Workshop: Upcycle a button-up shirt to a skirt
When: Sunday 28th June 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Community CoLab. Ground Floor of Sunshine Coast Council City Hall, 54 First Avenue Maroochydore. The venue entrance is via Lightning Lane.
Learn to upcycle men’s button up shirts and sew a cute skirt in this hands-on workshop for makers of all levels.
What you’ll learn
Sew a cute top and skirt set using thrifted men’s button up shirts from your measurements.
Measure, cut and sew a set with your chosen shirts preferably thrifted!
Tips to take home about fabric and pattern choices.
If we have time at the end, we will rework any leftover fabric.
Why this workshop is worth it
Practical skills: Walk away with a finished skirt and top, and the know-how to make more, saving you money on ready-to-wear and custom pieces.
Lasting value: Skills transfer to other styles and to general garment construction.
Small-group learning: Personalised feedback ensures you master each step rather than just watching.
Sustainable mindset: Guidance on choosing durable fabrics and making alterations for long-term wear reduces waste and extends wardrobe life.
Social outlet: An excuse to get-together with friends, or to make new like-minded friends.
Details
Duration: 3 hours (single-session intensive) with a lunch break.
Price: $130 per person (includes pattern guidance, use of sewing machines and basic sewing notions).
Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Why it’s unique
Fast results: We prioritise production over perfection, so you can aim to leave wearing your new skirt! We will teach you how to cut the right corners to get to the end result quicker ;)
Who should attend
Beginners wanting a solid introduction to garment sewing.
Anyone who wants a custom skirt they’ll wear for seasons.
What to bring?
A notepad and pen for measurements and tips.
1 men’s long sleeve button-up shirts in complementary colours and prints.
There are many men’s shirts available from thrift stores, approximately $5-$10 each.
Ensure the shirt width (from armpit to armpit across) fits with space around your hips and waist . And if not, no worries, just bring along a second shirt and we will show you how to sew them together!
Choose from woven fabrics like linen and linen blends, cotton (poplin, voile) and cotton blends, lightweight denim (chambray). A small amount of stretch is manageable.
Avoid thicker, heavier fabrics like denim, canvas, heavy drill, corduroy, velvet.
Avoid slippery fabrics like silk, satin, georgette, organza, chiffon, rayon, viscose.
Avoid stretch fabrics like jersey, rib, knit, spandex blends.
What is provided during the workshop?
Brand new sewing machines and overlockers (shared).
Irons and ironing boards.
Elastic and sewing thread in a large variety of colours.
Measuring tapes, pins and clips, scissors, and other sewing tools.
Reserve your spot
Limited seats — book early.
You will share a sewing machine with one other person who has similar colour fabric to you so thread colour does not need to be changed between each person. If you want to be paired with someone you are attending the workshop with, choose a similar colour fabric.
Book your spot now and you will receive an email closer to the time with everything you need to know.
Get the Vibe
Workshop: Upcycle a button-up shirt to a skirt
When: Sunday 28th June 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Community CoLab. Ground Floor of Sunshine Coast Council City Hall, 54 First Avenue Maroochydore. The venue entrance is via Lightning Lane.
Learn to upcycle men’s button up shirts and sew a cute skirt in this hands-on workshop for makers of all levels.
What you’ll learn
Sew a cute top and skirt set using thrifted men’s button up shirts from your measurements.
Measure, cut and sew a set with your chosen shirts preferably thrifted!
Tips to take home about fabric and pattern choices.
If we have time at the end, we will rework any leftover fabric.
Why this workshop is worth it
Practical skills: Walk away with a finished skirt and top, and the know-how to make more, saving you money on ready-to-wear and custom pieces.
Lasting value: Skills transfer to other styles and to general garment construction.
Small-group learning: Personalised feedback ensures you master each step rather than just watching.
Sustainable mindset: Guidance on choosing durable fabrics and making alterations for long-term wear reduces waste and extends wardrobe life.
Social outlet: An excuse to get-together with friends, or to make new like-minded friends.
Details
Duration: 3 hours (single-session intensive) with a lunch break.
Price: $130 per person (includes pattern guidance, use of sewing machines and basic sewing notions).
Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Why it’s unique
Fast results: We prioritise production over perfection, so you can aim to leave wearing your new skirt! We will teach you how to cut the right corners to get to the end result quicker ;)
Who should attend
Beginners wanting a solid introduction to garment sewing.
Anyone who wants a custom skirt they’ll wear for seasons.
What to bring?
A notepad and pen for measurements and tips.
1 men’s long sleeve button-up shirts in complementary colours and prints.
There are many men’s shirts available from thrift stores, approximately $5-$10 each.
Ensure the shirt width (from armpit to armpit across) fits with space around your hips and waist . And if not, no worries, just bring along a second shirt and we will show you how to sew them together!
Choose from woven fabrics like linen and linen blends, cotton (poplin, voile) and cotton blends, lightweight denim (chambray). A small amount of stretch is manageable.
Avoid thicker, heavier fabrics like denim, canvas, heavy drill, corduroy, velvet.
Avoid slippery fabrics like silk, satin, georgette, organza, chiffon, rayon, viscose.
Avoid stretch fabrics like jersey, rib, knit, spandex blends.
What is provided during the workshop?
Brand new sewing machines and overlockers (shared).
Irons and ironing boards.
Elastic and sewing thread in a large variety of colours.
Measuring tapes, pins and clips, scissors, and other sewing tools.
Reserve your spot
Limited seats — book early.
You will share a sewing machine with one other person who has similar colour fabric to you so thread colour does not need to be changed between each person. If you want to be paired with someone you are attending the workshop with, choose a similar colour fabric.
Book your spot now and you will receive an email closer to the time with everything you need to know.
Get the Vibe
