Tag: Up-cycle

Thrifty Home Office Ideas

barnardosretailLeave a comment

With so many people working and studying from home, we think it’s the perfect time to give your work environment the attention it needs. Whatever your style, there are so many ways to make it creative, productive and most importantly a representation of you.

After a trip to her local Barnardo’s and armed with a selection of homeware goodies and some amazing up cycling skills, Cassie created these beautiful storage solutions. They are perfect for adding a burst of inspirational colour while keeping your workspace neat and tidy.

home-office-upcycling-declutter-charity-shop-revamp-homewares-challenge-16Read More »

Christmas Jumpers – The Thrifty Way!

barnardosretailLeave a comment

Christmas jumpers! Burning question, love or loathe them? As much as we don’t want to admit it, they have become part and parcel of the festive celebrations and are now a seasonal wardrobe staple.

Whether you want to play it safe or channel you inner Mark Darcy with an in-your-face novelty knit, anything goes and generally the more outrageous the better!

Christmas JumperRead More »

My Up-cycling Challenge

barnardosretailLeave a comment

I was asked by Barnardo’s to join in with Recycle Week by up-cycling an item of clothing surprisingly sent to me, I automatically thought, WHAT A FUN CHALLENGE!

As an avid repairs and up-cycling seamstress with my brand, Soul and Flare, I was excited to receive my parcel. I opened up the box and to my delight there was an indigo wash, women’s denim shirt by Uniqlo. HURRAH!

Denim 1 V2Read More »

From Charity Shop Dress to Disco Jumpsuit

barnardosretail2 Comments

When Barnardo’s asked me if I wanted to take part in their upcycling challenge for Recycle Week, I jumped at the chance! I’m very passionate about pre-loved clothes, and even more so, recycling and upcycling them into something new.

I was asked if I wanted to choose my own clothes or be sent a mystery parcel. I opted for the latter. When my parcel arrived  (which including a sweet little sewing kit) the dress inside was something that I would never have chosen myself in a million years (I think this is a good thing… I love a challenge!)

The dress was a pretty smart evening gown from Hamells Wavelength, made of stretch velour with a great glitter detail and a deep v-shaped back. I’d guess it’s not that old, so not my usual vintage style (I love the 60s, 70s and 80s), plus it was a bit big and shapeless on me.

Lucy 3Read More »

5 Minute DIY: Hearts on a T-Shirt

barnardosretailLeave a comment

As it was Valentine’s Day this month, and I like to be fashionably late when it comes to seasonally appropriate blog posts, I thought it was time to share the quickest heart-themed fashion DIY. I love all the slogan t-shirts and tops with appliqués on the high-street at the moment so have started keeping an eye out in charity shops to snap up pre-loved t-shirts so that I can get creative.

IMG_9993-1440x2160Read More »

Pop UP-Cycle Your Clothes With Colour And Cloth

barnardosretail1 Comment

We are on the road across Northern Ireland’s Barnardos stores to show customers how to re-invent, refashion and reduce clothing waste! 

I am a charity shop addict so when Barnardos and I brainstormed these events, I thought… ‘Road trips around Ireland and charity shopping…what’s not to love?!’  I would say 75% of my wardrobe is charity shop finds and re-inventions.  It’s the thrill of the chase.

We will be taking over the window displays in Barnardos stores and setting up our ‘pop-up’ sewing surgery.  Using shop stock and transforming styles before your eyes! From five-minute fashion fixes to learning new sewing skills, there will be plenty of creative ideas to make your fashion finds one of a kind.

Shirt

Drop in and get involved!

Carrick: Friday 28th July 11 am – 3 pm

I will be re-inventing teen to adult clothing at the Carrick store, I can’t wait to go up a few days before and rummage in the store-room and on the shop floor!

Read More »

The Joy of Vintage: How to Buy, Wear and Sell Vintage Clothing

barnardosretailLeave a comment

You may have noticed that I love vintage fashion. I buy it, I wear it, I sew it, I sell it, I write about it.

So, it was only a matter of time before I made a video about it.

Now I’ve gotten over the initial shock of seeing and hearing myself on screen, I’m really excited to share it with you.

I hope you enjoy it, and please let me know what you think in the comments.

Video produced, shot and edited by PixByEdRead More »