Unlike Lauren I’m not skilled when it comes to crafting and DIY but, in an attempt to buy less new stuff, I’ve decided to try upcycling things I already own, starting with a plain t-shirt, a boring necklace and a shirt that could definitely do with a bit more personality. Here’s three ideas that even a DIY dunce like me shouldn’t be able to mess up…

T-shirt, sweatshirt, denim jacket or jeans + patches = varsity cool

Patches are, as they say, having a moment (thanks to Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier’s Marc by Marc Jacobs AW14 collection) and sportswear’s gone back to high school (see DKNY). Which got me thinking, why not mash up the two trends by adding varsity style letter patches to a plain t-shirt?
You will need: T-shirt, sweatshirt, denim jacket or jeans, patches (I used Prym patches, £3.60 each+P&P, from sew.co.uk), an iron and a cloth.
What to do: Decide on the position you want your patch. Cover the patch with a cloth and iron for 20-30 seconds. Iron again on the reverse and allow to cool. The instructions on my Prym patches suggest adding a couple of stitches for strength and if you’re adding the patches to delicate fabric to stitch them in place instead of ironing. Job done.

Shirt or cardigan + fancy buttons = a transformed top

I used to work with someone who would change the buttons of every item of clothing she bought (she was a stylist, they think nothing of doing that kind of thing). She was on to something though, it’s a relatively simple way to create a totally unique item of clothing.
You will need: Shirt or cardigan, buttons (I used heart shaped buttons, £3, Cath Kidston), needle, thread, scissors.
What to do: Choose your buttons. Go for ones that are a similar size to the ones you’re replacing. Remove the old buttons. Sew the new ones in place. This guide is great if you’re not sure what to do. Instead of simply replacing all the buttons with a uniform set you could just change one button or replace the full set with a pick and mix selection.

Necklace + charms = one-off accessory

I’ve got a New York-themed pendant necklace I bought years ago from the Marc Jacobs store for about $5. When I spotted a Big Ben charm in Beadworks in Covent Garden I couldn’t resist creating a similar London-themed pendant.
You will need: A necklace and a selection of charms
What to do: Choose your charms. This sounds easy but do make sure that the charms fit over the clasp on your necklace, unless you’re planning on getting the jewellery pliers out. Differently sized charms will make the pendant look more interesting. Thread on to necklace. That’s it.

Have you transformed any items of clothing lately? Do share!