The Big Stitch For British Heart Foundation

You know I love a bit of upcycling and customisation, so I was delighted to discover the British Heart Foundation Big Stitch campaign! The aim of the challenge, which ran throughout July, was to buy an item in a British Heart Foundation shop and add your own flair to it. I picked this lovely floaty floral dress and set about customising it...

It was a little windy when we took this photo!

I had my heart set on a dress and there were lots to choose from in store

Thank you to the very kind staff in my local British Heart Foundation shop who took this photo of me holding the dress I'd found in their store to use for the challenge

The dress was a little big and low at the front so I decided to add a sort of lace bib to make it wearable for me. I raided my stash for this pretty lace, which I overlaid and stitched together to create a fabric panel. I then stitched this into the front of the dress and used black pearl style beads to embellish the neckline

For some people, the idea of buying second hand clothes is not their cup of tea, but you can find great bargains and add your own flair to them, as well as supporting good causes and reducing landfill waste.  A few simple added details have made this a wearable dress for me and a very thrifty project.

Thanks to the British Heart Foundation for setting this great challenge, I hope it has raised lots of funds and publicity for your cause.

Did you take part in the Big Stitch? I'd love it if you shared a photo of your makes in the comments below!

Have a lovely week everyone!

Louise xx