How To

Timeless money saving tips

Sue Locke provides some great money-saving tips to spruce up your wardrobe

1. Take the time to make a needle case – so much easier than hunting for needles in your pin cushion                

2. Copy Girls Aloud fashion follower Nicola Roberts by stitching three differently sized bows on top of each other and using as a decorative piece on the front of a plain blouse or dress.

3. Capes - they’re the easiest cover-up to make but don’t reserve them just for winter. Make a short summer cape in white linen to team with your summer dresses.

4. Tribal prints are a 2010 trend, if you feel they are too bold for a garment then buy a remnant and appliqué to the front of a plain T-shirt or blouse.

5. Make a simple cloth bag special by adding lots of military medals and ribbons  - scour car boot sales or look on Ebay.

TOP TIP… TOP TIP… TOP TIP… TOP TIP…
6. Want to make a pretty dress in a hurry and haven’t got a pattern? Then use a simple shell top and stitch on a skirt by gathering a length of cloth (twice your hip measurement). Just make sure the back opening is deep enough to get in and out of the dress comfortably.

7. If you fall in love with a ready-to-wear dress but it’s just too short don’t forget you can add length with a toning frill.

8. Before throwing out coats and jackets don’t forget to remove any shoulder pads as well as buttons and buckles.

9. Stained your favourite white blouse? Then look in local charity shops for vintage embroidered napkins, table runner or pillow cases. Cut out the embroidery and appliqué it to your blouse.

10. If you’re an avid sewer always buy black and white thread in bulk – it’s amazing how much you get through and often stores offer a discount if you buy several reels at one time.
 

Further information

Sue locke is a freelance journalist with expertise in fashion, colour and style. E: sue@suelocke.com, www.suelocke.com.  She has recently written a book called Sewing with Style at Forty Plus published by Oyster Bay Publications. It is a 62 page book packed full of inspiring and easy to follow advice that shows how women can never be too old to look good. It is available by mail order directly from Sue Locke priced £4.99 (+£1.50 p&p) and 20% of all profits from the sale of the books go to Make A Wish Foundation UK. For further information contact Sue on E: sue@suelocke.com or visit Sue’s site: www.suelocke.com. To purchase a book by post please send a cheque or postal order for £6.48 per book to Sue Locke, 12 Crevolea Road, Blackhill, Coleraine BT51 4ES. Please make cheques payable to Sue Locke.