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
