The Art of Letting Go- Not Throwing Away!

Within my past blogs, I have talked a lot about repurposing clothing. Whether that's turning trash into fashion or fixing a hole in your favorite pair of jeans. Lately, I have been considering pushing the boundaries of repurposing. 

What if something is neither trash or needs fixing? Instead, what if we simply are no longer connected to an item? Do we have to get rid of it? What am I supposed to do? The answer is no, you do not have to throw away a perfect hoodie because it's no longer in season. The thing I love about DIY fashion is that there are no rules. You can do anything. 

Nowadays, fast fashion has made it possible for clothing items to fall apart and be replaced without a second thought. But sometimes, the items we have can no longer serve us physically or emotionally but are still in great shape. I know I have held different items of clothing during spring cleaning, and even though I may have outgrown the item, I couldn't let it go. But I also couldn't let it rot in the back of the closet. You can give that item a second chance, a new story, and a new purpose.

Even more, making something with your own hands reconnects us to the real value of the things we wear. Cutting, stitching, and sewing all take time and patience. We have begun to understand the real cost, which is time, energy, and care, which we, too, throw away when throwing away clothing. So the next time you hold an item and have the fate of its life in your hands, think and ask yourself, could this become something else? What hidden potential might I be throwing away?

Clothing Turned into Other Items!

1. Jeans to Tote Bags: Cut off legs, cut off stitching, sew bottom, add straps

2. Jeans to Aprons: Use the pant legs as the body, cut the fabric of the other leg as straps, and sew them together

3. Jeans to Wallet: Cut out pockets and legs to cut at least two sections and the bottom, add waistband sections, and additional fabric to make a more complex wallet

4. Jeans to Denim Hat: Cut panels and measure head, sew the top section, use waistband and additional fabric for the brim

5. Sweaters to Mittens: Cut fabric and trace out a hand, cut that section, sew together, and fill with stuffing

6. Sweaters to Pillow Covers: Cut out square panels and stitch them into a pillow case

7. Sweaters to Leg Warmers: Use the arms section and cut below the cuffs

8. Shirts to Gift Wrap: Cut squares or rectangles, fold!

9. Shirts to Patchwork Wall Art: Cut into ideal shapes of art

10. Shirts to Aprons: Use body as the front and back panel of the short apron, use the arms as fabric for straps, and attach to the front and back panels

11. Shirts to Bags: Cut the shirt into cloth, use the arms as straps, and attach to the sides 

12. Socks to Stuffed Animals: Stuff, sew ends, draw face!

13. Socks to Hair Scrunchies: Cut loop with elastic, wear!

14. Lace to Journal Decor: Cut into thin strips 

15. Jewelry to Keychains: Add clasps, rings, glue, or magnets

16. Belts to Handles for Bags: Cut handle off and fix any stitching 

Turning Other Items into Clothing!

1. Pillowcases to Tops: Cut arm hole and neckline, hem edges 

2. Blankets to Vests: Cut arm holes, cut shape, and measure for the body, hem edges

3. Shower Curtains to Raincoats: Use pattern and hem edges

4. Tablecloths to Skirts: Cut to body and length, hem edges 

5. Dish Towels to Crop Tops: Sew together, use smaller pieces for arm straps

6. Bags to Skirts: Open seams and cut into panels, sew together 

7. Bags to Shirts: Cut front and back panels, cut arm holes, sew together 

8. Lace Curtains to Lace Tops: Cut panels, sew together, cut arm holes 

9. Lace Curtains to Lace Sleeves: Cut into rectangle panels, sew sides

10. Old Umbrellas to Skirts: Use curved panels as silhouette shape

11. Towels to Bathrobes: Use bathrobe pattern, cut straps, sew together 

12. Placemats to Bags: Fold in half, sew sides, add straps 

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