Join the #REFEBULOUS2025 !
Let's face it: who doesn't have a closet full of clothes that you think: ‘Maybe I'll wear it again one day.... maybe not’, or a bag full of items you'd really wanted to throw away already? Well, good news: those forgotten garments and old fabrics can get a second life! Welcome to the sustainable #REFEBULOUS2025 upcycling challenge, the challenge that revolves around reuse, repair, refashion and tweaking thrift store finds. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it will be a lot of fun (and sometimes a bit chaotic - that's part of it).
How it works?
Each week we will take a step together towards a beautiful end result. Whether that's a bag, a garment or whole outfit, a patchwork blanket or a wild creative experiment that goes completely wrong (and ends hilariously): anything goes. Share your process on Instagram with the hashtag #REFEBULOUS2025.
Read below what you need to do for a chance of winning cool sustainable prizes.
Here are the themes, week by week:
Week 1: What if I dare...? Inspiration for reuse
This is the week of dreams, plans and a little panic: What if I totally take apart these old jeans? What if I use this curtain fabric for a dress? Share your wild ideas, sketches, Pinterest inspiration boards or just a photo of your pile of material. It doesn't matter how big your plans are - this is the week to go wild fantasising about reuse and clothes-making.
Post examples:
Materials you want to use or are still looking for;
An outline of your project;
A mood board with inspiration and examples.
For upcycling inspiration, check out the blogs about previous REFEBULOUS editions
Week 2: Time for action. Upcycling en Clothing repair
Week 2 we'll see action! You're going to tackle those garments, seamrip seams, sort materials and finally put your scissors into that jumper (yes, it's scary, but you can do this!). Show how you are preparing your project, what techniques you want to try, and how you are slowly working towards your goal. This is also the time to show off your thrift store finds or share how you are working on clothing repair with the right haberdashery.
Examples of a post:
A photo of a garment being taken apart with an explanation of why certain pieces are chosen;
Tools or materials in action;
Share a new sewing technique you have tried.
Week 3: Totally you. Creative dressmaking
This is where the magic (or chaos) happens: creating! Embroider, paint, sew, cut, paste and transform to your heart's desire. It really doesn't have to be perfect; it's all about the fun, the mindfulness and the fact that you are making something with your hands. Bonus points for unique details or a completely new twist to your plan. Maybe combine recycled fabrics with a piece you managed to salvage thanks to a creative repair.
Post examples:
Detail shots of embroidery, a new design or colour combinations;
Videos or photos of the creation process with tips on techniques;
Your hands at work.
Week 4: Show it! Awareness through reuse
Time to shine! Show off your end result: whether it's a beautiful dress, a practical bag, or a ‘what did this become?!’ moment. Present it on a mannequin, yourself, or in a decorative setting. It's not about perfection, but awareness: see what you can do with reusing fabrics and clothes.
Post examples:
Before-and-after photo(s);
A video in which you wear or use your creation.
Why join the most fun sustainable challenge?
Because it's mindful. Because you can make something beautiful with your own hands. Because you can win fun sustainable prizes. And above all: because it doesn't have to be perfect. Upcycling is not an exact science. It's cutting, trying, failing, laughing, and ultimately creating something you're proud of (or just a good story to tell).
How do you win a sustainable prize with upcycling?
During the month of February, share at least one post or Reels on your Instagram account. Stories are also cool, but they don't count. Your account is (temporarily) public, otherwise only your followers can see it.
Tag @madebyLIESL (in caption) & add #REFEBULOUS and #REFEBULOUS2025.
Winners will be chosen by a draw at the end of the month and announced on Instagram in early March.
Let's go!
So, grab those scissors, dust off that sewing machine, and enter! Maybe you'll save that one garment with a simple clothing repair, or turn a thrift store dress into something totally new. Share your process, mistakes and successes on Instagram and show the world that old clothes don't have to be the end.
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