I want to start by saying my nan was the best dressmaker I knew, she was a seamstress by trade but could literally whip up anything we asked for within a few hours. My sindy dolls had matching outfits to me as I played in the garden and in time she made my bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. There was nothing she couldn’t fix or create.
She taught me to sew and knit from an early age and even now I can do the basics, I whipped up curtains in our first house when we had more windows than money and I can hem and do small jobs. However I claim never to have enough time and clothes have got cheaper over the years and we now live in a fast fashion environment.
However, lockdown has encouraged us to be creative once more, whether marbling mugs or baking Easy 3 Ingredient Nutella Twists to keep ourselves busy.
I was surprised to find my 20-year-old finding a creative streak in amongst self-isolation. Chloe is a fitness fanatic as everyone knows, she is often found in the gym or on a hockey pitch and it doesn’t leave time for much else. With the gym shut though she has discovered a few other tricks up her sleeve.
When sorting out her room she came across a pair of jeans that she no longer wears and she has made them useful again by cutting them into shorts. Now she has extended their life and saved herself some money in the process. My nanny would be proud!
Don’t they look fab teamed together with the Life’s a Peach T shirt from Femme Luxe.
The oversized t shirts are fab as can be worn many different ways. Sometimes tucked in and other times knotted for a cheeky twist.
The success of making her jeans into shorts inspired her to see what she could do with the remains of the cut off denim and she is currently working on a bralet which so far is looking fab. To make the Bralet she is simply cutting the material and adding straps that tie up around the back.
I had a little look how else jeans could be repurposed and found these great tutorials.
- Make a weekend bag from a denim trouser
- A kids apron
- A lunch bag
One thing that didn’t need any alterations though was this stunning bodycon dress that Chloe also ordered from Femme Luxe. Chloe should be having end of university celebrations and end of season dances and fun and this would have been ideal, however instead she is at home with us, but I am sure as soon as it is safe to do, she will have this on and be out dancing and drinking with her friends!
