We've made it back from Iceland and now it is time to get serious about finishing our scarves. Here's an inspiration from uncommon goods and here's what you do:
1) Layout your t-shirt pieces in 2 strips of 8 squares. Arrange them until you are satisfied with the sequence on each set. Then place one set on top of the other so you can see what is underneath.
2) When you are satisfied with your arrangement, use a running stitch or a back stitch to connect the squares on each side. You can use various colored thread - we used metallic which was grand.
3) Select a couple of squares with interesting colors behind them and slit the fabric with your scissors to reveal the color beneath. (Note: you could do this before stitching like making paper snowflakes) You could also cut the end squares into fringe if you like.
4)Stitch the front and back together. If you use a running stitch, you can also gather your scarf to create interest.
5) Finally, add beads or other adornments as you see fit.
Voila - you have created your very own scarf from recycled and reused materials.
--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew
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13 comments:
This is a great idea because it lets users extend the life cycle of garments that might have sentimental value. I am sure we all have favorite t-shirts that have been worn to death but we just don't have the heart to throw them away. There are several apparel retailers that have taken this concept to the market including PreLoved, Particle Reconstruction, Urban Outfitters- Urban Renewal, and TRAIDremade. Additionally, the BBC Thread has videos that give viewers instructions on how to make new garments from their old. I would really like to see some pictures of your scarf in the process as well as a finished item. It would definitely help in trying to implement your instructions.
I love the idea of creating scarves out of old t-shirts. I am not a master of the thread and needle, but I think I would be able to stitch together a scarf with the helpful links. Like Meghan, I'd be interested in seeing a final project as well as the process. Hopefully images of the final creations will be posted in the near future. The "Inspired Scarf" process could also be broadcasted on YouTube where, I am sure, it would receive great feedback. I think this is a great green idea to add originality to a new spring wardrobe!
I agree with the other comments and this post. I have collected so many t shirts over my lifetime and currently they are sitting in trash bags in my attic. In the past I have seen people turn those shirts into quilts, skirts,purses, anything. I have a book that gives instructions on how to turn those t shirts into tanks, halter tops, and stylish new garments. This scarf idea is yet another alternative I can now consider when I want to turn an old favorite into a new classic. I could follow your instructions for the most part, however I agree with Meghan and would suggest adding pictures so the reader can see exactly what you see for the final product.
This is such a great recycling idea. Instead of throwing away old t-shirts, you are able to create something new and interesting from some of your favorite patterns and fabrics that you don't have a use for anymore. This is a great project specially for someone like me, who gets emotionally attached to clothes and has a hard time throwing things away. The instructions are also easy to follow, but I do agree that pictures will enhance the process of preparation and will make it more engaging.
I really love this idea because it gives another option for people like me who can't seem to let go of certain shirts that used to be favorites or have some sort of sentimental value. Most of my old clothes I give away to the Salvation Army, but I think this would be a great idea for those t-shirts I want to keep. Also, the idea of embellishing the scarf seems like such a cool and unique idea. I would like to try this, but I'm not sure if I can visualize how to do it from the instructions. I agree with the posts above in saying that a visual aid would be really helpful in attempting to create this personalized recycled scarf. Overall this project is great because most people don't think of recycling their clothes, and it really is a wonderful idea.
I really love the idea of reusing old t-shirts and giving them a new life. Often times, t-shirts have a lot of sentimental value, and although they pile up, it is impossible to part with them. This is a great opportunity to give the shirt a new life and not have to leave it behind to collect dust in a pile. This reminds me of a website I saw once that recycled old shits into quilts (http://www.tshirtquilt.com/). Another similar idea that is a green alternative to donation and trashing unused items.
I am the queen of saving scrap fabrics and an avid collector of silly t-shirts. Many times I buy t-shirts for their ridiculous slogans and silly nature, or from somewhere I traveled (like those t-shirts in the freezer section of the grocery store, random...!). I don't often wear them because they aren't a great fit, a shirt from a grocery store in the middle of nowhere Vermont would not be understood by most, and I would just look like a crazy person with terrible style. Anyway, this is a great way to turn those tee's into a fun novelty scarf, and a great way to cherish and wear your memories! I also have old pins that I have collected since I was a child (buttons were cool in the '80's) and they could be a good way to embellish a scarf. I could actually combine multiple collections and memories into one functional garment! Great idea! My sister has a huge collection of concert tee's and I am definitely going to suggest this to her. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a great idea. I know there are plenty of t-shirts that over the years just pile up in my drawer. For some reason or another, like fit or style, I decide I dont like wearing them anymore. Sometimes selling to a secondhand store can be a great way to recycle. But those stores can often be picky, or sometimes the shirt isn't in the best of conditions. A scarf would be a great way to make sure nothing is just getting tossed away. It would also be really fun to make a comforter cover or quilt out of tee shirts. You could make an interesting patchwork quilt pattern by mixing solid tees with graphic tees!
I am absolutely one of those people that has a million t-shirts that I never wear. Those shirts with the cartoon character were only cool in elementary school, but I still can't seem to get rid of them. I am always trying to think of interesting ways to re-use them along with some of the crazy things my Grandma buys me. This would be a great way to still appreciate the items, but without looking like I'm am trying to be 9.
As many have already stated, I too seem to have an abundance of clothing that I have not brought myself to get rid of. I am always looking for ways to transform or update this old clothing but I am usually unsuccessful and either end up giving them away or storing them away in my closet. This idea of a recycled scarf seems like something I would be able to handle making. It is a way of turning several tee shirts that I don't wear into something that can be worn with a variety of outfits. I hope to find even more ways to recycle my old clothing.
This is a great project! I have drawers (in my apartment at school and at home) of old t-shirts. I save them just because I do not know what to do with them! I have made t-shirts into different styles of tops but cutting and tying and a little bit of sewing, but never have a tried making them into an accessory. I would like to try this project because I think it is a creative way to use things that I have sitting around taking up space.
Such a wonderful solution for what to do with all those old tee shirts we have lying around. It keeps the mind active and creative when doing simple projects like this. I am going to share this with my stylish grandmother who is always looking for funky ways to spruce up her wardrobe. She enjoys doing activities like this that cost cheep and result in something very unique. Sewing and cooking are the two most valuable hobbies she has passed along to myself and my siblings... I spy a new activity will we be doing on my next visit to her house =)
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