How I Upcycled My Grandma’s Old Hoodie Jacket into a Whimsical Fit

A year ago, my Grandma (also my mother-in-law) gifted me her old hoodie jacket.

In fact, it wasn’t originally hers.

She mentioned that it was one of the leftover clothing that her daughter’s ex-boyfriend left after their separation. Oooppss! Lots of tea surrounding that story, however, my Grandma reckons that I can turn this old hoodie jacket into something useful for myself.

It took a while to finally start this project until it was finished. Based on my photos, I started to look at it in May 2023 and it took 15 days to complete. There was no concrete plan, and my goal was to not completely destroy the hoodie jacket but add more flair to it based on my style.

Using the old textiles in a similar color palette, the project began. There is a lot of manual hand sewing, and I spend a lot of time removing the lint using the lint removal that I bought from Aldi and some occasional needle pricking.

I bought heaps of inspiration from many Japanese streetwear and designers, and a little bit of Simone Rocha coz I love whimsical designs and loads of ruffles.

I’m pretty sure that whatever bad luck this hoodie brought during its previous life is all gone now after my serious care.

All materials I’ve used in this project are secondhand (sourced from many op shop trips), except the metallic gold thread (bought from Spotlight) that I also used for embroidering with the ruffles, to add a little bougie look.

The Final Look!

This is the first time I have worn this flouncy yellow jacket during our weekend trip to Sovereign Hill Ballarat for the Winter Wonderlights Festival.

And yes, I did stand out, and I love it!

I’m so glad that Grandma gave me this old jacket and I had so much fun turning it into a flouncy whimsical hoodie jacket that I proudly wear, and much loved.

@blair.villanueva My Grandma (also my mother-in-law) gave me this old jacket a year ago. She thought I could make something out of it, in which I did! She mentioned that this jacket used to owned by my sister-in-law's ex-bf (such a tea!), anyway I'm happy that it didn't go to waste. #sustainablefashion #dopaminedressing #upcyclingclothes #upcyclingfashion #fashiontok #sewing #diy #australianfashion #verydemure #fashionblogger ♬ Dreamy Girl - Headphone Chill Girl