Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Friday, January 9, 2009

"Upcycling"...a fancy word for Fruality

Not only does mending an item quickly save time in the process,
it also saves the article of clothing.
And these days that definitely helps the pocket book.
It is now time to dip into the fabric reserves that have been carefully sought
for during those well planned days of sales to create new garments made meticulously to have fine garments, as a Proverbs 31 woman, that will last.
Of course that requires a bot of talent.
If you need help in this area, you can take advantage of the recent trend of "upcycling" clothing to create a new garment for a family member or yourself.
"Upcycling"... just a fancy word for frugality
Become creative.
What is it you or your family needs?
Kids pants too short?
Don't be a slave to fashion, create your own in this time of a down turned economy.
Most Americans have a tremendous supply already at their finger tips...
just look into your closet!
Decide what fits and what you like and set aside the rest to work with.
Go through everyones closet in the household to gather your supplies.
You now have a large supply of buttons, and fabric, and shoes, and hats, and belts, and jewlery.
With a bit of creativity you can make something "new"
Project #1
Take a pair of jean shorts that fit at the waist but perhaps are not flattering or in good conditon lower down. Cut the jeans shorts an inch below the zipper and add a swatch of gathered fabric to make a swirl skirt for your little lady.
Project #2
You know that wool shirt that you accidentally shrunk in the dryer? Well do it again, yes shrink it again to make felted wool. You can now cut the fabric to make a purse or wallet or hat, or any item you might need.
Project #3
Have some old sheets?
Tear then into one inch wide strips and sew the ends together and gather the string together like a ball of yarn. Now crochet a long line and stitch into a circle or oval rug. If you place it on a wood floor be sure to use non skid sheet underneath, or you can use a few lines of hot glue. Just apply the hot glue to the bottom of finished rug and let dry before placing on the floor.
Project #4
Just love those buttons but the blouse has to go? Take the buttons off and make them into earrings, or re use the buttons on an upcycled purse or swirl skirt.
Project #5
Maybe you can think of another "up-cycling project" and share it with me!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

How to read a Sewing Pattern

Even if you have a sewing machine, and the desire to sew, trying to read a sewing pattern looks like a differnt language. This video has lots of info to help you get started. Won't your little one look so cute in a new dress!


Crochet




Crocheting is a wonderful way to provide extra warmth for your family in the winter, or make gifts for Christmas or birthdays. I've found an excellent link to help you get started that includes 7 videos to teach you an old fashioned skill that will keep your hands busy. "How to Crochet"
You will be amazed at what you have to show when you are done, with just a few stitches here and there throughout the year.

Embroidery

Embroidery can be used to beatuify your home, or make gifts for friends and family or bring in extra income by selling it at local gift shops or craft fairs or online. Here is video to hlep you get started.


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