I’ve always been a thrifter, scouring flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales for hidden gems. There’s something so exciting about finding a vintage piece with character and history. But for a long time, I never quite knew how to make these finds truly my own. I’d find beautiful dresses, jackets, and accessories that were nearly perfect but needed just a little extra flair to make them truly shine.
Then, I discovered Vintage Mend Lab, and everything changed.
At first, I was drawn to their courses on vintage clothing restoration, thinking it would be a great way to learn how to repair some of the older items I had collected over the years. What I didn’t expect was how much I would fall in love with the idea of transforming these garments into something completely new and unique—something that could reflect my personal style while honoring their vintage origins.
Vintage Mend Lab’s upcycling workshops were a game-changer for me. I’ve always had an eye for design, but I didn’t know how to turn a vintage garment into a modern, statement piece without losing its charm. The instructors at Vintage Mend Lab not only taught me how to repair the clothes but also showed me how to add personal touches that would make them stand out.
One of the first projects I tackled was an old denim jacket I found at a local thrift store. It had the perfect fit but was a little too plain for my taste. During the workshop, I learned how to add custom embroidery to the jacket—something I’d never done before. I chose a floral design in bright colors, which completely transformed the piece. The best part? The process was simple, and the end result felt like a true reflection of my style.
Next, I turned my attention to a vintage floral dress I had found at a flea market. The dress itself was beautiful but had a hemline that had started to fray and was just a little too long for my liking. I decided to shorten the hem and add a delicate lace trim that I had been saving for the right project. The transformation was incredible—it went from a nice dress that I might wear on occasion to a show-stopping piece that I now wear to events, parties, and even on casual outings with a pair of boots.
The instructors at Vintage Mend Lab also taught me how to play with color. One of my favorite projects was a 1980s oversized blazer I found that had some wear along the sleeves. Rather than simply patching it up, I used fabric dye to create an ombré effect on the sleeves. The result was a bold, contemporary look that made the blazer feel fresh and exciting.
What I learned through Vintage Mend Lab’s upcycling workshops was not just about making clothes wearable again—it was about adding my own creative spin to them. The techniques I learned allowed me to breathe new life into garments that could have easily been overlooked or discarded, and in the process, I created one-of-a-kind pieces that are truly a reflection of my personality.
Now, when I look through my vintage collection, I see more than just old clothes. I see a canvas for creativity. I’ve turned those pieces into statement garments that tell a story—my story. I’m no longer just a vintage lover; I’m a creator, transforming forgotten finds into something beautiful and meaningful.
If you love vintage fashion and want to add your own personal touch, I highly recommend checking out Vintage Mend Lab’s upcycling courses. The skills you’ll learn will not only help you restore old garments, but they’ll also unlock your creative potential to turn your vintage finds into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s an empowering and rewarding process, and I promise, you’ll never look at vintage clothes the same way again!