DIY: old sweaters + scissors = new outfit
by Kathreen Ricketson, Canberra, Australia on 02.24.07
Image: Flickr image of a chopped up sweater, ready to be re-used.
Finding new uses for old clothes is a great way to green up and clean up your wardrobe. Re-purposing old clothing is hot, hip designers are reclaiming used clothing to create sustainable fashion. TreeHugger has explored this concept a few times before, organisations turning sweaters into blankets and artists making one of a kind hats. Read on for ideas and some visual stimulation.
Doing this yourself is not so difficult, all you need is an old sweater either your own cast off or a thrift store find, some thread, scissors and an idea.
Image: from Mod to Modern, handmade using deconstructed second hand sweaters
Image: Flickr image of a grunge style skirt made out of a secondhand sweater.
Resources for re-using, deconstructing and re-purposing old sweaters.
1. Make a bag from old sweaters ::whipup and ::Canadian living
2. ::Reclaim the yarn from old sweaters to re-use in knitting or crochet.
3. Chop up a sweater and turn it into a scarf - ::how to at Spun Mag.
4. There are unlimited uses for an old sweater including ::pillow covers ::blankets ::armbands ::toys
5. If you are not up to making it yourself check out ::Anti Factory :: ekologic ::Mod to Modern
Not too long ago, I came across these great recycled sweater scarves by a groovy and very crafty chick named Velma.
You can see those, here.
This is a great idea!
http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/guides/craft/0,,1998461,00.html
The Guardian did a really good craft guide a month or so ago including repurposing old t-shirts and the like.
I also like http://www.ohmystars.net/craft/
At Winterfair, there has been for several years a couple that shrinks 100% wool sweaters and makes them into mittens...I don't remember what their names are, but mittens are an excellent option when your sweater is either really ugly, or too small.