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 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.

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 – 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.

Crochet Love.

Hello everyone! My name is Stevie and today I wanted to share a little bit about how I got into crocheting my own clothing and how charity shopping ties in with that! I’m a huge fan of shopping pre-loved and have been buying from charity shops for years but recently, I’ve got more and more into up-cycling, DIY projects and making my own clothing – crochet being my main craft of choice!

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From Casual To Formal

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You can almost always find a great smart shirt in Barnardo’s, one like this high-neck number. I love a high-neck shirt but whenever I try one on I just don’t seem to be able to pull it off. Although I can’t pull off the high-neck style I still loved the fabric of this shirt and wanted to make it into something I would feel comfortable to wear for all occasions.

With only some scissors, a little thread and a needle you can chill (like I did) in front of the TV (a favourite pastime of mine) and turn a smart shirt into something a little more casual and comfortable for everyday wear.Read More »

Pet Bed Makeover Project

Doesn’t your pet deserve the best? By best, we mean a beautiful bespoke bed created just for them. The lovely Cassie most definitely seems to think so.

After a trip to her local Barnardo’s and armed with a pre-loved wicker bed, some fabric and some amazing up cycling skills, Cassie created this beautiful ice-cream coloured pet haven.

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Fashion DIY: A Man’s Shirt to a Frill Hem Top

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I always think that a man’s shirt is the absolute easiest item to pick up in a charity shop. For a few pounds you can usually find a shirt with a jazzy pattern or colour you love. Being cotton they are also so easy to work with when sewing so that’s why I am always drawn to them when looking to do a little upcycling.

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