Try it Yourself: Upcycling/mending tutorials

Thanks to the marvels of the internet, people have access to a wealth of shared knowledge. Below are links to just a few of the resources we’ve found to inspire and help you with a range of DIY repair and upcycling projects.

Furniture repair

Upcycling old or dated furniture is a great way to restore furniture, save it from landfill, and create something unique for your home. Sally from Planet Ark has created a three-part video series to inspire you to upcycle at home.

• Furniture Upcycle- National Recycling Week - YouTube
• Upcycling dated nightstands into coastal beauties - National Recycling Week- Save our Furniture. - YouTube
• Upcycling a dingy TV set into a beautiful modern unit - National Recycling Week - YouTube

Altering, mending, and re-fashioning your clothing

Mending your favourite, well-worn clothing items is a fantastic and easy way to ensure they remain on high rotation in your wardrobe for years to come. The practice of mending clothes has been around for a long time, but thanks to the fast fashion industry, it is a skill in danger of becoming lost. Many online tutorials guide you through the step-by-step processes, from beginners to more advanced techniques, to repair your beloved clothing items.

Remember to have fun with your clothing and get creative when mending – your creative expression will complement your unique fashion style!

• Visible mending brings new life to old damaged clothes | Everyday | ABC Australia - YouTube
• How to Darn and Mend Your Sweater - 8 Different Ways - YouTube
• [Good resource with easy “how to” tutorial videos for different stitching techniques] - Academy - Fixing Fashion

Can you ‘fix it’ yourself?

We don’t all have the know-how to fix things ourselves, and the thought of finding a reputable business that won’t cost an arm or a leg can be daunting. Luckily, thanks to technology, we live in a world of shared knowledge and resources that enable us to do things we may have never thought possible.

Websites like iFixit and WikiHow can help you troubleshoot and repair various everyday household items, provided you're willing to give it a try.

Disclaimer:

These videos and instructional guides are provided for information only and are in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Penrith City Council. Council is not liable for any loss or damage to goods or persons resulting from accessing these resources. Always use caution when mending or fixing items and consult a professional where appropriate.