Recycling Week – Day 6

Don’t throw your pre-loved clothes away, recycle them into something equally as stunning, just like the talented Hudi @thethriftythinker has done here.

‘If you want to give it a go – I’d recommend focusing on colour and pattern, rather than the shape of the garment, and think about what could actually fit into your wardrobe, and match the clothes you already own, because this can help narrow it down.

‘I scrolled through Instagram a bit for inspiration, looking for similar materials/patterns to the items I had found in Barnardo’s. I also looked for interesting details that I could add in that would not only add some fun twists, but would also use up more material to avoid wasting excess material. Adding in ribbon ties or statement sleeves is a great way to use up material.

‘Upcycling and recycling is really important to me – not only is it a great way to extend the lifecycle of a garment, and keep it out of landfill, but it’s also a really creative outlet and a fun way to reconsider clothing and partake in trends without buying new.’

Recycling Week – Day 5

Next to take on our recycling week challenge is master up-cycler, sustainable and transition tutorial genies, @isitdanidawks. Dani believes in bringing awareness to sustainable living through upcycling, thrifting and eco reviews and we couldn’t agree more. Check out how she transforms this cute dress into something even more spectacular.

“So Barnardo’s reached out to me to ask me if I wanted to create and upcycle in aid of Recycling Week! Of course, I said yes! I found this lovely Zara dress and although the dress is cute as is I knew it needed some EXTRA JUICE.

With only an hour to spare before I had to set off to host an Army Upcycle workshop with @goinspire.wimbledon in aid of Sustainable Fashion Week I created this two piece set with a little cute bag to match.

I loved the detail of the open back and decided to keep that on the skirt back and as I love an open back, I created this on the back of my top!

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨?”

Recycling Week – Day 4

Recycling week is in full swing, and we still have some amazing challenges to share with you. Are you as obsessed with Hannah Elliman upcycles as we are? Check out another amazing creation below.

“There can be many scraps of fabric leftover after sewing projects so for this Recycling Week I wanted to use all those scraps.

Scrunchies are quick to sew and sewing machines are not required. They are easy to make using any kind of material so are perfect for using up fabric from a bag of random scraps, a cut-off hem or any charity shop items where you just love the fabric ✂️”

This scrunchie is a super easy project to create at home using left over fabric. Why not get crafty and create your own, be sure to tag us.

Recycling Week – Day 2

It’s day 2 of Recycling week. We challenged the talented @eat.sleep.salvage.repaet to take part in our upcycling challenge and she did not disappoint. Check out her easy tutorial on how to create a 90’s dream halter neck.

“I purchased this shirt in Barnardo’s for £2. I’ve been wanting to make a drawstring halter neck for a while and thought this shirt would work perfectly. I looked at similar style tops online and also used an old halter neck to draft the pattern. It only took me a few hours to complete and it’s a great addition to my wardrobe”

Check out the step-by-step tutorial over on our Instagram. Feeling inspired? Why not get creative and share your up-cycles with us because loved clothes last.

Recycling Week 2022 – Revival London

Recycling Week 2022 is finally here. All this week, we are super excited to share a series of up-cycling challenges with you so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Up first is mega babe Thrift Queen Lola, a sustainable style blogger, serial up-cycler, fashion re-designer and founder of Revival. Her combined interest in fashion and the environment led to the birth of Revival back in 2016. They repurpose textile waste and describe themselves as a slow fashion brand who create limited edition contemporary pieces using reclaimed textiles which were originally destined for landfill.

Their aim – to purpose a new way of thinking about clothes, opening our eyes to the potential to unworn or unwanted clothes. The re-worked denim pieces are bang on trend and we are obsessed. Head over to Revival and give them a follow – slow fashion has never looked so good.

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Earth Day 2022 Q&A

Earth Day 2022 is here and the perfect time to act, innovate and implement changes. This year’s theme is “invest in our planet” and we wanted to take this time to share what we are doing here at Barnardo’s to look after our lovely planet. We are so excited to introduce our Sustainability Manager, Abi, to explain a little further about the work we are doing. Over to Abi!

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Repair Week – Old Shirt to Bucket Hat

Charity shopping and upcycling Queen, Hannah Elliman is the last in our series for Repair Week 2022, but boy is it a good one. Check out the below easy, how-to video and see Hannah transform some old shirts in a bucket hat. Yes you heard right, a bucket hat. The perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

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Repair Week – Old Socks to Hand Warmers

It’s day 2 of London Recycles, Repair Week and do we have a treat for you. Today the super creative Handmade By Holly has the perfect up-cycle idea for old socks. Yes, you heard right, old socks. Check out the video below and the easy 5 step guide. What are you waiting for? It’s time to get creative!

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Repair Week – How To Hem Trousers

It’s London Recycles Repair Week and we are so excited to be part of it. We are delighted to have teamed up with some of our amazing Instagram followers. We will be sharing exclusive content curated with them, think easy repairs, on-trend up-cycling ideas and more.

First up is slow-fashionista, Thrifty Work with a short video on how to hem. The perfect skill to transform your favourite pair of trousers. Be sure to follow the blog and our Instagram this week so see what else has been created! For more information on Repair Week head over to London Recycles and get involved.