How To

Creative Makeovers

Turn the mundane into the spectacular with a little fashion flair and stitch magic! Sue Locke shares some easy-do ideas as well as some timeless sewing tips.

1. Create your own stunning evening shoes by sticking tiny colour-matched crystals to some plain high heeled sandals.

2. Make a designer corset and think outside the box when it comes to fabric. Choose a country style check and add straps and tie belt in a toning velvet – very Louis Vuitton.

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3. Long line fitted waistcoats are super flattering. Make your own from a discarded evening jacket by simply removing the sleeves.

4. Loose and lovely capes are big news this autumn. Look out for gorgeous mohair or velvet throws in the marked down section of stores like TKMax and turn them into a designer cape!

5. Distressed Chanel is the look for smart jackets. Make your own boxy jacket in a quilted silk fabric but trim neckline, front openings and cuffs with frayed denim.

6. If you have a gorgeous 25 cm of fabric, turn it into a pretty corsage and pin it to a cape or jacket to update the look in minutes.

7. Turn that plain strappy top into something unique by adding tiny fabric bows all the way down the front from neck to hem.

8. When you make a garment always remember to slip on the shoes you will wear before finishing your hem.

9. If you’re working with heavy cloth use two pins instead of one to help keep the pieces firmly in place before you sew.

10. Use good quality sewing thread for trouble-free stitching - ultra cheap thread may knot or break very easily.