October upcycle: apparel, improved

You may have noticed, it’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from me and Peo Vee and we’re pretty well into October to be launching our October prompt. During this brief, reflective hiatus, I took some time to imagine what comes next for Peo Vee. Our vibrant community has grown to more than 3,000 participants, and I’m so inspired and encouraged by all of you who’ve shared your upcycles. I’m still working on making sure Peo Vee becomes the best possible community for all of you, but I know this much, the next chapter will be an exciting one.

Since we’re late to the party for this month, we decided to turn to our Facebook Group to vote on the October prompt. Our Facebook Groupers chose… 🥁🥁🥁… Apparel, improved: clothing you already own but have evolved.

We can’t wait to see your improvements! Follow along for some tips to get started, and as always, we hope you’ll share with us in our thread below.

Four ways to improve the clothes you already own

1. Embroidery

Embroidery can completely refresh a jacket, jeans, or any other piece that’s been forgotten in the back of your closet. Come up with something totally your own or download one of these totally free templates from LoveCrafts. Even the simplest of stitches can instantly turns something simple into a fun, refreshed statement piece. Here’s a great example from Jenny at Flynn & Mabel.

2. Bleach dye

With so many great new ideas emerging all the time it’s hard to choose just one. Read more in our post this week: My Top 4 Favorites Bleach Dye Techniques, Right Now

We also put together a full Pinterest board of ideas we hope will help you to find the right idea for you, but if you’re thinking about buying a spooky shirt from a big box store we hope you’ll use the idea below.

3. Patches and panel replacements

Did you ever have a piece of clothing you stained beyond wear but you love it so much you can’t let it go? Fear not, there’s a way to save that piece — and even make it better! Consider patches or even full panel replacements like this one by Megan McSherry of @acteevism, which takes a skirt with a stain and turns it into an entirely different look!

4. Embellishments

There’s a lot to unpack here. Adding a ruffle to a sweatshirt? We think yes. A grommeted shoulder for a bow to loop through? Go on.

Embellishments are a fantastic way to rejuvenate clothing, making pieces fun and wearable again. These decorative touches allow you to express your personality and style while reviving items that may have otherwise been forgotten. Go ahead and try something totally out of the box. Why not?

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Inspirational upcycler: Natalya Khorover

We recently came across the incredible work of @artbynatalya, and were blown away! Natalya Khorover transforms single-use plastics into intricate, stunning installations that inspire a deeper reflection on overconsumption and plastic waste. Plus, she’s built an amazing upcycling community too!

Read the interview »

Natalya has opened up access to her members-only community, Repurposer Collective, and the doors will be open to join through October 20th. Don’t miss this great chance to join!

From the community:

Destiny shared her upcycles of these less worn fall hoodies. Shout out to her “model” husband! 📷

Betty posted about a winter hat. Did she take Deborah’s suggestion to add a pompom?

In this together,