Glam up your glad rags!

Revamp and customise old clothes

Want to buy new clothes but haven't got a lot of cash?

You can save money, and prevent waste, by using traditional crafts like knitting, sewing and dressmaking to jazz up your garments.

Giving your wardrobe a new lease of life isn't difficult - even if you're not a craft fan, you could organise a 'swap party' with friends and exchange unwanted items.

Tips and ideas

Here are some suggestions for revamping your clothes:

take part in one of our Stitch and Style workshops
sew a few buttons onto a plain T-shirt to add interesting detail
change the buttons on an old coat to give it a fresh new look
look out for unique vintage accessories that could add a touch of old-time glamour to an outfit
accessorise outfits with brooches, jewellery, buttons, belts or coloured tights to develop different looks with the same set of clothes
learn how to sew, knit or crochet using free online instruction videos - there is a wide selection available on sites like YouTube
ask your friends and family to share any craft skills they have with you.

Local resources

Research what is available in your local community to help you learn new skills:

find out about local sewing circles or knitting clubs. For example, the Handmade Brigade meets regularly in Belfast and practices different crafts - email Vicki Kocur at handmadebrigade@hotmail.com for more information.
call into local haberdashery stores and ask how you can get started. For example, Sew n Sew in High Street, Belfast stocks haberdashery equipment and can offer advice and suggestions.
if you’re not sure how to make the most of a garment, ask a local seamstress or tailor for advice. Shops like Threads (Ormeau Road) can revamp old dresses and sell them on for you. Individuals, such as Tailormaid Lucy Smyth, can tailor-make garments for you.

Shopping ideas

Always think about what you need before you go shopping and remember to bring a reusable bag with you.

avoid buying one outfit for one occasion - buy classic styles instead that will last and can be accessorised throughout the year
look in second-hand shops for unique accessories and clothes and ask shop assistants to look out for interesting items for you - the Rusty Zip on Botanic Avenue, Belfast and East Belfast Mission’s Vintage Store on Newtownards Road, Belfast are good sources of inspiration
check out local fairs and markets - St George's Market on Fridays has lots of vintage jewellery and bric-a-brac, while the Black Market (hosted by the Black Box every month) features recycled and handmade items
shop ethically and only buy what you really need
look out for recycled clothes, handbags and jewellery - Atelier in Queen's Arcade, Belfast stocks recycled jewellery made from vintage buttons, by Sharon Hay, while Belfast Buddha Bags (St George's Market, Saturdays) has recycled denim handbags.

Alternatives

If you can't revamp an outfit, you can still make use of it by passing it on to someone else. For example:

take unwanted clothes to local charity shops
host a clothes 'swap party' - invite your friends and share your unwanted clothes and accessories
really worn items can be taken to your local recycling centre - they will be used to make cloths for industry and car seat stuffing
strip worn garments of interesting material, such as ribbons or buttons, in case you can recycle them with another outfit.

Useful links

The following organisations and businesses supply vintage fashion, offer tailoring services or can provide you with help and advice for revamping your wardrobe:

Handmade Brigade - email handmadebrigade@hotmail.com
Sew n Sew - Unit 36, Hi-Park Centre, High Street, Belfast - 028 9058 3900
Threads - 289 Ormeau Road, Belfast - 028 9020 2838
Lucy Smyth - TailorMaid, Newcastle
The Rusty Zip - 28 Botanic Avenue, Belfast - 028 9024 9700
Atelier - 23 Queen’s Arcade, Belfast - 028 9027 8008
East Belfast Mission - 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast – www.ebm.org.uk
The Black Market - The Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast – www.blackboxbelfast.com
Belfast Buddha Bags - St George's Market, Belfast (Saturdays only) – www.belfastbuddhabags.co.uk
Oxfam - 52-54 Dublin Road, Belfast – www.oxfam.ie