There are certain clothes, memories and treasure that money can never buy. This look created by Canberra teenager Eske, is one of those – it being the refashion of an old T-shirt (not just any old T-shirt) to create something totally unique.

The blue cotton shirt began life as a uniform worn by those privileged to be part of the Main Press Centre at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. It was well-worn by Eske’s Dad, Tim Gavel OAM – an ABC Sports commentator extraordinaire and community philanthropist. It had a good run in Tim’s wardrobe, until it developed a hole in the back and stains under the arms – as happens with active wear! 

During my recent Canberra visit, I was fortunate to be staying with Tim, his fantastic wife Dr Jennifer Andrews and Eske – one of three Ethiopian children they adopted a decade ago. Eske is studying textiles at school, so it was great to work on this upcycle project with her to give the old T-shirt a second life as a dress – that becomes Sew 269.

Eske first cut off the sleeves and neatened the edge with zigzag stitch, before running the shirt in at the sides (after trying on and pinning to suit her shape). Because the logo is orange, Eske sewed some orange stretch fabric (that she had on hand) to turn the shirt into dress length. She created a heart-shape patch to sew over the hole in the back, then created a few more heart shapes to zigzag onto the sleeve before sewing it to the dress as a front pocket.  The finished styling for the photo includes using the last length of orange as a hair ribbon and a thin white belt. A great result – well done Eske! And thanks for the hospitality Jenny and Tim.