Summer storms and Christmas drinks – it is that time of year in Australia. And how exciting to be posting Sew 345, which means only 20 upcycles to go before the Sew it Again year is complete!

I’ve learned so much by experimenting with creative restyling, reshaping and repurposing of existing clothing. Certainly it takes a little time and a few skills, but really it is not hard to breathe new life into clothes made from beautiful natural fibres by making simple changes.

Despite sewing most days, I don’t really think my sewing skills have improved that much. Perhaps it comes from working with existing clothes and random shapes – I don’t have any great expectation for neatness and perfection, being more interested in comfort and originality. 

This upcycle is a top refashioned from a wrap-around dress (see photos below) which came to me from my friend Robyn earlier in the year. I cut off the skirt and sewed the front together, with the green ties forming a bow at the front. To create the armholes, I unpicked the top portion of the side seams and neatened the edges with zigzag stitch. The end product is cool, loose and comfortable – and works well over a straight cotton lycra skirt which I made a while back. Great to share Christmas cheer with Robyn and her family and friends at beautiful Dadirri House.