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recycled clothing

I went to a fashion show this past weekend that was so inspiring! It was all collections based on recycled materials, reused and reconstructed in very creative ways.

Some of the things were clearly not suitable for everyday wear - minidresses made from recycled plastic supermarket bags, unravelled coffee cups (to make horizontal tiers), pleated newspaper skirt and top.

But overall the show made me feel like digging in my closet for things that I could reconstruct to make something fresher. What a great reminder of how much great material is already out there waiting to be reworked with a creative eye! I hope I can get some projects underway. Has anyone else been making these types of clothes?
Midlife's profile
posted by Midlife
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I didn't see this when it was first posted but the photo of the bag I posted is made of old material from a dress. I lost 50 lbs and had to rework a skirt or two and plan to do more a I lose more so I will be recycling more than a few outfits. I will also be making quilts out of my husbands shirts. I have them in a large bag and plan to do the quilts for my kids.
grammiesue's profile
posted by grammiesue
over 2 years ago
I've "rescued" clothing from time to time. I had a favorite sweater that had a whole in the back (at the top, from removing a label that bugged me), and I bought an embroidered flower "patch" at the fabric store and sewed it over the hole. I get lots of compliments on that sweater; it's unique! ; )
ChicoGal's profile
posted by ChicoGal
over 2 years ago
Oops, that's "hole," not "whole." I also read an article talking about buying old wool sweaters from the thrift store, unraveling, and using the yard for new projects. MUCH cheaper than buying yarn these days. Might work well for felted projects (purses, hats etc.); just need to make sure it's wool or a blend that will felt.
ChicoGal's profile
posted by ChicoGal
over 2 years ago
When I had cable I used to watch HGTV just about all day and I saw several purses made from old sweaters. I bought some butterscotch colored animal print purse handles and I am looking for a sweater to make the purse part from. I think it will look great if what is in my head will come out of my hands. And if I can find the right old sweater to make it from.

Also I have a beautiful turquoise (mostly) dress from the 80's that I never wore (I was a half a size larger than the dress when I bought it.) and it has a full skirt so I am going to cut it up and make a different skirt from it for spring. I'll post a picture of it when I am done.
grammiesue's profile
posted by grammiesue
over 2 years ago
Oh by the way loved the idea of covering the hole in the sweater. I have had sweaters and sweatshirts that I could have done that with but didn't think of it. Maybe next time I will.
grammiesue's profile
posted by grammiesue
over 2 years ago
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