Category: Make

Upcycling, craft and creativity

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DIY

Seven outfits to make for the return of going out

Fast fashion sales are booming ahead of the long-awaited reopening of clubs and bars in the UK this July. Both Zara’s parent company and Boohoo have reported massive demand for clubbing outfits this May and June – blaming it on “post-lockdown shopping sprees”. With combined sales of over a billion, that’s a lot of new polyester.

But what if we told you you can keep up with this year’s fashion trends, without splashing out on all-new outfits? That’s right, it’s time to break out the scissors and sewing kit and get creative. Thanks to Boris, you’ve even got an extra month to get your sartorial Blue Peter on.

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DIY Make News

Knitters welcome DIY Schitt’s Creek merch

One of the most outstanding things about the award-winning Canadian comedy show Schitt’s Creek? The wardrobes of the Rose family. From Moira’s eccentric wigs, to Johnny’s suits and David’s sweaters to Alexis’ bohemian-inspired outfits. It is not new for viewers to take inspiration for their wardrobes from their favourite TV characters, but now, rather than opting for a pre-made collection for high prices, you can just craft your own. 

ITV Studios is hopping on the DIY train with Schitt’s Creek crafts merchandise. They partnered up with US fifth generation family-owned business The Lion Brand Yarn Co. For this collab they’ll launch yarns and patterns which will be available by the end of this year, with retail prices starting at $9.99 (£7.16).  

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DIY Make News

Great British Sewing Bee winner hopes to inspire Gen Z

Pic: PA Media, BBC/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon

Serena Baker, 21, was crowned the winner of popular TV sewing competition the Great British Sewing Bee last night.

Baker, a medical student from Glasgow, is the youngest ever winner of the competition, which has been airing on BBC Two for seven series.

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Crafty careers

Crafty careers: Pattapimp Customs’ upcycled trainers

During the pandemic, small businesses boomed. In London alone, the sector grew by 22% and in North-West England even 29%. Small fashion crafts businesses are letting their creative juices flow to create unique items that make you stand out from the crowd. In this series, Stitch Up! highlights some of our favourites. Michel, founder of Pattapimp Customs in Groningen, the Netherlands, breathes new life into old sneakers – making his customers a one-of-a-kind pair.

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Help! Make

Help! My shoe fell apart

We know that changing your habits to be more sustainable can be full of dilemmas, and fashion can already be a minefield in itself. Unsure how to resist the urge to replace pieces with a bit of wear-and-tear? Perhaps you want some tips on getting into mending and upcycling? Well not to worry, our agony aunt, Uncle Sage will give you all the tips you need.

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Help! Make

Help! Is making my own clothes really the better option?

We know that changing your habits to be more sustainable can be full of dilemmas, and fashion can already be a minefield in itself. Unsure how to resist the urge to replace pieces with a bit of wear-and-tear? Perhaps you want some tips on getting into mending and upcycling? Well not to worry, our agony aunt, Uncle Sage will give you all the tips you need.

I’ve recently started sewing and stitching as a hobby and hope to be able to mend and upcycle my pieces. But I’m worried about how much fabric I’m getting through already! How can I make sure I’m being as sustainable as possible?

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DIY Make

Needlework stops me bursting at the seams

I was always a crafty child, in the creative sense of the word. I loved making things. My speciality was making little heart-shaped sachets out of felt, filling them with lavender which my mum would then receive for about a decade’s worth of birthdays. One year I even made her a miniature rocking chair completely out of clothes pegs. Don’t ask me why.

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Help! Make

Help! How do I keep my laundry green?

We know that changing your habits to be more sustainable can be full of dilemmas, and fashion can already be a minefield in itself. Unsure how to resist the urge to replace pieces with a bit of wear-and-tear? Perhaps you want some tips on getting into mending and upcycling? Well not to worry, our agony aunt, Uncle Sage will give you all the tips you need.

I’m trying to look out for more sustainable clothing options like hemp and viscose, but I’m not sure how to care for these new materials – can I throw them in the washing machine?!

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Crafty careers Make

Crafty careers: Made by Molly

During the pandemic, small businesses boomed. In London alone, the sector grew by 22% and in North-West England even 29%. Small fashion crafts businesses are letting their creative juices flow to create unique items that make you stand out from the crowd. In this series Stitch Up! highlights some of our favourites. This week, meet Molly, who spends her free time crocheting made-to-order tops.

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DIY Lead

Keep it cool in these DIY sun hats

The long, hot summer days we’ve all been longing for have finally arrived. But as we live in a country where it rains 133 days per year, we’re not as well-adjusted to the sun as we’d like to be. With these temperatures, SPF 50 is going over the counter about as quickly as ice cream, and we can’t be careful enough not to burn our skin. To help you keep your head cool and keep that sunstroke at bay, we’ve selected the best DIY sun hats.

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