The Iron, the Stitch and the Wardrobe

I have always been of a ‘make-do-and-mend’ mentality when it comes to increasing the longevity of items in my life - clothing or otherwise

I like to rejuvenate items to give them a new lease of life to the point where a de-bobbler is never far from reach...I also like to fix up items both that I already own, and those I am considering buying if needed - particularly when thrifting. We’re not talking rhinestones or glitter (although go there if you wish!) Subtle zsjuz / improvement can make a huge difference to an item.

This is two-fold. If you improve items you already own, you won’t necessarily feel the need to replace or acquire fresh pieces. Secondly, if you do need something new (thrifted or otherwise), being able to improve and ‘make them your own’ personalised and perfects them for you.

My friend, Jade (@jadefox90), puts it perfectly as ‘seeing past what something currently is to what it could be’. That idea really appeals to me when thrifting, where this potential seems magnified. Soft button up shirts can make amazing throw cushions; gaudy ornaments can be spray painted white for a sleek look; dresses with ill-fitting tops can become skirts...The possibilities are endless.

Button up dress with additional poppers added between buttons

I am always mindful that I can swap the buttons on a dress if I love the dress but the buttons have become a bit tired. Equally, I can tighten buttons if they are coming loose so a piece stays sharp, and if a button hole pulls over the bust area I can add a little popper between the button spacing to smooth the area and keep it closed.

The most recent example of a real 'project' purchase I can think of is a men’s suit in a lovely soft and dusty pale pink. Honestly, it fits probably better than anything I’ve ever bought suit-wise in any women’s section - ever. But - and there is a but - the trousers had bulky linings and pockets that spoilt their overall line and shape. Did it put me off this bargainously dreamy thrifted suit? Of course not! I reached for my trusty sewing kit, and a big pair of sharp scissors. Now usually I would never want to deliberately reduce pocket size - but in this suit it was a must. Snipping away the excess material and then sewing up the raw openings was truly satisfying and really improved it's beautiful shape and it's versatility.

Of course, updating items and particularly overhauling one does to some extent depend on your level of skill with a sewing kit / sewing machine. I am beginner to intermediate at best. There are many amazing you-tubers with tutorials on improving items and making them work for your style. Some of my favourites include coolirpa, Kristen Leo, and bestdressed. You can even buy a handheld mini sewing machine on Amazon UK and other websites or shops for less than £15. There are also courses all around the UK who teach people to repair and re-invent garments, and your local library (or indeed charity shop) will no doubt have some good books on the subject for those who prefer to avoid courses or my own trial and error approach (trust me, I do not recommend just ‘having a go’ unless you feel especially brave!)

Sewing is not an essential skill for a thrifter, but it increases your options and allows for more individuality. I love finding appliqué headbands and reusing the patches on the shoulders of jumpers and jackets. The piece becomes a unique and much more interesting statement once it has an injection of your style. If sewing is really not an option for you, no-sew iron on wonder web can be very effective too! I recently re-made a bag handle with some ribbon. I did sew through the bow to ensure it does not come undone, but it certainly wasn't essential to sew it (see below).

DIY ribbon handle. Bag is vintage thrifted

Glue guns are another amazingly useful piece of kit to help update items. If shoes or a handbag need a floral addition, this is probably the easiest way to add it that will stick and stick! Nail varnish is surprisingly handy too. You can touch up scuffs on resin buttons and shoes with it, or paint the edges of fabric flowers and use it to create marble fabrics by swirling it on the surface of water in a tray and then lying the fabric on it before removing and drying. Again, YouTube have some fantastic tutorial videos of this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQAk8Md7Wtk One of my other staple gadgets is a belt punch (which are surprisingly easy to pick up all over, including at Hobby Craft and Home Bargains, amongst others) If you discover the perfect, yet too long, belt whilst thrifting you can simply pop a few extra holes along it for a perfect fit. Once you get thinking about how to improve your finds and your current closet garb, it becomes clear your creativity is limitless! I hope you will try it and experiment with improving your items.

Have you had any successful DIY projects of your own? Feel free to comment below!