Suddenly we were off to Stradbroke Island and in the rush to catch the Straddie Flyer, I left my hat in the car. Arrive at Dunwich to discover St Marks Thrift Shop open for business – find suitable hat as well as two silk garments and a shell belt.

I’m trying to keep out of op shops because I’ve got too much treasure already, but I couldn’t resist $3.50 silk garments that just need a little mend.

So Sew 276 is a silk muumuu with a side seam mended by hand-sewing a little tear. The belt tie was created by stripping a piece from the hemline and resewing the hem by hand (see photos below). 

Stradbroke Island is a fabulous unpretentious natural treasure in Moreton Bay and the highlights of our short stay were sailing with son Max in his dinghy on Flinders Beach, sleeping under the stars and meeting new friends.