Utilizing scraps and old garments for quilts and even for clothing was a popular practice among the pioneers.  In the early days of our country, homemakers usually either made their own fabric or recycled what they had on hand.  Rarely did they have the money to purchase new fabric from the general store.
Nowadays, in our stressed economy,  recycling garments has become popular once again.  Not because fabric is scarce, but because people can’t afford to purchase new.
I used fabric from old garments for quilts and for my daughter’s clothing many years ago.  It was fun to pour over the quilts …read more

The winners of the “What It’s Like, Living Green?” book giveaway are..
Here are your random numbers:
35
15
Timestamp: 2009-05-27 15:55:29 UTC
#35 Jessica K. (http://macmomof3.blogspot.com/)
This would be a great book for my daughter to read. She talks about Being Green and things she can do to improve the environment.
#15 was Susan C. (http://pregnantkatiesmom.blogspot.com/)
I lowered the themostat on my hot water heater and hang my clothes out to dry in warm weather.
Both of these winners will get one copy of “What It’s Like, Living Green?” book. Can’t wait to hear what you think of this book. Email me at eliza.ferree@b5media.com with your mailing …read more

What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live. In this non-fiction book for ages 9 and up, you’ll read about a teenage girl who began a recycling business, with 100 clients, when she was five. Learn about a boy who started a foundation to bring fresh water to an entire village, at age seven. You will see how kids, like you can make a difference for the environment, help others and even earn some money.
Jill Ammon Vanderwood is the author of four childrens books. She is a mother and grandmother who wants to make a …read more

In the current frenzy to be cool  “going green” in homes, schools and communities, are we teaching youngsters (and adults) global warming lies?  Schools are “green” this year and youngsters report in class discussions how their parents are practicing or not practicing energy and earth saving tactics.  (Big Brother?)
Do we have the correct data or simply what politicians and those making money from the big industry of environmental and global warming wants us to know?  Are scientists, who present data that disproves the theory of global warming (and this group is growing), discredited and even lose their jobs because they’re not …read more

Fabric.com is holding a special sale on their eco-friendly fabric , but just until April 27th!
You save 25% on all of their organic cotton, bamboo and even their “City Blocks” fabric, which is made from 100% recycled pop bottles.

Why buy green fabric?  Fabric manufacturing is unfortunately, not a very eco-friendly process.  Cotton takes a lot of pesticides, fabric dyes can be toxic, and synthetic fabrics are usually made from petroleum products.  Going green in your studio can be one more way to make little changes that help the planet.
As a special treat, you can also get an eco-tote with any …read more

Do you think Earth Day and sex toys have nothing in common?
Guess again: “Sex is part of our lives, so any issue that concerns us out of the bedroom has implications inside it: if we recycle, buy local produce, watch our carbon use, and think ecologically in other ways, it makes sense to
do the same when we make sexual choices. Our well-being and that of the earth are connected, so consider where you can go Ecorotic!” says  Dr. Carol Queen, Good Vibrations‘ staff sexologist.
Just in time for Earth Day (cause it’s ALWAYS time for good toys), Good Vibrations has a …read more

Going green doesn’t have to be a lonely process. In fact, you have plenty of company online! If you’re looking for more inspiration and ideas to help you turn your new green leaf, I’ve got some resources for you.
For the latest news on the global warming front, turn to Change.org – Stop Global Warming. Your guide Emily spends a lot of time researching to make it easier for you!
Another favorite of mine, Green Living Tips, is written by Michael in Australia. He includes lots of helpful articles about living green.
If you’re looking for the latest in green and ethical shopping, …read more

“Mom, you’ve got to stop using paper plates,” the youngster told his mom. “You’re wasting trees and causing trash.”
“He’s really learning about ‘going green’ from school,” the mom remarked.  “They’ve got a big program about saving the environment.”

Many schools are emphasizing the “green” theme, including those where I do substitute teaching.  Youngsters are informing their parents and looking for ways to be green at home.
This is great, as long as it isn’t carried to extremes.  Parents have to take into account cost, time savings, and their lifestyle, as well as environment practices.  Sometimes you also can’t change all at …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com

Eileen, from The Artful Crafter, contributes some of her frugal finds to the ongoing series here at Quilting and Patchwork.  Quilters and fabric artists, throughout the years, have been noted for reusing fabric, salvaging old clothing, and finding ways to be creative with various odds and ends.
Eileen has some great ideas:

I always rummage through the remnant bin when I shop for fabric.
Friends who don’t sew anymore know I will gladly help them declutter and take their leftovers.
Friends who have curtains made or furniture upholstered keep just a few scraps for repairs and matching, then give me the rest.
Out of date …read more

QuiltingAndPatchwork.com

Here are some more ideas from the Arts Bloggers to “get your creative juices flowing,” as my mother used to say.
Cloudy skies on fabric with Tangled Thread
Follow this step-by-step tutorial to create your own hand-painted fantasy skies on fabric.
Book Arts Resources at Layers Upon Layers
Book arts resources to either get you started or to inspire your further exploration!
Quick Visual Prompt
Visual prompt from the book Art Escapes
Quilters “Going Green” – Has This Changed Your Quilting?
Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork shares some tips on recycling and going green in your quilting/fabric art.
Scrap Girls Color Challenge: Red, White …read more