I'm a big fan of finding materials to craft with at my local thrift store. The materials are both green and inexpensive. Two things that make me happy!
Laura
· 8 months ago
Well over half of what I use in my mixed media studio is recycled materials. I've been picking them up from thrift stores for the last 12 or so years. My studio is also outfitted with re-purposed furniture like kitchen cabinets and a sofa and tables that we no longer needed and rebuilt work tables with wood from other projects.
Mia K
· 8 months ago
I never throw anything away (unfortunately)!
Kimberly
· 8 months ago
I'm mostly a knitter and am a big fan of buying local, I'm fortunate to have many local alpaca and wool farms nearby to choose from! Deconstructing those old sweaters is also a great re-use of yarn. Oh, and I've learned to knit in the dark....saves electricity! LOL ;)
Allison
· 8 months ago
I have gotten fabric from freecycle and garage sales; I've remade old ripped clothing of mine into "new" stuff for my daughter; and I've remade her old clothes into doll clothes. I'd like to do more. Also a big fan of donating fabric scraps, crafty odds and ends, and yarn I'll never use (I got a huge bag from freecycle and half of it is novelty acrylic, not really something I want to make a scarf out of), to her preschool for art projects.
amanda
· 8 months ago
I try to make new things out of just about everything...doesn't always work! But sometimes it turns out to be really cool :)
LizAndrsn
· 8 months ago
I'm saving all my plastic shopping bags, stripping them down to 1-inch "plarn" and intend to crochet a market bag out of them using the pattern from Canadian Living. Can't wait!
One way or the other - I'm dying to get my hands on this book!
Meg
· 8 months ago
I love to repurpose "trash" and other found materials (like plastic containers) for crafts. I also save paper scraps for reuse in projects where smaller bits of paper are appropriate. And felting old wool sweaters to use in other textile projects is always fun! ( I think I got that idea from Betz White actually)
E. Lindsey Hornkohl
· 8 months ago
Unfortunately I hang on to just about everything that could one day be used in crafting. My husband hates this, and I really have to learn how to edit better. But I must say, I used a lot of these repurposed junk items!
Dale Anne
· 8 months ago
I recycle, re-purpose in my artwork all the time. LOVE going to the thrift stores and finding GREAT things!!!
Jamie
· 8 months ago
I started fusing plastic bags to incorporate into scarves, using fleece remanants. I made one for a friend, now all my friends either have one or want one, and I'm out of plastic bags!
Amy
· 8 months ago
I am a big re-user of old clothes that don't fit or are out of style. If the fabric is good, I keep it. I know it will be used someday:)
Tammy
· 8 months ago
Thanks for the chance to enter here! I'm always thinking green - saving every scrap of fabric, and sometimes odds and ends that come my way instead of throwing them away or recycling them. I like the creative challenge that comes from using a tiny piece of fabric or a mismatched something and making it into something beautiful.
Sara + h
· 8 months ago
Like others have already said, I try to repurpose materials whenever I can, whether it's something I already own or something I pick up used from a thrift store or a friend's basement/attic or the side of the road or where ever. Some of my most satisfying projects have been taking old clothing of mine that's worn out in the crotch or the knee or that I just don't wear anymore and using the salvageable fabric to make new clothes for my kids.
becky
· 8 months ago
I take apart thrifted sweaters and use the yarn to make scarves and mittens to donate to the local shelter.
Corvus
· 8 months ago
A lot of my recent materials come from the thrift store or from my and my friends (and random internet acquaintances) closets. I turn them into things that will be used and loved rather than thrown away.
rachellake
· 8 months ago
I love using vintage and thrifted fabrics in my sewing projects, and I've started knitting with recycled yarn - I have a few sweaters that still need to be unraveled, but it is so satisfying to do. This book looks lovely, I can always use more green inspiration.
alison
· 8 months ago
I grew up with parents who were born at the end of the depression and didn't realize until I was an adult that everyone didn't keep a closet full of bags, boxes, old gift wrap, etc. I think that it's funny that what is considered green and progressive today was just practical common sense to them. My favorite things to recycle are old clothes for fabric and especially for notions like buttons and trims.
Mirjam
· 8 months ago
I love to re-use when possible. It's amazing what you can sew/knit/hammer from existing materials. It can be a challenge to make it fit if supply is low/short/stained, but that keeps the creative juices flowing!
Francie
· 8 months ago
I give anything I think can be used for art projects (bottle tops, broken crayons, stickers etc.) or storage items (clear plastic food containers, yogurt cups etc.) to my children's school art teacher. She loves getting my "junk" and I love not throwing it away and knowing that it can be used in a creative way. I also have knitted several bags to be used whenever I shop so I don't have to use plastic bags.
Just Lovely
· 8 months ago
I like to use thrifted sheets and pillow cases for all sorts of projects. I love to use my thrifty findings to make items that help our family live more green: like cloth napkins and such.
Deanna
· 8 months ago
Once thing that's been fun lately is taking greeting cards I received and remaking them into gift tags - there have been some really cute results!
Kristin
· 8 months ago
Using up scraps for Quilts, t-shirts into undies, and sweaters into diaper covers and pants.
Amy
· 8 months ago
When I am trying to decide on fabric for a new project, I like to look at things I don't wear any more. If I can, I will sacrifice an old piece for something new.
PaperDollyGirl
· 8 months ago
Great review! Sewing green for me can be as simple as looking inside my rag bag for worn out clothes to cut up. I make lots of baby stuff from super soft cotton pants that I've worn out.
laurel
· 8 months ago
I also hang on to every scrap of fabric and piece of paper - especially the colored or patterned tissue paper that many online shops wrap their merchandise with. (in brick & mortar shops I always ask them to skip the tissue paper!) They're great for collages and greeting cards.
Lauren
· 8 months ago
I love to save my little leftover fabric scraps. If something is too small to make into a little project, such as doll clothes, I will donate it to my child's preschool.
edina
· 8 months ago
I try to save anything that can't be recycled by the city, such as miscellaneous plastic items, and use them in my artwork and crafts.
Christine
· 8 months ago
Oooh! I have been coveting this book at Powell's lately.
I incorporate green into my crafting in these ways: 1. I make eco-friendly coffee cup cozies out of felt that can be used again and again, which helps reduce the use of those disposable paper java jackets they have at the coffee shops. 2. I buy the majority of my supplies at Portland's local craft thrift shop, the Knittn Kitten. 3. I give my empty thread spools to my daughter to use for her art projects, instead of throwing them away. 4. I make panties out of t-shirt material a local screen printing company would normally throw out.
Meghan Berney
· 8 months ago
One of my favorite things to make/give as a gift is a resuable grocery tote! I'm so excited about this book and some new fresh ideas!
Sarah
· 8 months ago
I am green when I craft by recycling thrift store sweaters for their yarn. And reknitting it into something new.
Queen of the Click
· 8 months ago
I bring all of my crafting supplies not in use to my classroom and give the material to my students for their cards, class projects and individual projects.
Paula
· 8 months ago
I have a lot of my husband's shirts that he doesn't use any more and I'm sure I could repurpose them to something new, beautiful and useful. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jennifer
· 8 months ago
I love this book I got it from the library the other week and I hated having to return it. I love to reuse old clothes of mine to make something new for my little girls.
Kaycie
· 8 months ago
I am one of the moderators for our local freecycle and I use it a lot for bags of craft supplies and fabric, both giving and receiving. I often paint, cut, or sew on things I already have to transform them into something I want to keep. I'm also a big thrift store shopper. Every bit of my dining room furniture was picked up at thrift/antique stores along with lots of other pieces throughout my home. I simply like old things and I love that it's also good for the planet!
Harley
· 8 months ago
I would really love to win :) My husband eats a lot of tuna (easy to carry to work) so I've been using tuna cans to make pin cushions! :)
Nicole
· 8 months ago
I love using old fabrics from sheets and stuff to make new projects.
Nicole
Jason Millward
· 8 months ago
I buy alot of my groceries in bulk at my local "big box" warehouse store. Well, those big boxes certainly come in handy when I'm making journals.
nikki
· 8 months ago
I use thrifted & salvaged materials as often as possible. I keep every scrap and use them in small patchworks or as stuffing for softies. When I can't reuse something old, I try to make eco-conscious new materials. This book looks fabulous.
Marcella
· 8 months ago
I like to save all the old jeans then cut them up and make dog blankets with them. They are great for putting in the back seat of the car or in the puppies favorite corner and last forever! Thanks so much!
Lisa Q
· 8 months ago
I try to use old clothes, jeans, tops as the base fabric for many of my sewing projects. I also save and reuse buttons from discarded items of clothes. Thanks for the give away...it's been fun visiting new places on this blog tour.
sonja
· 8 months ago
I love to sew but with the price of fabric these days I am trying to use everybit and piece. One of my favorite ways to be thrifty is to use my husbands dress shirts (he wears out the elbows!) to make pj bottoms for my son. Cotton shirting is such a nice material for this. And the shirts are always in perfect condition except the the elbow spot! Keeps them out of the landfill. I also like to pick up vintage sheets at the thrift store for a buck or two and use the massive amount of fabric for testing out patterns before I sew with more expensive fabric. Leaves me with a garment that can be worn instead of wasting the the muslin.
Christina
· 8 months ago
I use all my fabric scraps...i'm even thinking of ways to use the little trimmings from "squaring up" items. ...I guess I could put them out for the birds for next building? Or stuff them into softy items... Also, i've started to use my fabric bags I make when I go shopping. I've done really well in remembering to use one my last few trips to Target.
Sarah
· 8 months ago
I love making useable items for old t-shirts, jeans, and sheets/pillowcases. I've made grocery bags out of t-shirts, skirts from sheets, pillowcase dress, and play food and money too.
jess
· 8 months ago
When my girls' dresses get to small/short they become skirts, and I'v colleted holey pants to turn into skirts too. I am very excited about this book, and the give-away! Thanks!
Elizabeth H
· 8 months ago
I save all of my scraps even the tiny ones. I also look for used sheets and the local thrift shop, you get a lot of fabric for a low price.
Ariane
· 8 months ago
I have made some rag rugs out of old t-shirts and old sheets. I often use fabrics from old clothing to incorporate in my scrap quilts. I have also altered clothing that didn't fit by adding material to make them fit. I love to make new things out of old things. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Hen
· 8 months ago
I try to use recycled yarn from charity shop jumpers. Also, I do a lot of re-fashioning of charity shop-bought clothes. It doesn't always work out as well as I'd like though! :)
Kim D.
· 8 months ago
I'm a little hit and miss in making my projects as green as I should, and repurposing materials. Although this winter, some friends and I went crazy on making mittens and hats from recycled sweaters. Anything to make the Wisconsin winters more tolerable.
Valerie
· 8 months ago
I cut up old clothes and turn them into dog toys. I use the smaller bits of fabric to stuff whatever shape I made and sew it all up into a free and safe doggy chew toy! I also do this to make stuffed animals for friend's human kids and recycle all of my old clothing into something new and better :)
Anne Marie
· 8 months ago
I save and reuse every piece of fabric, ribbon and trim. My motto is waste not, want not. It is amazing what you can do with a tiny piece of ribbon or fabric. I also reuse the fabric in not longer wanted shirts, skirts and my favorite, blue jeans. Hope I am lucky in the drawing.
Cheryl/FeltSewGood
· 8 months ago
I love to make felted wool handbags, accessories and plush toys from recycled wool sweaters and fabric!
Michele
· 8 months ago
I save all of my fabric scraps (even the teenie-tiny ones!) and I also like to use old clothes. This looks like a great book!
Melissa
· 8 months ago
I look at everything with fresh eyes now. I'm new to sewing but have discovered that some of my daughter's clothes that she out grown can be refashioned into somethign that will fit her and look cute. Or sometimes her big sister's hand me downs can be put to use more quickly with a few choice cuts and some elastic...
Corynne
· 8 months ago
I turned four old t-shirts into one awesome striped tank top. Re-purposing is fun, I plan on using more old clothes for future projects...
Kristen Blosser
· 8 months ago
The thriftstore in my area sells fabric yardage that would otherwise go to waste. I am also able to pick up notions there. By doing this, I create I help to keep the demand lower for newly manufactured sewing supplies.
Heather - Dollar Store Crafts
· 8 months ago
Right now, I am trying to stashbust instead of buying new materials. So, although I'm totally jealous of all the designer fabrics everyone else uses, I stick to my two huge bins full of fabric and go "shopping" from them when I need to make a project.
Kelly O.
· 8 months ago
I buy second hand sheets and sweaters to craft with. thanks for the chance to win! Kelly O.
Megan
· 8 months ago
I love using organic fabrics when I need to use new fabrics.
I also really like working with found pieces. There is a charm to using materials that you know have been places and have a history.
ellen
· 8 months ago
Like everyone else, I save my scraps and leftovers to make new projects, and repurposeold clothing to the same end. It saves money, too!
The 6 O'Clock Stitch
· 8 months ago
I'm saving odds and ends that would otherwise be thrown out in a stash for crafting with my toddler. It's amazing how many uses there are for junk!
Stephanie
· 8 months ago
I incorporate bits of thread and embroidery floss into my handmade paper. I don't do a lot of sewing but would love to win the book to get some new ideas!
Celina
· 8 months ago
I will admit that I have just recently started sustainable practices when it comes to crafting. Most recently I have been experimenting with knitting using plastic grocery bags. I have been creating a few wallets and things like that.
nic
· 8 months ago
when my kids' clothing garners the inevitable mustard or chocolate stain front-and-center, i either cut up the fabric to use in another project or add a homemade fabric applique (on t shirts) or patch (jeans) to cover the offending spot. most times the resulting item is way cuter than the original!
Karen O
· 8 months ago
I've always altered new clothing for myself, but have been re-fashioning a lot of vintage / op-shop purchases lately. It's fun and really fuels the creative spirit. Karen kareno369(@)hotmail(dot)com
Sherr I
· 8 months ago
I have recycled denim jeans into a rag quilt and am working on another one.
Deborah
· 8 months ago
I save buttons and zips from old clothes, the buttons I give to my kids to make button flowers and crafts and the zips I use in bags made from old jeans and other clothes. If my bags don't have zips everything falls out!
Christine
· 8 months ago
I take old clothes/fabric to make things for my classroom such as curtains for a bookshelf or art supplies for different projects or science experiments.
Kristen Mary
· 8 months ago
I like to give new life to old quilts! I can't wait to see Betz White's new book, I'm an avid reader of her blog. Thanks for the give away!
MelodyJ
· 8 months ago
I like to re-purpose bottle caps, clothes, glass containers, plastic and paper bags. There are so many uses for everyday things. melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Katie Leonard
· 8 months ago
I like to use my 3 little one's baby blankets and turn them into bigger blankets or quilts... I am also currently trying to make bags out of old jeans for my sisters. I love the jean skirt bag in this book, that looks great.
tricia
· 8 months ago
I have been using old t-shirts and sweaters for pants and diaper covers for my boys. Also,using sheets that I don't use to sew with. Shopping more and more at the thrift store for fabric. I love the search!
Mary
· 8 months ago
I made a tote out of a birdseed bag last month. I occasionally repurpose vintage linens too. (This one is more in my mind, ha!)
I keep telling the kids I'm going to make one of the capri sun pouch bags, but it's on my long list of *one day* things.
christin
· 8 months ago
We get very creative with jars and containers, boxes and bags...anything that can be recycled into a craft:) I have two kiddos whose imaginations are always thinking of new ways to use old things:)
Crystal
· 8 months ago
I love to craft with plarn! Plastic bags, cut into strips, and tied into thread. It makes great crocheted totes and everyone always asks where I got my cool plastic bag :) Thanks for offering a swell giveaway!
jennielle9
· 8 months ago
I craft for gifts--thereby saving resources by not driving, buying stuff that's been mass produced and put into packaging, etc. Awesome book!
~Heather
· 8 months ago
Felting wool sweaters for toys and old (and very cheap) sheets to make my own patterns. ~Heather
Rachael
· 8 months ago
I make my kids dress up clothes from my old dresses from H.S. dances, as well as my husbands old clothes also find lots of great items to repurpose at a few great Salvation Army stores near my home.
Jennifer Rose
· 8 months ago
I use a lot of old shirts and trousers to make bags. saves on having to buy materials and also means I don't use so many plastic bags when buying things from shops. Buy sheets from thrift shops and make curtains and skirts from them :) can often get some really nice vintage patterned sheet for skirts.
Twilight
· 8 months ago
I like to unravel old wool sweaters and reuse the yarn. Since I got a dog I've learned to make tugs out of old jeans. Not only is it a great thing to recycle, the jean tug is super durable for my dog's "mouth of fangs" as I like to call them.
jenn
· 8 months ago
i've switched from using mostly acrylic yarns to using pure wool, cotton, and bamboo fibers. i'm also using all-natural and safe finishing materials for my woodworking.
mary grace
· 8 months ago
yes PLEASE! :) I stalk our local thrift stores for various pillow cases & sheets... cutting out the dingy and/or stained parts and using the rest for patchwork, shirts, dresses, placemats, totes, or many, many other projects. i'm looking forward to having kids as well, because then i can start experimenting with clothes and refashioning finds from thrift stores to fit them! :)
Deborah
· 8 months ago
I scour estate/yard sales for old fabric to reuse! I've found some great stuff :)
Nova
· 8 months ago
I'm recycling my old jeans to make a quilt.
Stacey
· 8 months ago
Unfortunately I hadn't given much thought to re-using things until recently. At least craft-wise. I reuse all kinds of things in my 'other' life. :P. But now I look for old t's and skirts that can be re-purposed. I love the idea of covering up a stain with some pretty applique or embroidery rather than trashing the item. So I would love to get more ideas from this great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
julie
· 8 months ago
I use clothes and fabric I buy at garage sales and thrift stores to make tote bags.
Bonnita
· 8 months ago
I love to hit the local thrifts and bring whatever treasures I find home and reuse them. Fabrics, clothes.....
anonymous
· 8 months ago
In our old house, I had sewn curtains to partition the basement. When we moved, I saved the curtains and one day, decided to re-use the material for a few clothing items, including a shirt for my daughter. At a picnic with friends (and some new acquaintances), my daughter responded to a compliment on her shirt by saying, "This shirt used to be our curtains!" I had a bit of Fraulein Maria-like pride, but also suggested that not everyone needed to know that information.
mamaTAVE
· 8 months ago
I have just really started getting into thrifting wool sweaters and turning them into baby soakers and pants, squares for blankets, and other things I have yet to invent or discover. I love the idea of the cashmere blanket....!
Laurie May Coyle
· 8 months ago
I just started using fabric scraps from my friend's bag-making business to make my small stuffed creatures. I have used the patchwork look to make these cute creatures come alive, and I am having so much fun exploring all the patterns she has found for me. These scraps would have ended up in a landfill, so instead they are getting new life in my creations. It feels great for me to not be buying new fabric for such small pieces, and it's great for her to know it's being put to good use.
Rebecca
· 8 months ago
Another thrift store crafter here!
Chppie
· 8 months ago
I save old clothes to reuse to make new. Also working on making storage boxes out of old pants & jeans. I try to plan so that the first project uses all of the big pieces so that I don't end up cutting a small piece out of something versatile like a shirt back.
Thanks for the review. Book has piqued my interest.
ALLY M
· 8 months ago
I recycle all old clothes--harvest the buttons for unique jewlry additions, and the cloth for quilt blocks and also use it for lining purses and such. Not much cloth around here doesn't get a second life somehow.
Greedy Nan
· 8 months ago
I use machine fabric dyes to recolour clothings I've got fed up with and also make jewellery from old buttons, etc.
Kaye
· 8 months ago
I often buy fabric from the thrift store that people would normally throw away and I keep all of the buttons, zippers, etc from clothing and accessories that aren't functional anymore (i.e. stuff you wouldn't send to the thrift store). I also like to remake old sweaters/other knits into pillows or toys and I save even the tiniest of fabric scraps because I know I'll figure out some way to use them.
sherri s.
· 8 months ago
I can't remember the last time I bought new fabric or craft supplies (well, I did buy some yarn for a class that was doing a specific Louisa Harding project that called for her yarn). I buy everything at estate sales, yard sales, thrift shops. My new thing is wanting to reuse vintage dresses that are too big--I want to remake them into somethng that fits and still pays tribute to the vintage style...fingers crossed that I win what looks to be a fabulous book!
Kim
· 8 months ago
we love re-using!!! we thrift often for fun fabrics - vintage sheets or pillow cases. we also re-use our flannel jammies every year for doll clothes. my girls are having a lot of fun finding different uses for our scraps. looking forward to checking out sewing green!!
Maribeth
· 8 months ago
I like to cut apart old clothes and linens to reuse the fabric in new projects.
Margie
· 8 months ago
I always keep my fabric scraps and my children turn them into art. I love to go thrifting and buy second hand materials. A little effort goes a long way! Now I will be on the hunt for cashmere because that scarf on the cover is calling my name!
Sarah C
· 8 months ago
I like to make new things out of clothes I don't wear any longer! Very fun and useful. Thanks for the giveaway, I want this book so much! sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
Heidi
· 8 months ago
I'm a knitter, but buttons are so expensive. I buy items of clothing at the thrift and use the buttons off of them.
sparklygreenknickers
· 8 months ago
How generous to be giving away such a useful looking book!
I like to reuse items from op-shops (thrift stores), like sheets and tablecloths in quilts and skirts. I also rifle through my daughters too small clothing to refashion items for my much younger son.
I hope to make a quilt entirely out of repurposed items in the near future, just building up my stash at the moment!
Sandy
· 8 months ago
So far I have used a thrifted jacket to make a new spring purse, also a thrifted linen dress to make 2 tea wallets. Today, I found some belts to use to make some other handbags with.
Lisa
· 8 months ago
This is one of my favorite things, repurposing. I make quilts from clothing, sheets, and any other kind of fabric that will work. I would like to have the pattern that one person commented about - crocheting a market bag from plastic shopping bags. I know a girl who did this from used present ribbon. too cool!
Sarah
· 8 months ago
I always try and adapt craft projects so that they use what I have rather than buying a bunch of new stuff.
Joy
· 8 months ago
I re-use my boyfriends old t-shirts, cut them up, and knit them into bath mats and kitty pads for the couch! I also cut up towels and edge them with old bedsheets to donate to the local SPCA. I'm a big fan of Betz White, so I'll most likely go and buy the book anyway!
Laura
· 8 months ago
I have used the legs of worn-out PJs to make fabric gift bags, among other things. Right now I'm working on a project to turn an old pair of jeans into a clothespin apron.
Karina Potestio
· 8 months ago
I go regularly to the bins to incorporate salvaged textiles in my clothes!
sandi
· 8 months ago
keep all cardstock scraps, fabric scraps, thread, glitter. cut into tiny pieces and use when making homemade paper.
Robin
· 8 months ago
I shop thrift stores for supplies and inspiration.
Stacie.Make.Do.
· 8 months ago
I reuse all kinds of things when I sew and craft. I have drawers of loose book pages, empty matchboxes, pieces of ribbon,cardboard backs of notebooks, etc. It's a mess, but it's also nice to let my kids have at it when they want to do a project.
I just made a super cute little girl's nightie out of a vintage sheet from a vintage pattern.
Can't wait to try something with the juice pouches! I have three boys in soccer this spring.
Meagan
· 8 months ago
I use all the fabric scraps for the kids craft projects and also for stuffing pillows and so forth instead of having to byuy fiberfill.
Jennifer A
· 8 months ago
I'd love to win her book!
I use as much recycled materials as possible. Our Easter baskets this year were redecorated shoe boxes. I've made baby shoes from a recycled leather skirt, baby pants from old wool sweaters, and even baby diapers from old t-shirts! So far most of my "green" crafting has been projects for my babies, but since my last baby is growing up quickly, I'm looking for other ways to go green with my crafting.
Beth
· 8 months ago
What a great review of my newest 'gotta have' book! I especially like the skirt - why should tables have all the fun? I made my husband a quilt out of our family's old jeans. It made a good, heavy quilt. I kept some of the seams, frayed spots (I backed the fraying with some funky fabric), and the tiny little pocket of my daughters jeans. One patch had cool bleach spotting that I thought would add a little more character. It wasn't until after the quilt was made, that I found a photo of my husband holding our daughter as a newborn on those bleach-y pants. It made the quilt even more special. I can't see what other ideas are in this book.
Meredith
· 8 months ago
I'd love to win a copy, I've made several things from Betz's first book using felted sweaters and I love working with it now!
Meg
· 8 months ago
* I love to purchase old sweaters from our thrift store and then use them for new yarn on a different project.
I reuse plastic and paper bags and I felt wool sweaters to create pincushions and stuffed animals. I would love to win a copy of Betz White's new book!
kelly jo
· 8 months ago
I've been saving all of my old and non-fitting clothes to make new clothes for my daughter!
Erica
· 8 months ago
I am a regular at the local thrift shops. We find some real treasures there -- reknitting sweaters, refinishing furnishings, and recreating clothing from bits and pieces of other things. It is a creative process that can be quite infectious!
Annie
· 8 months ago
I like checking out the local thrift stores too. They have tons of embroidery hoops, knitting needles, and sometimes there are good finds in the fabric too (I keep hoping for good finds in the yarn, but so far no luck). I definitely check out the sweaters regularly looking for wool to be felted :)
Laurie
· 8 months ago
I like to look for plain onesies and t-shirts at the thrift stores that I can then needle felt on to.....cute appliques for babies and toddlers like a butterfly or turtle etc. I also love finding furniture type"stuff" at thrift stores that can be painted and brought back to life ie a dresser or a frame that can take on a completely new form once a little work is done on it.
eugenie venegas
· 8 months ago
I m in love with wool the gift for me is to give another second life to the simples thing I have at home recycled is a passion of life . merci Eugenie
Meredith Healy
· 8 months ago
I keep most of my old clothes & the kids one too & then use the fabric in other projects. I am a regular at thrift shops, garage sales & markets keeping my eyes open for fabrics & buttons. Let's be honest, they aren't made like they used to be!!
Lorene
· 8 months ago
I buy my kids clothes made out of fabric suitable for future quilt projects. I'm currently waiting for my son to grow out of the shorts he has been wearing because I covet the gorilla and bananas fabric they're made from!
KM Graham
· 8 months ago
I am new to craftiness, but am working on using repurposed and found materials as much as possible. A friend recently gave us a doll bed that her children no longer played with. I was able to put together a very cute pillow, blanket and mattress from stuff I already had, mostly picked up at garage sales. I also seek things on freecycle when I have ideas I am working on.
charlotte
· 8 months ago
re-purpose is the key for me! i am a teacher and save everything for either home or class craft projects. i also frequent garage sales on saturday mornings looking for sewing supplies and craft bargains.
Kris
· 8 months ago
I've crocheted market bags for grocery shopping - and made bath scrubbies from plastic bags that I do get!
Tracey
· 8 months ago
I have a stack of old clothes sitting in a bag that was ready to go to goodwill - but I think i might keep it around in hopes to turn them into something with some inspiration!
Jen
· 8 months ago
Instead of throwing away my yarn scraps after completing a knitted project, I use them to add embellishment by needle felting them on the surface. Looks cool and decreases the amount of waste.
Nancy
· 8 months ago
I try to use all recycled containers in my craft room for storage. Also, I never throw away scraps of fabric or trim. I try to incorporate it somewhere in a project. I really love Betz White's projects.
Diane Lovell
· 8 months ago
Repurpose. Reuse. Recycle. I take apart jumpers (sweaters) to use as stuffing for amigurumi.
Anna
· 8 months ago
I keep every fabric scrap and have bags of old clothes sitting in my craft room just in case I find a project where I can use them.
Molly Lee
· 8 months ago
I love getting old, grungy, holey sweaters from Goodwill as is and washing them til they felt, then using them in crafting projects. I also love finding sweaters knit with the loveliest of fibers (though the style might be atrocious) and unravelling them to release the beautiful yarn. How else could you possibly afford to knit with CASHMERE?
Karen
· 8 months ago
I have bought a lot of items from a re-use center in berkeley and I have use materials from my GM's stash! I also cut up some old clothes to reuse the fabric.
Kathryn
· 8 months ago
Due as much to financial constraints as a desire to be "green" I use lot of things that might have otherwise been destined for a donation or trash bin to craft them into something useable or at least unique or different.
I have made buttons from old bottle caps and the plastic rings off of bottles, made a dress into a top, made tank tops into tote bags, cut apart too small pants and shirts and added parts for other clothing or fabric to make the big enough, etc.
Joey
· 8 months ago
I repurpose just about everything I can, clothes, bags, zippers, buttons, sheets. I'm trying to come up with something to make out of my Yorkie's dog treat bags. She really likes the treats and I am accumulating alot of bags. And now I noticed on our large dog's dogfood bag it is constructed with a LARGE ziplock like opening and I easily removed it now just wandering what to do with it. Maybe this cute book has some ideas for me?
Jen!
· 8 months ago
I am a huge scrap saver! I try to use all of my yarn scraps instead of throwing them away (other projects, stuffing, felted dryer balls, etc.). I even tried to unravel a sweater for yarn a la Lee Meredith..but I never quite got around to dyeing it and winding it all together. Oops.
My goodness would I love to win one of those!! :o)
Nancy
· 8 months ago
I try to get all my fabrics (and some clothes for myself) from thrift shops or freecycle, and also always try freecycle, craigs list, etc. before going out to buy anything new in terms of home electronics, etc. Visiting the local farmers market during the summer months is another way I try to sustain my world and my neighborhood and cut down on my carbon footprint. I'd love a copy of the book to give me more crafting ideas and instructions, I love Betz's website and blog!
Kristen
· 8 months ago
I save all of my scraps - but being fairly new, that hasn't amounted to much! Some of my projects themselves, such as shopping totes, help by reducing the amount of disposable products I have to use. I also think that perhaps my personal sewing reduces my participation in the waste and un-greenness of the companies I would otherwise buy manufactured items from.
My biggest green accomplishment to date is in the pile of older shirts that I don't wear anymore that I'm working on refashioning. And I'm in the middle of my own version of turning thrifted sheets to pajama pants! Recycling materials is my way of being green while crafting.
Cami
· 8 months ago
I am excited because I decided to use my found paper to package my earrings!! I am going to be selling my earrings sometime soon and I used packaging from Girl Scout cookies and free postcards cut down to size to serve as cards for my earrings. It made me so happy that they were all high quality, sturdy, free, interesting, and functional!
Kasia
· 8 months ago
I'm recycling, reusing and repurposing whatever I can. If I can't my 3 years old son is helping me and then we have a lot of fun and he is learning to be green with lots of strange toys around him ;)
LynAnne Smucker
· 8 months ago
I hate to waste fabric and so I try very hard in quilting and sewing dolls to use as many scraps as possible. If I can sew one piece of fabric to another its a useable scrap. I also have used fabric from worn out clothing (my own and my spouse's) in my creations. In addition, I buy (for minimal cash) other quilter's scraps when my quilt guild has their yearly garage sale when people let go of small cuts of fabric they either no longer love, or have no use for. I save buttons off of clothing to use. I love to use cleaned yogurt containers for paint pots, and clean glass jars to store buttons, bead and trims in too.
Christie
· 8 months ago
i try to use whatever i have
i.e. if my husband's shirt has a hole in it, i will save the buttons & use the fabric for something else
i always try & see if something can have another use & a second life rather than throwing it out, it is a great challenge!
marcela
· 8 months ago
With my daughter we just learned to do needle felting and bought few sweaters from thriftstores to felt and use. It's been lots of fun.
I also have been getting clothing from thriftstores to turn them into clothes my kids can wear. Some of them have great prints and my kids love it that we can make something for them from an adult dress!
Alisa
· 8 months ago
I use a lot of thrifted fabrics and love to take apart old wool suits and re make the pieces into clothes for my dolls and left over yarn for their hair.
Lari
· 8 months ago
I tey to reuse stuff, most of our furniture is inherited, donated or bulky items (Sperrmüll). It is amazing what you can transform into a piece of antique art!
Jean
· 8 months ago
I make mittens out of wool sweaters. I also made a rug for for granddaughter's room out of sheets from the thrift store. I crocheted them into an oval. It turned out great!
I would love to win this book!!
Anne Allen
· 8 months ago
I never throw scraps away. I seperate strips from the rest of the scraps and donate it all to my Mom's church where they make woven rugs and quilts.
Jenny
· 8 months ago
All the materials that I use in my crafting are recycled and sourced from friends, charity shops, freecycle etc. I love using recycled materials!
Cindy Is Crafty
· 8 months ago
I have incorporated sewing green by using thrifted materials in my crafting. Almost 80% of the materials I use in crafting are from thirft shops. I also try to reuse sweaters and t-shirts by creating totes from them.
Christine
· 8 months ago
I take thrift store wool sweaters and make them into items for my kids. My oldest daughter just made herself a felted, embellished sweater for a recycled object class project. I also make can and bottle holders as well. Most of the furnishings in our house have come from estate sales.
heather
· 8 months ago
I've been trying to reuse items, whether for knitting or sewing. This looks like a great book to help me continue & expand that pursuit.
Catherine
· 8 months ago
I frequent my Mother's stash as well as thrift stores and flea markets for materials to create fun and practical projects to give as gifts! Thank you!
suesue
· 8 months ago
my mom has given me so much fabric. she always took garments apart when they no longer fit or were wearable (she went through the depression). she and her mom saved everything, from the buttons and other closures to the fabric or lace. i've made purses, flower brooches, and quilts from all of this and love finding new ideas. i've also used felted sweaters for crafts that i've bought at the thrift store or traded with friends. i thing we all need to reuse and recycle. i love the challenge!
Cheryl
· 8 months ago
I like to gather up old buttons to use, I take clothing that is not suitable for reuse by another, and cut off buttons, use any usable part of the fabric, remove zippers etc.
debbie
· 8 months ago
This sour economy has forced me to make things from my stockpile which is better for me economically and much better environmentally.
kristen
· 8 months ago
I have a stack of dresses from when my girls were little...and make dresses for their dolls. I'm also a big believer in thrifting!
kristen
· 8 months ago
I'm a thrifter with extraordinary skills!
MoniQ in WI
· 8 months ago
I've saved and used old buttons since childhood. I've been felting and recycling wool sweaters for years--they become girl-sized for my daughter and then turn into bags and other projects when she outgrows them. I've started making my adult cast-offs into shorts and tops for my girl; and taking her outgrown shirts and repiecing them into new, larger ones. Most recently, my girl is wearing her Gram's vintage wool skirts, that will eventually become rag rugs! I've been a thrifty, flea-marketing chica forever! Reusing makes life fun!
iHanna
· 8 months ago
I almost never buy new fabric, only secondhand.
take care!
water works
· 8 months ago
I use thrifted or outgrown adult clothing to make little shorts and skirts for my toddler. I also use old mesh laundry bags to create produce bags similar to those described in Betz' book. I like that the mesh is see through for the checker. I've made a few totes out of old pillow cases...these are great for general (not food) shopping. I love to have the cashier place my purchases in a cool, one of a kind tote!
Amy
· 8 months ago
This book looks so fun! I use vintage linens to make pillowcase dresses. I've also made scarves and table runners from them. I also have a quilt in the work with them!
Nicole
· 8 months ago
My dad's family made quilts through the depression and the 40s and 50s with clothes that they had worn out, I have a couple and love to look at the fabrics and think about the garments they might have come from. So I love finding thrift store clothes with unusual fabrics or textures and saving them for quilts. It's probably not cheaper than buying fabric from the store, but much more fun. I also save particularly favored clothes that my husband or I have worn out that aren't appropriate for goodwill or just too loved to give up. I'm currently working on a quilt for a friend's child that has a tree with the trunk made out of my husband's favorite cords, and I can't wait to surprise her with it!
Leigh
· 8 months ago
I reuse clothing and other fabrics in my sewing and crafts, too. And I typically refashion instead of going out and buying new.
Heather Murphy
· 8 months ago
Hi! I use old towels and tablecloths to make tea cozies.
Catie Roche
· 8 months ago
I re-purpose my son's shirts into pajama's and house coats for myself. They're the best!
Christine C.
· 8 months ago
On the rare occasion that I forget my coffee mug, I made a sleeve for to-go coffee cups. That way, I don't have to take a cardboard sleeve. It is a VERY small thing to help the environment, but it proves that being eco-friendly can be fun! I pick my favorite fabric and back it with felt...add some velcro or a button and viola!
Roseanna
· 8 months ago
I love Betz White's ideas...her first book was wonderful. I love going through thrift and "junk" shops, I aways emerge with a treasure for decorating or gifting. Swapping materials with fellow artists is a help also.
Erin E
· 8 months ago
i love taking apart thrift store sweaters and making all kinds of crocheted projects! (i love leg warmers!)
MaryAnne
· 8 months ago
Although not overly original...I love to recycle old clothes to make new clothes. Shirts into baby hats, baby pants, sundresses...etc!
Felicity
· 8 months ago
The last quilt I finished was made of thrifted wool from old clothes, lined with old flannel sheets, and backed with fabric I bought long enough ago that it's ALMOST like it's vintage; I've turned old t-shirts and sweaters into dresses, leggings and a skirt for my kid; I'm experimenting with plarn-crochet, and I've started on a Kaffe Fasset-esque mitered strip quilt using thrifted mens striped shirts...Now I have to figure out what to with the plastic tops off the milk jugs...
Shawna
· 8 months ago
I saved all of the curtains when we moved to repurpose into other things, hopefully clothes for my little girls. I also saved some shirts that my sister gave me to size down for the girls.
kelli
· 8 months ago
My sons and I love to search through the recycling bins to find materials for our projects. We're currently working on some "night vision goggles" out of toilet paper rolls and string.
Angie
· 8 months ago
I make fire starters from old lint from the dryer, egg cartons, and candle wax left over from almost used up candles. I stuff the lint into the egg cartons (paper ones, not the styrofoam), and melt the wax to pour over the tops. Rip them apart and there you go! Fire starters! I learned this from my Mom, she is so thrifty! It isn't really "crafting" but I feel crafty doing it!
Kate H.
· 8 months ago
I love using thrifted yarn and thread in home projects, from baby toys to kitchen dish cloths and sponges. I also enjoy using fabric and wool sweaters to make new things for our family and home. Great fun making one new thing after something old. :)
Michelle
· 8 months ago
I just had my second child and both my husband and I are on parental leave, so money is tight (but worth it!). I've recently started altering my maternity clothes into clothes that I can breastfeed in. And the shirts and sweaters that don't fit me anymore are being converted into skirts, dresses and legwarmers for my girls!
Caroline
· 8 months ago
I reuse potato chip bags after I wash them to make the "crinkly" in baby toys!
Jessica T
· 8 months ago
When I worked at a school I used to gather scraps after the children had done projects (scraps that were getting thrown away otherwise and in at least one case scraps that had already been thrown away- it was wool felt, that stuff is like gold!) to take home and use.
heathers
· 8 months ago
I like reusing old stuff for kids crafts. Cutting up magazines, drawing on the backs of fliers, let them cut old clothes into doll clothes or bedding, or make stuffies out of them. If you give a kid a pile of old stuff and some basic supplies you will be amazed at what they make!
Donna
· 8 months ago
I shop at thrift stores for fabric and keep every scrap . . my daughter 'sews' with this 'scrappies' while I sew . .she's 2.5 and it keeps her busy!!
All Comments
look!
http://www.dork-a-thon.com/?p=263
http://www.dork-a-thon.com/?p=128
One way or the other - I'm dying to get my hands on this book!
I'm always thinking green - saving every scrap of fabric, and sometimes odds and ends that come my way instead of throwing them away or recycling them. I like the creative challenge that comes from using a tiny piece of fabric or a mismatched something and making it into something beautiful.
This book looks lovely, I can always use more green inspiration.
I incorporate green into my crafting in these ways:
1. I make eco-friendly coffee cup cozies out of felt that can be used again and again, which helps reduce the use of those disposable paper java jackets they have at the coffee shops.
2. I buy the majority of my supplies at Portland's local craft thrift shop, the Knittn Kitten.
3. I give my empty thread spools to my daughter to use for her art projects, instead of throwing them away.
4. I make panties out of t-shirt material a local screen printing company would normally throw out.
Nicole
thanks for the chance to win!
Kelly O.
I also really like working with found pieces. There is a charm to using materials that you know have been places and have a history.
Karen
kareno369(@)hotmail(dot)com
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I keep telling the kids I'm going to make one of the capri sun pouch bags, but it's on my long list of *one day* things.
i'm also using all-natural and safe finishing materials for my woodworking.
Thanks for the review. Book has piqued my interest.
I like to reuse items from op-shops (thrift stores), like sheets and tablecloths in quilts and skirts. I also rifle through my daughters too small clothing to refashion items for my much younger son.
I hope to make a quilt entirely out of repurposed items in the near future, just building up my stash at the moment!
I make quilts from clothing, sheets, and any other kind of fabric that will work.
I would like to have the pattern that one person commented about - crocheting a market bag from plastic shopping bags.
I know a girl who did this from used present ribbon.
too cool!
I just made a super cute little girl's nightie out of a vintage sheet from a vintage pattern.
Can't wait to try something with the juice pouches! I have three boys in soccer this spring.
I use as much recycled materials as possible. Our Easter baskets this year were redecorated shoe boxes. I've made baby shoes from a recycled leather skirt, baby pants from old wool sweaters, and even baby diapers from old t-shirts! So far most of my "green" crafting has been projects for my babies, but since my last baby is growing up quickly, I'm looking for other ways to go green with my crafting.
Meg
onourwayonline.com
merci Eugenie
I have made buttons from old bottle caps and the plastic rings off of bottles, made a dress into a top, made tank tops into tote bags, cut apart too small pants and shirts and added parts for other clothing or fabric to make the big enough, etc.
My goodness would I love to win one of those!! :o)
My biggest green accomplishment to date is in the pile of older shirts that I don't wear anymore that I'm working on refashioning. And I'm in the middle of my own version of turning thrifted sheets to pajama pants! Recycling materials is my way of being green while crafting.
i.e. if my husband's shirt has a hole in it, i will save the buttons & use the fabric for something else
i always try & see if something can have another use & a second life rather than throwing it out, it is a great challenge!
I also have been getting clothing from thriftstores to turn them into clothes my kids can wear. Some of them have great prints and my kids love it that we can make something for them from an adult dress!
I would love to win this book!!
i thing we all need to reuse and recycle. i love the challenge!
take care!
I use vintage linens to make pillowcase dresses. I've also made scarves and table runners from them. I also have a quilt in the work with them!