Creative articles about sewing

Upcycle your wardrobe: #REFEBULOUS2025 Challenge

Upcycle your wardrobe: #REFEBULOUS2025 Challenge

Do you have a closet full of (memade) clothes you no longer wear? A repair pile that keeps growing? Ever wanted to sink your teeth into an upcycle project? Here’s your chance! Will you join (again) the ever-growing REFEBULOUS movement? With an increasing focus on sustainability and circular fashion, there is a growing interest in clothing repair and reuse, it is not surprising that more and more makers are joining in! This year marks the sixth time I have organised the challenge.

View the blogs of the previous editions here.

Why is upcycling sustainable?

Upcycling contributes directly to a more sustainable and circular wardrobe. By giving clothes and materials a new life, you reduce textile waste, save raw materials and reduce the carbon emissions associated with producing new clothes. Every year, around 92 million tonnes of textiles end up in landfills worldwide (AMC Group, 2023), and upcycling helps tackle this growing problem. You also save raw materials and water; producing a cotton T-shirt, for example, takes 2,700 litres of water (FashionUnited, 2023). Upcycling also promotes a conscious approach to fashion: instead of the fast consumption of fast fashion, upcycling is all about creativity and quality.

In short, with upcycling, you not only create unique items, but also actively contribute to a more sustainable future.

Getting started with upcycling

With the right mindset and tools, such as your BERNINA sewing machine, you can transform old materials into something special. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn simple repairs, or an experienced maker looking to tackle a complex project: your creativity is the key to success. Join the #REFEBULOUS2025 challenge and show how sustainable and stylish upcycling can be!

Upcycling challenge REFEBULOUS 2025 logo

What is #REFEBULOUS2025?

On Instagram the whole month of February, we transform pre-loved garments into unique creations. Will you make your existing clothes fit you better? Or create something new from an old sheet, curtain or blanket? You decide your project for February. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewist, everyone can participate!

a pile of jeans ready to be upcycled

How it works?

Each week has a theme within the upycle process:

  • Week 1 (February 1 to 7): What if I dare…? Think about your inspiration, wildest plans or the material;
  • Week 2 (February 8 to 14 ): Time for action E.g. tools in action, scissors in or new sewing technique;
  • Week 3 (February 15 to 21): Totally you Show your upcycle creation process or you or your hands at work;
  • Week 4 (February 22 to 28): Show it off! Be creative how you show your result.

Share your progress, reflections, mistakes or successes on Instagram with hashtag #REFEBULOUS2025 and win sustainable prizes! You choose whether to share the whole upcycle process or just one or several steps. With every post, you increase your chance of winning a prize. Important is that your Instagram account is (temporarily) public and that you tag @madebyLIESL in the description below your post. That way I won’t miss your participation and I’ll put your name in the big jar from which the prize winners will be drawn at random at the end of the challenge.

You can read about more ideas for the weekly themes here.

 

Why take part in an upcycle challenge?

There are plenty of reasons to take part in #REFEBULOUS2025. Mainly because you can really make something unique, but also because you’ll:

  • Be mindful;
  • Learn new skills;
  • Use clothing sustainably;
  • Have a chance to win great prizes.

For example, you have the chance to win one of the ten online annual subscriptions to Inspiration Magazine made available by BERNINA.

Eager to find out more details about the prizes keep an eye on my Instagram acount:@madebyLIESL See more inspiration for the week’s themes in this blog.

Join in and show how creative you can be with old clothes!

Love,

Marlies

@madebyLIESL

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