How to...

Corsages are an easy way to add interest, this top (originally Topshop, I bought it from Chorlton Oxfam)had them included already but I was inspired to have a go myself.

There's different ways to make them.

1)cut out some circles of fabric in a few sizes of circles. I did alternate layers of grey jersey and black net. Sew together, screw up a bit and twist and pop a few more stitches through to keep it all in place.

2)Make a running stitch through a ribbon or strip of fabric starting a couple of inches from the end of the ribbon (will form a bow at the end), pull tight. It should start to look like a flower. When you've pulled thread through enough to make a circle shape sew it closed. Do another one or two then sew them together. Shape the unsewn ribbon into a bow. I added some extra ribbon and a button in the middle.

Add the finished corsages onto tops, bags, belts, bags or hairbands...

I am definitely not a domestic goddess – the last time I touched a sewing machine was in home economics at school. I made a stuffed and misshapen watermelon slice shaped cushion which I gave to my gran for Christmas. (She also got given a very stripy but again unusually shaped scarf; my one attempt to knit. Love her, she wore it for years.) My memories of sewing are of frustration, thread and needles inexplicably snapping, knots, and incorrect tension.

All this is going to change. I have customised my very first garment, and it was easy-peasy. My secret weapon? A hand-held mini sewing machine.

Take one boring dress. (Or in other words a classic LBD but what the hell.)

Find some nice fabric. (In my case an unflattering dress in pretty fabric I bought for one pound in Age Concern.) Chop fabric to size. Get ribbon. Make a plan, more or less. Pin everything firmly in place. (I didn't do this properly the first time and had to unpick a whole section as all the fabric had moved without me noticing.)

Add magic ingredient.

Et voila. This took about an hour and a half. I’m quite proud for a first attempt!

Accessories also second hand.

The mini, hand-held sewing machine I picked up (second-hand as it happens) is a proper old school one.Woolworths sell a mini but less hand-held version for 25.00.