| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 01 2011 : 7:36:42 PM
I hope that this doesn't sound too icky cheap, but I've been going through a huge bunch of clothing that I've had sitting in big rubbermaid tubs for years in storage. When I was still skinny, I used to dress in a lot of really beautiful long bohemian style dresses and skirts, peasant blouses and chunky sweaters, but none of it'll fit me anymore, so I was packing it all up to get rid of when I started to look at it with new eyes. LOTS of expensive and gorgeous fabric !  I went through those bins like a storm, making re-usable fabric piles and piles of stuff that I couldn't think of a use for and have quite a few bins of re-purposable clothing waiting to be re-made in to something else. To be quite honest, it's being a difficult year for me financially, and I've been racking my brain cutting corners and affording material for some of the projects that I want to work on, I don't know why on earth I hadn't remembered all of that lovely clothing before this. I'm dreaming of the beautiful quilts and such to be made and so happy that I decided to tackle the storage bins!
Do any off you re-purpose clothing? What have you made?
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Dec 11 2011 : 07:03:29 AM
Just inherited some boxes of fabric from a friend whose aunt has passed away (and the aunt was a hoarder). In these giant boxes were several pieces of knit fabric. Will be stitching these into tubes and cutting like t-shirt yarn. This is, of course, after everything has been washed really well due to STRONG "musty grandma basement" smell. Just an idea I thought I'd share for those who may have leftover jersey knit type fabric in their stashes.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
Check out my blog: http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker) and Twitter (@sphomemaker)
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| texdane |
Posted - Dec 06 2011 : 07:38:03 AM
Annika,
You made me think of my grandmother. In the 40's she had my mom and her twin growing up. My grandmother always looked like a movie star. She'd create her own patterns and all three of them would be dressed alike, in matching outfits. She could take an old man's suit and make a suit of her own from it, and look like she just stepped out of Vogue. If you have the talent to repurpose something from something else, that to me is being an artist, and certainly not "icky".
Big hugs, my farmgirl friend,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| BusyBeeMary |
Posted - Dec 05 2011 : 5:33:57 PM
I love making purses, crazy quilting is a good use of scraps, as well as other fun stuff that the other ladies have already mentioned. THe best material is re-purposed.
To Live a Full life one must LOVE MANY THINGS- Vincent Van Gogh
Mary Fitzpatrick
#3232
http//www.Thepurplecrazylady.blogspot.com
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| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 9:41:44 PM
The last time someone tried to hint that my frugal habits were "odd" I informed them that I was not so ignorant as to think that 5$ WalMart clothes were made with anything less than slave labor.
I don't judge people for having to buy foreign made clothes (because who can afford certified fair trade items? seriously?) but I believe we at least have a moral obligation to stretch that stuff as far as it will possibly go!
The women of the WW2 "Victory" era understood that.
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 02:56:55 AM
Deborah, that looks so interesting - will be checking it out later...
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
Check out my blog: http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker) and Twitter (@sphomemaker)
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| DeborahLee |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 2:07:02 PM
I love all the great ideas! I also found a great brochure that was created in the 1940's, during World War II, that tells folks how to repurpose clothing, including making a woman's suit from a man's suit---something that I have never been brave enough to try but it does make for an interesting read! The brochure was called Make & Mend for Victory; here's the URL for the blog posting: http://cargocultcraft.com/2010/03/18/download-make-mend-for-victory-both-parts/
Deborah
Professor, librarian, writer and farmgirl! |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 1:52:21 PM
Updated the tutorial with a part 2 for what to do with the leftovers. You can tell by the photos that it's a REALLY sunny day here today!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
Check out my blog: http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com
and follow me on Facebook (Suburban Prairie Homemaker) and Twitter (sphomemaker)
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| Gloria Bonde |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 8:27:48 PM
Forgetmenot, that is such a great idea. I know what you mean about holding on to a mother's robe or sweater. Sometimes I have found myself hugging my mom's sweater. I have a shawl that my mom used to wear. I have it thrown over the corner of a rocking chair. I love to see it there. I also use her rolling pin. I have a new one. But I love my mothers old rolling pin, the ends long lost, but the rolling part all works. Make those lovely blankets for the twins. What a nice gift and memory.
www.DakotaGarden.com |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 8:14:45 PM
Oh, my gosh, Gloria...you just gave me a great idea! Can't believe I didn't think of it before. My mom passed away about 6 yrs. ago. It sounds a little goofy; but, It gave/gives me comfort to have 3 of her old robes that she wore aroumd the house. We were the same size. So, I wore them for awhile..just made me feel a little closer. I just couldn't make myself get rid of them. Now, I can cut them into squares and crochet around them to make lap blankets for her twin grand-daughters who visited her every day at the nursing home. Perfect! Thank you!( I've been enjoying this thread.)
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| Gloria Bonde |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 7:48:23 PM
I love that you are re-using fabric - It is such and eco-friendly thing to do. I inherited a very old flannel robe with a neat plaid print. I cut it into about 5" squares and am crocheting around them and putting them together to make a blanket, or maybe a wrap. I have lots of the squares. The yarn is 100% light brown wool and was a partially knitted sweater (also inherited) that I am unraveling. I also just washed 2 wool skirts that no longer fit and were showing their wear. I am going to cut them off and make a couple of cushions. One of the skirts had a row of big buttons. I am going to use that detail to insert a pillow form. I also reused old wool fabric to make cute little teddy bears. So many ideas so little time - hugs, Gloria
www.DakotaGarden.com |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 4:17:45 PM
We'll have to post photos and compare notes!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| Farmer Judy |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 4:13:33 PM
Thank you Ann for the tutorial, you did such a good job on it too. I have a whole box of tee shirts to use so I will be able to do this as soon as I am done with my current projects.
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 4:07:49 PM
Oh, I almost forgot - you can make cotton yarn the same way from pillowcases. I'm guessing that if you really need A LOT, you could even stitch up a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGG side seam on a flat bed sheet, and then cut loops from it. This would be great for a larger area rug (just be sure to put that rubbery-no-slip-stuff underneath it or put the rug on carpet).
LIKE I SAID - GETTING SOME CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING HERE SO YOU MAY WANT TO STAND BACK! LOL
Have a great night, all!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 4:00:20 PM
Thanks, Kathy! I've tried doing yarn that way before (from t-shirts and regular cotton fabric), and somehow, no matter how careful I am, I always end up with either a bunch of loops or a lot of little shreds anyway.
Now, of course, I have all this gorgeous dark green yarn to play with - thinking maybe a small Christmas tree decoration rug. Uh, oh - she's getting creative again - STAND BACK EVERYONE!
:)
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| KathyC |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 3:29:30 PM
Ann,
Thanks for the tutorial on the t shirt yarn. I had never thought of doing it like that but can see that would have advantages in some uses. I like the idea of being able to change color so easy.
This is the only way I had seen previously to make yarn http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2008/03/tutorial-t-shirt-yarn.html
I have been cutting mine up like this to make a rug this winter and I also keep a ball of this in my gardening basket to tie up tomato plants and so forth.
We don't go through many t shirts with it just being my hubby and I at home now but I did talk to the ladies at one of the thrift shops I frequent and they can make me a really good deal on t shirts that are not good enough to wear, sell them to me by the pound. Can't wait to try your method.
Thanks again
Kathy |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 3:10:22 PM
Ok, tutorial is posted!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 1:38:56 PM
And, PS, Annika, you say cheap like it's a bad thing LOL! There's a difference between being frugal, earth-minded, and creative , and being miserly and stingy  . You are obviously none of those things!
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 1:36:33 PM
To my new friend, Judy, my wonderful farm-girl neighbor to the north...
Yes, you can make t-shirts into yarn. I'll be posting the steps complete with photos on my blog. Give me a bit to get it typed up and take pics, and it should be up tonight. I've seen all kinds of stuff created with t-shirt yarn online, so hopefully this will be helpful.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 kiddos, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
Check out my blog:http://suburbanprairiehomemaker.blogspot.com/
Avoid soil depravation and get your dirt on! Start a garden in your own backyard...
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| Crystal Koelzer |
Posted - Nov 08 2011 : 8:45:54 PM
I absolutely LOVE the newdressaday website. I also have a box of clothes for re-purposing when I figure out what to do with them. |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 06 2011 : 3:08:17 PM
Oh Judy! What a catch! Those old ones are great, I'm just so excited for you and hope that you make many happy memories and gorgeous things sewing with it!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Nov 06 2011 : 2:45:08 PM
Oh I am sooo excited for you with a free sewing machine...how wonderful is that! Way back when Mother Earth News started they did a section on bluejeans & there was a blue jean quilt that was so cool...they did theirs in squares with no pockets ect but I have always though how cool would it look as a scrap quilt & with the pockets ect on it...but I do know that some of the newer machines can't do blue jean material well if its really thick...thank goodness for my petal machine that thing will go thur anything like butter...lol.....Its funny I will buy new clothes for my hubby but when it comes to me I prefer the thrift stores....I have never liked that all new look & feel so getting something nice thats been washed a few times feels so comfortable.....My best friend hoarded all her old cashmire that was holey & is sending it all to me......I have no idea what I will do with all of it but I do see a pretty little dress or skirt for the grand daughter done in patchwork cashmire!....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
| Farmer Judy |
Posted - Nov 05 2011 : 10:50:38 PM
I need to be on hand tomorrow while my DD (22) tries to make her first pillow cases. I will not be bored though, I have 6-8 pairs of jeans to deconstruct so I can make a patchwork jean blanket that I heard about on another thread. And, speaking of thrift stores, I got a free kenmore (1970's) sewing machine and table at my local store. it had not sold in however many days and on Mondays they put all sorts of stuff out front and lable it free.
God bless,
Judy
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 05 2011 : 9:23:08 PM
Sheila, I sure AM in good company here! I just love the pale purple jumper that you made for your daughter from the coat! I'm sure that my husband and I would be living in potato sacks if I didn't haunt the junk shops, thrift shops and mostly the yard sales all summer. There are a lot of people in my town with a bunch more money than me and they shop pretty upscale, but sell their last years clothing for nickles and dimes, so we end up dressed pretty darned well. Just last month, I picked up a whole big arm load of wool and wool/cotton plaid shirts for under $8, so both of us have some warm and sturdy newish shirts for the cold winter that the weather liars say is on the way 
I've got a big pile of those clothes of mine in a laundry basket here beside me, all washed dry and fresh, ready to de-construct and re-fashion into something wonderful! I have a red cashmere sweater that I'm going to refashion into soft red arm warmers and mittens for the newest almost member of my family, my nephew just announced his engagement to the girl I had hoped he would choose 
Sweet dreams everyone!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| SheilaC |
Posted - Nov 05 2011 : 5:19:36 PM
Annika, I re-purpose clothing all the time :) especially for my kids, but truthfully my favorite skirt was one made from a couple of pair of jeans! Some examples on my blog-- http://troutwife.blogspot.com/2011/04/quick-redesign.html and http://troutwife.blogspot.com/2011/09/another-fashion-re-cycle.html and http://troutwife.blogspot.com/2011/05/easy-swim-suit-cover-up.html
I buy lots of stuff at rummage sales and yard sales just to cut up and make clothing for the family! It's much more affordable, and otherwise we'd be hard-pressed to have "new" clothing! It just takes a little work :)
So...looks like you're in good company! :)
http://troutwife.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/brooktroutwife |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 05 2011 : 5:00:16 PM
Oh Michele, that would be such a sweet Christmas or birthday gift, wouldn't it?
We'll we drive a two-tone green '99 VW "Bug" and I'm thinking of making seat covers for it, since every time we buy new seat covers, they fall apart in about a year. Drew likes black or sand colored seat covers, so I'm thinking of making all black t-shirt topped rag quilt seat covers out of all of our numerous un-used black tees!
Have a great weekend m'dears!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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