Put Down the Cell Phone . . .

Guys and Gals, yes, it's time to put down the cell phone, turn off the t.v. and yes, the computer (except for your purposeful and healthy blog reading), and start repurposing your clothes, or others' clothes.

Repurposing clothing (taking one item of older or used clothing and turning it into another item, ex. jeans into shorts, skirt into a scarf, or updating an older or found piece of clothing with embellishments, embroidery, or other design elements) is a fun, inexpensive, and great way to spend one's time independently or with friends. There's rituals and routines involved, along with challenges. The end result, however, is great pride in the achievement of creating one of a kind works of fashion art, making a personal statement, while promoting sustainability via recycling, and expressing one's self in a positive and fun way.

The first step in repurposing is deciding what pieces you want to create. A jacket? A skirt? A scarf? A handbag? The possibilities are endless.

The resources for the materials are abundant in this disposal society we live in. Thrift stores, garage and estate sales, church rummage sales, fabric and craft stores, a friend's closet, or your own closet provide the components to start with.

What to start with? How about taking a t-shirt and trimming the sleeves a couple of inches and removing the collar? How about taking a comfy old pair of jeans and making some cute short shorts with a touch of embroidery or other embellishments?

I'm currently repurposing scarves out of last winter's knit pants. Ms. W. recently finished embroidering a pair of black jeans found at the Goodwill (for $2!) Sifting through an old Barbie toys bag, we found some funny, random accessories (from Barbie's mini mart) and attached them to Ms. W's line of hair clips. The local hardware store or our garage will provide additional resources for Ms. W's hair clip line.

The tools- easy to find nowadays for next to nothing. Why? Arts and crafts and sewing tools, accessories and materials are found in abundance at garage and estate sales and on e-bay. Why buy a sewing machine at retail prices when one can be found for next to nothing second-hand. Good quality machines can be found also at sewing and vacuum repair shops as well.

Other tools and materials for repurposing clothing:
Embroidery hoops
Embroidery floss
Thread (in a wide variety of colors)
Buttons (fun to find and collect)
Sewing and embroidery needles
Ribbon
Elastic
Scissors (variety of sizes and types)
Seam ripper
Cutting board
No-sew glue
Glue gun and glue sticks
Transfer paper
Marking pencils
Craft table (fold-up Rubbermaid)
Comfy but ergonomic chair
Craft light
Sketch pads
Dye
Drawing pencils

If you can't find the above items second hand, then shopping at craft stores such as JoAnn and Michael's is an option. These stores advertise weekly with circulars (or you can sign up for their newsletters) and often receive 40-50% discount coupons. Teachers, JoAnn has a fabulous teacher discount program saving you 15% on most purchases of the items you need. Try to buy local (don't travel a great distance) and second-hand always when possible.

In our next blog, we'll talk about designs and share ideas for repurposing t-shirts and jeans. Until then, think before you buy retail, put your energies toward positive and creative and enriching endeavors, and have great purpose in your life.