Transforming Vintage Bed Linens into an Outfit

If you're up for a project that's both rewarding and, let's be honest, a bit of a marathon, then making a tiered skirt might just be your perfect match! (So long as you have the patience!)

My journey with this particular project began over a year ago, sparked by a serendipitous encounter at a sustainable fashion panel. It was there that I met Sandra, a kindred spirit equally passionate about reducing waste and embracing ethically-made fashion. When Sandra proposed the idea of upcycling a doona cover and sheet she'd scored at a garage sale, I was immediately on board.

The prints on the two different fabrics were whimsical, and the colours complemented each other beautifully. Over coffee at a cozy cafe, Sandra and I brainstormed a rough design for the project. With ample fabric at our disposal, the concept of a simple top paired with a tiered skirt emerged as both feasible and fashion-forward.

Little did I anticipate the sheer amount of gathering involved in bringing this vision to life. Suffice it to say, it was a lesson in patience! But after countless hours of meticulous stitching and gathering, I finally unveiled the finished piece. Sandra's delight upon seeing the transformed garments made every stitch (and the amount of time it had taken me to complete this project) worthwhile.

If you're curious to witness the journey from thrifted finds to fresh new pieces, I've documented the entire process in the video below. Prepare to be inspired—and perhaps entertained—by the ups and downs of this project!