Weekend Thrifting & Upcycling

I'm always looking for new ways to use my fabrics in projects and currently one of my favourite ways is by thrifting and up-cycling. Whether we're at home in Herefordshire or out and about on a day trip, my children and I love to visit charity shops. You never quite know what you're going to discover and sometimes all you need is a little vision and inspiration when you're shopping to come away with some bargains!

When shopping, I don't always go into a shop with an idea in mind, I let the item call to me. This lovely little basket was rescued from a charity shop in Stroud and I instantly knew the perfect fabric design to bring her back to life. This turquoise print from my 'Sky Garden' collection sits prettily against the white of the basket, which, serendipitously, is the perfect size to fit my sewing accessories on my desk!

Often I can use the existing fabric on the item to make a template for a new pattern to sew with. This basket lining was easy to create from the original, however sometimes when things are directly glued or stitched on to the item, it can be a bit tricky to create a template so you have to get creative.

An example of this was a vintage folding knitting caddy from our local St Michaels Hospice charity shop. The fabric of the caddy was held on to the wood through stitches on either side, so I had to cut it off before I could make a pattern. After a little playing and testing, I managed to make my own pattern from the existing fabric, however to reattach it I had to sew it directly on to the frame, which was really awkward. After a lot of fiddly sewing I managed it, and it was definitely worthwhile. Again I used designs from my 'Sky Garden' collection for Lewis and Irene, using two contrasting fabrics.

Thrifting and up-cycling has really taken me down a rabbit hole of new things to sew- the possibilities are endless. I love finding an item with potential and love it even more when the finished piece comes together. Not only am I saving things from landfill and giving them a new life, but I get to use my designs to do it, which makes me extremely happy!