Busy Bee Upcycling

28/05/2023

In England you sometimes see these "wavy" brick fences. And curious as it may seem, this shape uses FEWER bricks than a straight wall. A straight wall needs at least two layers of bricks to make is sturdy, but the wavy wall is fine thanks to the arch support provided by the waves.

More details/photos: http://bit.ly/3jgics0

13/06/2014

This is a detail from a dress which I have widened. I have had it many years and the length, fabric and colours were all still good so I found some fabric which was very sympathetic to the original fabric to insert this side detail and let it out some more.

28/05/2014

28/05/2014

I originally bought this coat in a sale a few years ago. It was always a little tight. At first I couldn't think of an effective way to adapt it to give me a more comfortable fit and was on the verge of passing it onto the charity shop when I realised that there was scope to add the two padded panels which I eventually attached to the front of the coat. I also then put on the togs which made it feel a little like a duffle coat. A year later I also widened the sleeves. I am now never without it all winter. It has not only rescued a coat which I really liked. Something has been added with this design making it a very warm, snugly and much loved coat.

21/05/2014

Welcome to Busy Bee Upcycling, a design solution for the fashion conscious and eco friendly clients amongst us.

I aim to provide a unique and interesting fashion solution to suit your individual needs. Over the years I have brought items that weren't fit for purpose because I loved them or the fabrics and have taken these items and sympathetically altered them (beyond conventional means) to create one of items that can be worn over and over again.

Busy Bee is exploring the concept of 'Make do and mend' and is lovingly merging your new and old fabrics to create modern and contemporary styles that will enable you to stand out from the crowd.

Please share amongst your friends and feel free to contact me to design or create your own unique upcycled item.

21/05/2014

I recently found some left over fabric from previous projects and started from scratch with this beautiful Cath Kidston inspired skirt. I was really pleased with the results and it is a beautiful, bright summer addition to my wardrobe.

21/05/2014

I loved this denim jacket when I saw it on sale, sadly it didn't fit. Not being able to send the item back I decided to customise it with a panel of fabric that I had at home to bring out the colour in the denim and increase the jackets size. The item is now well used and loved and fits comfortably. A unique solution to a common problem for us ladies!!