WIP: Bear skin rug

Remember that hideous faux fur coat I got at the thrift store for <$1?  Last night it began its journey towards freedom (and looking a little less hideous.  First I hacked it up and cut out the pieces.

Already attracting the attention of the resident furball, as you can see.  Due to the size of the coat and a couple wrong scissor strokes I had to improvise on the pattern.  I sewed up the head and muzzle and attached them to the body, which was actually much easier to do than expected.

You can kinda see the shape of the head emerging.  I had enough time to make the ears and sew them to the head, which was actually quite annoying.  One is still bigger than the other, but I'm hoping no one notices ;).

Still to go: eyes, nose, claws, tail, stuffing, and backing.  This requires a trip to Jo-Ann's as I don't have the material, but hey, doesn't this look vaguely bear-like?

Scarf!

Check it out... new and improved, actually nice looking, good quality 100% cashmere scarf!  Made from the sleeves of a cashmere sweater, this scarf is soft and colorful.  I can actually see someone paying for this.  In all likelihood though, it's going to a friend.

I really want to make more of these.  Anyone have requests, or know someone in need?  I'd feel silly owning 20+ scarves just for myself.

*dreams of get rich quick while-in-grad-school schemes, and by that I mean earning $100*

Sewing maniac!

So check it out, I have now completed THREE more projects.  This recycled sweater thing is really addicting.  First, I took the sleeves left over from all the pink sweaters that became a quilt, and stitched them together into a very warm scarf.

I trimmed it with a rich purple velveteen salvaged from a $0.29 Goodwill item.  I love the flare at the end of the scarf where the sleeves met the shoulder seam.
Second was the hat: also a recycled sleeve.

It's sewn into the shape of a wizard's hat and bordered with what used to be the sweater's hem.

But what's my favorite?  It's a ladybug!

I made all my friends these microwavable warmers for Christmas and then saw that a bunch of people were selling inferior quality ones on Etsy.  Seriously... corn filler?  And if it gets wet?  Best bet is popcorn, worst is a lot of mold AND popcorn.  These are stuffed with seeds instead of corn, for a very fine filler without any edges or lumps.

Maybe I need to sell these on Etsy, hmmm?  Animal suggestions welcome!

Quilt!

It's almost done!  Check it out... First is the sweaters post-scissor invasion, the second is after they've all been sewn together and then the backing applied.  The back piece is actually purchased new rather than recycled.  It's a super soft plush fabric I purchased at a deep discount for $7.

So, here's the quilt I made for under $25!  I still have to do a few finishing touches, but I am so proud of myself.  Next up: purple/gray or fall colored quilt!

More Sweater Madness

Ran across a link to Katwise Etsy store today when searching for more ideas about recycled sweaters.  I'm not saying I'd buy one, but wow... just wow.  Definitely a very different and colorful coat.  Here's a few random pictures.  Anyone else know some cool ideas feel free to share.  Why oh why don't free craft supplies and open weekends rain from the sky?

Craft extravaganza

I went to Goodwill today and OH MY GOODNESS apparently people have been cleaning out their closets of a lot of high quality clothes after Christmas.  Not only did I see a lot of nice name brand things (some for the teens: Hollister, A&F, American Eagle, etc.) but also a lot of Christopher & Banks, great woven jackets and interview coats.  There were so many genuine leather jackets and blazers there it was unbelievable.

I started sorting all the 100% cashmere-, wool-, lambswool- type sweaters and had a quarter of a rack before I quit, and I didn't even check all the long sleeve racks.  After sorting through them and preferentially picking out the ones at 50% off ($2.50/ea), I have enough to make two patchwork quilts.

I've never made a quilt before, and this will be my first official attempt at upcycling clothes.  If these turn out well, I'll be torn between keeping them, starting an Etsy store, or giving them away to my bridesmaids come August.  First thing's first, I need to hack them up and start sewing!

Pictures to come.  If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for making this quilt work better, be softer, anything, please comment.

Ribbon Rose

In preparation for our wedding in August, we've decided making our own decorations will be preferable and cheaper to buying fresh flowers.  I borrowed the book "Ribbon Flowers" from the local library and came up with this last night.

Pretty spiffy, huh?  Now I just have to figure out how to do cheap stems.  I can foresee a lot of these being made once I find ribbon at something under $2/yard.