find we don’t particularly enjoy the end result. This is off-putting and something to guard against if we are to continue to invest time in creative work. I don’t know what the answer is, except to say that handcrafted items can be upcycled.

Gwen had made a lovely quilted vest some time ago but wasn’t wearing it because she didn’t like its shape.  It is rare that I suggest unpicking anything, but in this case I could envisage the front panels becoming character-filled deep pockets, so I suggested Gwen unpick the side-seams of her vest and resew the lining to create two stand-alone pockets from the front panels.

In her wardrobe, Gwen already had this simple maroon cotton top and skirt which proved to be a perfect background to showcase her quilting. We positioned the pockets – using the ironing board to help align them evenly – and Gwen pinned and top-stitched them in place. She still has the back of the vest to use for another upcycle another day.

This is the last of the creations from our Biloela refashion workshop. I did so enjoy the experience of working with women of threads and hope we can do it again in future.