Whether you trawl markets for pre-loved clothing that's in need of repair, or want to do your bit for the planet by sustainably updating your existing wardrobe, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. Take 'make do and mend' one step further by not just mending but repurposing your old clothes to create fashionable, unique items.
Janine Chisholm Sullivan, an experienced dressmaker, teaches you how to rework clothes into new styles from adding embellishments and changing necklines, sleeves and hems to total transformations, such as creating a brand new dress from two old ones. Make a pretty blouse from a floral dress, or convert a man's shirt into a stylish shirt dress.
Take a basic woollen skirt and bring it bang up to date with an asymmetric hem, or add interest to a plain top with an embellished collar made using a linen table doily. With step-by-step artworks and a comprehensive sewing techniques section, three full-size patterns and advice on sourcing vintage clothes, Fashion Hacks has everything you need to know to create a wardrobe that's all your own.
About Janine Chisholm Sullivan
Janine Chisholm Sullivan studied Theatre Design, specializing in Costume Design and Construction, and then completed a postgraduate degree in innovative Pattern Cutting at Central Saint Martins College. She worked in professional theatre and television for ten years before choosing to work with young people, teaching sewing and art. She then created Custard House Clothing, selling vintage clothes and providing an alterations and customization service, all with the ethos of recycling.