One of the things I most enjoy about the Sew it Again project is working with others to enable a shift in thinking about what we can do with clothing that already exists in the world. This is the ‘greenest’ clothing we have and extending its usefulness is an easy, environmentally conscious and sometimes sentimental action.

My friend Lena came for a workshop yesterday with a trolley full of clothing that had belonged to her mother, who passed away more than a year ago. It was lovely sitting in the winter sunshine with Lena, looking at the garments – their colours, fabrics, design – and history.

This shirt (now Sew 194) was handmade by Lena’s mum, who worked as a tailor in Finland before moving to Brisbane. I discovered this by asking about the neat handmade buttonholes which are testimony of handcraft skills of old. After we removed the shoulder pads, the potential of the heavy-cotton spotted shirt was evident. It makes a great jacket which Lena can wear with pride. It works well with a black pleated skirt which we refashioned, from elastic-band into a wrap-around secured by two buttons. To finish off this outfit, we experimented with belt options. I found a white buckle in my stash, which looks great with the fabric offcut (from elastic waistband) threaded through it. Lena is clearly proud of this upcycle – and Sew 195 which I’ll put up tomorrow – and went home with ‘homework’ to make a blue history skirt that will become Sew 196. Apart from the satisfaction of engaging others in upcycling, that’s another 3 of my 365-day challenge taken care of!