There comes a time in every garment’s life when its wearable dash is done and it is one step away from the rubbish bin.

These cushions are made from op-shop found jumpers and jackets that I’ve upcycled to breathe new life into my old wicker veranda couch. The jacket buttons make for easy cushion stuffing, while the jumpers are machine-stitched at one end and tacked or pinned at the other.

I can date the couch back to 1982, purchased new in Horsham, Victoria, when I worked there in my first professional job as a rural reporter with the ABC. While it is a little scary to declare that history – I like the fact that this wicker is still sitting on the verandah doing its job 32 years later. 

It has outlived many cushions in that time, and these upcycled ones lend appropriate character and dignity to its ageing beauty – and perform the job of seat for lacing up boots.