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
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Zero Waste—The Newest Eco-Fashion Innovation?
- 3 Must-Have Books for Green Sewers
- We Love 5min.com for Simple DIY Solutions
- Got Guts? Stand Up to Summer Heat Without Air Conditioning
- How to Use a Solar Oven: Beans and Rice Recipe
- Cooking on a Budget: Use Everything
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.
how do you make the grunge skirt?