Silk is a beautiful protein fibre made from the toil of silkworms which according to the International Year of Natural Fibres (2009) is known as the queen of fibres in China where most of it is produced.

After all the effort and energy that goes into producing the fibre, it is a shame to see it go to waste. That’s why I always enjoy rescuing reject silk garments in op shops – including a pink/cream silk shift recently bought for $3.

The dress was a bit the worse for wear, with the fibres appearing torn around the arms and neck, perhaps having been put through a harsh washing cycle. Although the washing instruction labels on silk often say dry-clean only, I’ve found hand or gentle-washing to be perfectly OK (sometimes shrinkage may be an issue though).  

The body of the dress was fine, so I just cut it off at the waist and refashioned the intact bottom portion into an elastic-waist skirt by neatening the cut edge then turning it down over a circle of narrow elastic. After neatening the cut edge of the remaining top and removing a torn/stained section, it works as a scarf with the sleeves loosely tied at the shoulders. Silk has such a beautiful drape and feels so lovely to wear.

With a few skills and a small investment of time, this silk garment becomes a thrifty, individual, relaxed outfit as Sew 282 (of 365) when teamed with a cotton tie-dyed top (also op shop found). It is also in-keeping with the simpler living philosophy of reduced consumption and stepping more lightly on the planet – and section 7 of the Earth Charter.