Something old and something new.
I was reading Julie's blog yesterday and she was discussing ways of living in better balance with the environment when it comes to our crafting. I have read other blogs discussing the same general thread and it is something that Rosie and I have incorporated into our recent designing and crafting. We, like most of you, are mad thrifters and enjoy searching for great books, aprons and other bits and pieces in every thrift store we see. We also, however, scour the thrift stores for clothing that is linen or 100% cotton to recycle into our creations. Take these shorts for an example...
Just a very ordinary pair of linen shorts found at a thrift store. But look how great the linen goes with these designer fabrics..
And even better yet take a look at the end result when those shorts have become part of a gorgeous new bag from our most recent pattern...
It has become something that we take great satisfaction in doing now. It is great to recycle for environmental reasons as well as being softer on the budget (if you don't count all the hours looking through thrift stores of course!!).
To recycle clothing in your crafting you need to make sure that you only use garments where the fabric is in good condition. Soak the garment in Napisan or equivalent soaker overnight to clean and disinfect. Once dry cut the garment apart along the seams and voila you have some fabric! Of course we are still obsessed by and can't do without all the gorgeous designer fabrics but we try to include 20% - 50% recycled fabric in all of our creating.
These are a few other bags that I have whipped up over the past couple of days (all using part recycled fabrics). They have all hit the Etsy store. Until next time, May the floss be with you! - Melly & Rosie
Gorgeous post flossy! Love the new bag! I am very lucky to have a little sister like you! Do you want to go thrifting tomorrow?
Posted by:Rosalie | January 24, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Mel, you sure are clever. The bags look great and love the use of tea towel, very inspirational...
Posted by:Helen Yann | January 24, 2007 at 08:16 PM
Rosie - and there was the matching recycled pyjamas we found at the thrift shop at about age 15. But that's a whole other story!
Posted by:leanneshouse | January 24, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Oh my god I think I had a pair of shorts just like that - it was either me or my sister!
Posted by:Kate | January 24, 2007 at 11:57 PM
wow! what an amazing transformation
Posted by:connie | January 25, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Lovely bags Mel, and I love the thrifting bit - just makes the bag so much more special.
Posted by:Di | January 25, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Beautiful bags, love them.
Oh HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY while I'm here.
Can I come thrifting too?
Posted by:Maddy | January 25, 2007 at 07:54 AM
What a great idea, In future I will think more before purchasing. By the way, love the new bags.
Posted by:Penelope | January 25, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Fantastic! It was a sort of resolution of mine to be less consumerist and shop with a conscience this year. I think it's great that you are doing this, and look at the results! Fabulous!
Posted by:Shell | January 25, 2007 at 12:44 PM
LOVE the one on the right. Such pretty colors and combo of patterns. Gorgeous work!
Posted by:Beth | January 26, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Beautiful bag! A very thought provoking post. I am looking at my toss aways diffrently now.
Posted by:Crystal T | January 26, 2007 at 01:40 AM
What fantastic bags you made, and I love the recycling idea too. I wish we had better thrift stores here though, nothing really worth saving at the moment. Maybe I need to take a trip to the other side to see some great ones. I love all of your kitties too, just adorable, and that little bunny is just too cute.
Posted by:Sue | January 26, 2007 at 09:43 AM
What a fab bag - all the more so because only you could look at those shorts and imagine they could become an integral part of something so pretty - that fabric combination is really perfect! You have amazing creative vision.
Posted by:Julie | January 27, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Love the new bags. I finished Sunshine last night - used it this morning. I love it. Great pattern, easy, clear instructions!
P.S Thanks for visiting my blog
Posted by:Sarah | January 27, 2007 at 12:56 PM
what beautiful and unique purses!!!
Posted by:amandajean | February 09, 2007 at 11:29 AM