I try and be an eco-friendly fiber artist and seamstress, but since the theme of this year’s National Sewing Month is “Reuse, Remake, Restyle”, I’ve been trying extra hard.
Because textile recycling is only just beginning, if you throw fabric or clothing away, it usually ends up in the landfill.  Not a very good use of resources or land!
I think most of us have garments that are hanging in the back of the closet that we just can’t part with for one reason or another.  Even if it’s been years since they’ve seen the light of day…
So why not remake them …read more

That’s right, Lark Books is doing another one of their popular “500″ series of books – but this one is all about the scarves!
For their latest 500 book, Lark Books wants hip, trendy and modern scarves – but with a twist…

They’re looking for upcycled scarves, scarves sewn from interesting thrifted materials – they want you to think outside the traditional “scarf” box.  Lark Books has emphasized modern and urbane for this one.
The book is focusing on sewn scarves for the beginner or intermediate stitcher.  They’re looking for cool scarves, but with a do-able how to for less experienced seamstresses.  The …read more

Upcycling fabric and craft materials is a hot trend in the craft world these days.
Crafters are using everything from vintage clothing to old watch parts to make some amazing pieces of work.
But have you ever thought about using old grain sacks in your work?
Fiber artist and jewelry designer Leslie Janson creates gorgeous jewelry and home accents using vintage burlap grain sacks – that would normally just get tossed into the garbage!

This is one of her sewn cuff bracelets, with an outside made from vintage burlap, lined with a soft vintage grain sack on the inside.  It’s accented with vintage crystal …read more

Congratulations Jaque!  You’ve won your very own copy of “Generation T: 108 Ways To Transform a T-Shirt”.
Thank you to everyone who entered, and keep watching because I’ll have more contests coming up
If you’re disappointed because you didn’t win, Megan Nicolay, the author, has been generous with her tutorials and you can find quite a few online.
She appeared on “Take Five & Company” to share two of her projects from Generation T.
If you’re having problems with the video, you can also watch it online here too.
Here’s another segment, not hosted by Megan, but with projects from two of her …read more

As I wrote about my reader Anitra’s unique CD Photo Coasters, I wondered, “Why not use inspirational pictures and quotes or sayings on CD collages, coasters, hangings?”
This idea of recycling (or upcycling, as some call it when you use a discarded material for art) CDs can go in many directions.  CD collages might consist of:

Family photos, as Anitra described
Inspirational sayings
 Scenic and still life photos
Reproductions of one’s paintings
Found objects and memorabilia
Flower petals and leaves
Fabric to give a quilted effect
CDs attached to form a multi collage
Any combination of these

Have you recycled CDs for art?  For coasters, wall hangings, photo frames, and more?
(Image: sxc.hu)

Do you have a drawer full of t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore, but can’t part with?
Megan Nicolay, author of “Generation T” has an easy how-to for re-fashioning a t-shirt into a halter top.  It’s perfect for beginner sewers and is one of those instant gratification projects that we all love
Actually, there are fabric recycling bins – in fact, in Britain – you can even recycle old bras!  But it’s definitely better to reuse fabric rather than tossing it in the garbage.

When I was a child I loved getting books of carpet samples.  I would make outfits for my model horses, every room in my doll house was a different color – I’m sure the cat enjoyed curling up on them too.

Several talented crafters have come up with a whole lot more interesting ideas for using carpet samples.  They’ve made everything from a hammock to a decorative lamp shade – all with those little carpet samples.
You can check out all the winners, as well as previous years’ entries on Ample Sample’s website.
image: Stock.xchg

I have a soft spot for thrift and second hand shops – it’s like a treasure hunt!  You’ll never know exactly what you might find…
The team from Threadbanger have come up with a great way to breathe new life into an elderly wool sweater.  Just make sure your sweater is actually wool, because it won’t felt otherwise.
There are so many options for making a felted wool sweat your own – the sky really is the limit.  So have fun, don’t be afraid to be creative and explore your notions cupboard

Have you checked out the great online magazine, Junk Market Style ?
It’s from the same team that produces CraftStylish, but Junk Market Style is for those crafters who like to get a little more… creative with their materials.

They have great tutorials and how-tos like how to store ribbons .  Got some vintage sewing supplies hanging around?  Check out their suggestions for using them to decorate your home.   This burlap window panel is a suggested craft for fall or Halloween, but I think it would work year-round, just play with the colors!
image: Junk Market Style

Sublime Stitching, Fred Flare & Amy Butler have gotten together to create one of the coolest crafting contests I’ve seen in a long time!  They want to inspire you to upcycle:
“If you’re like us, you recycle glass plastic and paper, compost your food waste and take your own shopping bag when you go to the store. Right? (”Of course! “) So do you ever think, “why do I need a trash can at all ?” What’s going in there? Well, take a look at the leftovers, get inspired, and create some handmade treasures from so-called trash! We wanna see how …read more