How To

Spring tips to make the most of your wardrobe

Sue Locke provides a plethora of top tips to update your wardrobe with new outfits, trim others and make a few useful accessories

1. Make a cropped cotton jacket on-trend by sewing it in one tiny floral print and lining it with another one.

2. Make a fashion statement with a simple fitted dress by sewing it in pure white cotton and adding black heels and a clutch for accessories.

3. Don’t restrict your pencil skirt pattern to a plain grey or black fabric make it fresh and summery by using a spot or vibrant stripe.

4. Give a soft spring coat a fresh 2010 look by giving it a waist. Neaten a long strip of fake black leather and bow it at the centre front. Alternatively, make your belt from a strip of co-ordinating cloth and edge it with black bias binding.

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5. Sequin covered knits are the hottest tops this year. Take a simple classic cardigan and transform it by sewing rows of sequins around the edges and neckline.

6. Add a fresh twist to a sleeveless cotton blouse by adding bows to each shoulder.

7. The simplest and prettiest necklace can be made by plaiting narrow lengths of satin ribbon together and covering the strip with tiny glass beads.

8. If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, use a neat bum bag for credit cards, change and passport. Design and make your own using a substantial furnishing fabric and securing with large stud fasteners.

9. Give longer life to your favourite patterns by re-cutting them in non-fusible interfacing

10. If you're working with inexpensive fabric, use a double layer of it - your project will look richer.