My Favourite Upcycled/Repurposed Projects

My fave upcycled or repurposed projects... 

A while back, I was looking at my list of labels on the sidebar and realized that the "repurposing & upcycling" tag is one of the larger ones on the list. (The larger font size is determined by the number of posts that are tagged as such.)

I did a count of the number of posts that are so categorized and was amazed to come up with over seventy-five of them. There are degrees of relevance, of course; but as early as December 2013 – i.e., just a month into my blogging – I was already writing about making use of what we have to make something else.

It's not surprising, because when I returned to sewing after decades away, I had little else apart from my sewing machine and some basic notions. There was no fabric stash and I had almost no knowledge of where to get fabric.

Without access to "real" fabric, it quickly occurred to me to use other textiles in lieu of... bedsheets and pillowcases, drapery panels, and tea towels were among my earliest sources of material for sewing projects.

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Today's post is a return to the archives to highlight projects that were made either by repurposing unwanted things or using their raw materials as fabric. There have been many, but these are my faves.

Denim Wreath

Hubby gave me a whole bunch of damaged jeans to make a boat tote, but what I found most gratifying about that project is what I ended up making out of the denim remnants.

Notice the new additions to the wreath?

This hangs inside our house and hardly a week goes by without me looking at it and thinking, "I love this wreath!" I particularly love that in no way does it remind me of old jeans.

If you remember this project from 2023, you may notice in the above pic that I eventually added a few more pipe cleaners to create some spiral centers for the bows.

 

Shupatto Bag

It seemed that my readers were no more aware of the shupatto bag than I was when I made this back in 2022. It's a Japanese origami inspired design that creates a self-folding shopping bag that – depending on material used – can fit into small spaces for emergencies.

A once beloved skirt becomes a trendy shopping bag...

My version was made out of a 1990s midi skirt that I had been holding onto because of its sentimental value. I know that it's a bit scary to cut into clothes to remake into something else, but if you consider that you're no longer wearing that item of clothing, it's really no big deal to give yourself permission to snip away!

In this case, instead of a skirt hanging at the back of a closet, I now have a stylish bag that is both useful and meaningful.

Sock Hand Warmers

Everyone has socks with holes. If you're not the sort to take up darning, or crafting little sock animals, what do you do?

Part of my indoor "winter wardrobe"...

Well, I turned these two pairs into hand warmers. During the colder months, one pair sits at my computer station and the other is downstairs with my tablet. (I've been wearing these since early October.) They are quite simply one of the handiest things that I've ever made!

Jackets to Duffle

Prior to making the shupatto bag out of an old skirt, I took two jackets and turned them into a duffle. By far the most complex of my repurposing projects, this one is a favourite for good reason. It was a sewing accomplishment and the result is very usable and useful.

My most complex upcycling effort...

I wish I'd had the inspiration to do this earlier, because – and I may have expressed this before – the timing of the project closely coincided with the sale of our vacation property. I only really use a duffle like this for short trips, with the unfortunate result that I've had very little opportunity to use it since it was made.

The Art of Refashioning

To paraphrase the advice that I gave above, if you're not wearing an item of clothing because it's not to your taste, it makes sense to be brave and take your scissors to it, to change it, and make it to your taste. This is what happened to a long duster style vest that I had never worn.

This still hangs on the back of my chair...

Pieces of it were transformed into a neck cowl and lining for mittens, but the main body of it became this super sporty vest. In short, something that was not wanted became a favourite. How can you not like that?

Modified Taylor Unisex Bag

Does the pandemic seem like a long time ago to you? To me, it's a weird combination of "it's just like yesterday" and "it was eons ago" at the same time. (Or perhaps more accurately, it's today because both Mom and I have been masking up when grocery shopping since early November. Trying to protect against the rise of everything during these cold months.)

Mom's pandemic purse...

During the actual height of it, however, she and I pared down our needs and decided to use smaller purses. After I made myself the Crossbody Sling Bag, Mom handed over a bag that hubby and I had brought back from Puerto Vallarta for her years ago and asked if I could turn it into something more usable. This slightly modified Taylor Unisex Bag was the result, and it served her well for a couple of years.

About six months ago, I swapped my Crossbody Sling Bag 2.0 for my Eggsy backpack, but Mom retired her Taylor two years ago. It remains, however, an excellent example of remaking something to suit one's needs.

CD Coasters

A blast from the 2017 past, these CD mug rugs are still on my dining table; I use them twice a day. (And yes, for all those who have asked, they have been washed. I do them with the dishes and just let them air dry.)

A great way to recycle unwanted CDs...

With a bunch of CDs that couldn't be recycled via our city's waste management system, I looked high and low for a way to reuse them. This was my first project; I subsequently made baskets out of others.

Note that this project is also an ideal opportunity to recycle kitchen textiles like tea towels or table cloths that are no longer in favour. 

Tote Bags to Seat Cushions

This project became an even bigger favourite with me this year. At the start of spring, I took a Christmas themed cushion and shoved it inside one of these remade tote bags.

These have yet another use!

I figured it would be a perfect way to have a weather proof pillow for the love seat on our back deck. There it stayed all summer, with the poly vinyl material providing excellent coverage against the outdoor elements. (And it was also a handy way to use an otherwise out of season item at a different time of year.)

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MyTie

Last but definitely not least, a list like this has to include my little "turn a tie into a purse" project. In terms of repurposing something, how much more transformational does it get?

My most memorable upcycling achievement...

This year marks the eleventh anniversary of this project/pattern release. It remains my best selling PDF, and the design I'm most proud of having created.

As the years go by, I've become more committed to using what I (already) have to make what I want. It feels good not only to reduce waste, but to turn unwanted things into unique and beautiful items. I hope this post – as much as it's been a clip show post 😜 – gives you inspiration to attempt the same.

On another note, as I don't anticipate making another "appearance" here until January, all the best of the season to whoever's still reading!

'Til 2026... 🇨🇦🍁

Living & Crafting Sustainably [Pt 5]: Choosing the Right Hobbies

How can we sew, craft and live more sustainably?

Are you someone in search of a new hobby? (As opposed to someone "not needing" another hobby. 😉)

If so, is there such a thing as a "bad" hobby? Maybe one that's not so great for the environment or not sustainable? Does your favourite pastime pass muster for being (somewhat) green?

About four years ago, I became aware of a craft called diamond painting. A friend was gifted with a kit and she completed it as part of her pandemic pastimes (photo below).

It didn't occur to me at the time, but what an environmentally unfriendly hobby it seems to be!

For those who don't know what diamond painting is, it involves sticking tiny coloured plastic gems (called "drills") onto a coded mat to create sparkly pieces of art. It's essentially a plastic version of paint by numbers that produces a finish resembling cross stitch.

An example of diamond painting done by a friend...

Those who are strong supporters of the craft say that the detailed attention required to do it has a calming effect on them and thus improves mental health. Personally, however, I can't get over the fact that someone actually invented yet another way to introduce millions upon billions of tiny bits of plastic – contained in small plastic bags, sorted by colour, no less – into our lives.

Not for me, and to be totally honest, I usually find the results gaudy and "unhangable". (My other half was given one as a thank you gesture. He had told the crafter that he liked it, but it's still rolled up in its box, as there's no way in the opposite of heaven that it's going up on our wall.)

Mental health benefits aside, diamond painting doesn't seem to qualify as a sustainable hobby.

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Sewing With the Right Materials

On the other hand, whenever I do a search for "environmentally friendly hobbies", sewing is almost always included in the results. More and more, it's due to the fact that sewers are sourcing supplies in thrift and second-hand stores... and their own closets. (As for sewing machines, they've always been common finds in garage sales and the like, not to mention that you can sew by hand.)

But sewing is not without its environmental controversies, apparently.

Last fall, someone posted a comment on a YouTube video, strongly admonishing "the bag world" for not acknowledging the problem of plastics in making bags and purses, particularly as it applies to using vinyl as the material of choice. This person thought that pattern designers should be taking more leadership in discouraging the practice.

Printed vinyl called Colorful Heart (by ONEART)...

Apparently, apart from the usual faux leathers that have been around forever, there are now all sorts of clear printed vinyls – called TPUs: thermoplastic polyurethanes – that one can sew with; or more properly, with which one can sew.

I've not made a bag entirely out of vinyl in years, but I do own a small supply of (clear) vinyl that I sometimes incorporate into my sewing projects. Most of it's repurposed, so I'm not so much contributing to the problem per se, but I get the concern over how introducing more options into the marketplace isn't necessarily a good thing. (That doesn't address the ever-increasing practice of sports arenas and stadiums mandating "see through" bags, but I digress.)

Printed cork fabric called French Symbol (by SorenCut)...

Fortunately, there are always better options when it comes to materials for sewing that are environmentally friendly, even apart from repurposing existing textiles. If being transparent is not a requirement, a material that has a similar texture to vinyl/faux leather that is a more sustainable choice is cork.

In terms of cost, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot to differentiate the two; a 12" x 53" cut of the TPU is about $23 (CDN) and a 12.5" x 52.5" cut of the cork is about $26 (CDN). That said, most selections of cork are always going to appear a bit muted compared to the colourful vibrancy available in vinyl. I say most, because there are selections like this one below that might convince you to try cork for your next project.

Image courtesy of frameyourbag on Etsy...

This particular piece is smaller than the others at only 26.77'' x 19.69" – and sells for about $19 (CDN) – but it is definitely more colourful than the usual variants of cork.

There is also an increasing movement among established sewers to "sew down the stash." I don't know the actual numbers, but let's say that many people have purchased fabric over their lifetimes, just to have it. Sewing down your stash simply means that you will not buy new fabric until you use up your own supply.

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Indoor & Outdoor Gardening

Gardening, in general, is another widely recommended sustainable, environmentally friendly hobby.

I really dislike outdoor gardening, but the indoor variant that hubby started a couple of years ago has rubbed off on me... somewhat. I must admit that it is tremendously rewarding to see seed, dirt, light and water combine to grow actual food.

Tomatoes, arugula, spinach, romaine and kale from our indoor garden...

And all without the messiness of dirty dirt (indoor dirt is arguably "cleaner", believe me), dealing with insects, and roasting under the hot sun. I am so not suited for outdoor gardening! We grew cucumbers along the side of our house last summer, and for a period of several weeks, I refused to look at them. We had had an explosion in the mosquito population and just venturing out onto the lawn next to the garden was sure to provoke an assault by those pesky buggers.

Emerging carrots...

Inside, I'm able to put my hands into the actual plantings and fiddle with leaves without fear of finding a huge spider climbing onto my fingers. (Although, we have had aphid problems, so it's not all bug free.). I'm not sweating in the heat. I've heard that some folks like the whole experience of "being at one" with nature when they garden in the traditional sense. They are welcome to it.

Scrapbooking Without Supplies

In the three or four years prior to starting this blog, I was very much into virtual scrapbooking. It was a relatively environmentally friendly hobby, quite in contrast to the ultra expensive, material-laden, and ultimately wasteful version of scrapbooking that was all the rage in the early 2000s.

Two pages from a digital scrapbook that I made after a Mediterranean cruise...

Digital scrapbooking allow you to scatter various embellishments over your pages just as you would with physical scrapbooking; they're just not tactile "things" with actual texture and substance. Words and text – in various fonts – can be added anywhere, photos can be sized and arranged and creatively edged without cutting, and there is virtually no end to the types of paper you can select for the background.

As a bonus, you can also use any one of your own photos as the background "paper" (see example at left), which you wouldn't be able to do easily with physical scrapbooking.

After completion, your work can be printed out or left as an electronic file. I don't know what today's preferred apps might be for digital scrapbooking (it might simply still be called a photobook service), but I used Shutterfly back in the day for at least two of my books. (Wait for a sale before printing and you can usually get up to 50% off no matter what resource you use.)

With digital scrapbooking, there is no mess, no need to hoard supplies, and you can indulge your creative efforts without lugging around huge boxes. (There are still scrapbooking events – conventions – that crafters can attend, although they are not as popular or prevalent as they were in their heyday.) And unless you print out every book you make, you also don't need to find a spare room in your house to store the actual scrapbooks that no one will want in thirty years.

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Journaling

Which leads us to the topic of my most recent post, journaling. Whether a junk journal like what's been occupying my time, or an art journal, or a travel journal, or just a day to day diary journal, journaling is usually considered a sustainable hobby.

Harvestng Spoonflower packing slips and cards for my jumbo junk journal...

At the bare minimum, all you need is something to write on and something to write with. With junk journals, art journals and travel journals, you just populate the pages with appropriate ephemera, none of which you need to buy... it's kind of like scrapbooking the way it was done in the "old days". In the sense that these types of journals encourage reuse of things that might otherwise be thrown away, they would definitely qualify as being environmentally friendly. (Natasa at Treasure Books has a video showing how she embellished an entire journal using just an old magazine. Just yesterday, I harvested two images out of an Avon catalogue for my journal.)

Project JJJ Update

Speaking of, for those of you curious about my progress on the JJJ project, you can do a virtual flip through of it (of the first signature, in any case) in PDF format here.

 

Reading, Writing & Stimulating Conversation

This last section is sort of a personal aside. I have always enjoyed reading and writing and it suddenly occurred to me that they are quite sustainable activities to enjoy: they cost virtually nothing.

During my ongoing search for quotable quotes for my junk journal, I came upon a bunch relating to introverts. It may not surprise you to learn that I am a die hard introvert who always plans her escape from large gatherings before arriving at them. Introverts are not automatically shy nor socially inept, they just find being in large groups of people draining and need time alone to re-energize. (I regularly tell people that there are only a handful of individuals in this entire world with whom I can spend more than five hours at a time.) Anyway, it turns out that reading and writing are – no surprise here – popular hobbies for introverts.

The third item in the heading above may appear to you to be an outlier for introverts, but yes, we love one on one conversations. In point of fact, that entire heading is taken from my first real resume. In lieu of extensive work experience, we were told to list some hobbies. I quite correctly assumed that the description of "stimulating" would attract attention and invite questions.

Courtesy of BrainyQuote.com...

Did you know that questions are the lifeblood of conversations? And that truly listening to the other person – and not interrupting – leads to the ability to ask questions that keep a conversation going like a good natured table tennis match?

I was at a fair sized gathering last month and had conversations with five people whom I had never met before. Out of the five, one was truly a great conversationalist, another was good. The remaining three... well, let's just say that I don't know if they ended up learning anything about me after our talk, beyond what little I offered up myself. (I know stuff about them, because I asked.)

In the big scheme of things, learning and mastering the give and take of meaningful conversation is a rewarding and sustainable hobby for everyone. What do you think?

'Til next...

Living & Crafting Sustainably [Pt 4]: Giving Away What We Make

How can we sew, craft and live more sustainably?

A long time ago, I accepted the unfortunate truth that unless you're somehow able to build a reputation for making exceptional "whatevers" and are prolific enough to maintain a good supply of stock on hand, it's extremely difficult to sell what you make.

Individuals from designers – who routinely have to churn out several versions of something in order to perfect it – to pattern testers – who often wind up with boxes and boxes of handmade items – say essentially the same thing.

And if one were to attempt it anyway, there is then the tricky business of trying to recoup what you spent to make the item. The cost of supplies required to make handbags and quilts, for example, are not exactly inconsequential. Try to tack on the cost of your time into the mix and you're in for a challenge in terms of finding someone willing to pay your sticker price.

As part of an effort to craft sustainably, however, it seems like a bad choice to keep accumulating "stuff" just because we can't sell it. If the problem is that there are no buyers at a given price, what if the price is $0?

Let me explain...

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Towards the end of my second post in this series, I mentioned how I needed to give away some of what I've made — for free — while I have this platform. It's pointless to keep these bags hanging around my sewing room if I'm never going to use them.

While certain handmade items can be thrown into a donation bag destined for Goodwill or the Salvation Army, there is a significant part of me who would like to know that my creations are going to someone who will appreciate and value them. (I would have no inkling if those organizations might pitch these types of donations into their trash or "recycling bin", for instance, and that would just be horrible from all perspectives.)

But another issue is that nothing is ever free, even when it is. For example, connecting with someone who wants what I'm giving away is likely to involve sending the item over many kilometres or miles. And while I am fully committed not to charge for what I'm giving away, covering the cost of getting it there isn't what I had in mind.

Thus, these giveaways come with a condition: the recipient has to pay for shipping. A quick glance at Canada Post's webpage estimates the cost to send to the continental US to be about $10-$20 USD, depending on size. Shipping to a Canadian address ranges from $5 to $26 CDN, again depending on size.

Therefore, if you are seriously interested in any of the items below, send me an email (use the contact widget on the sidebar at left). Give me your postal or zip code and the item that you want and I will get the actual cost for you.

MyTie Makeover Mini Bags

Without a doubt my defining creation as a designer, the MyTie is also my best selling pattern. This bright orange version – very creamsicle-like with its swirly pattern – is lined with coordinating orange fabric. A large silver-toned button covers the magnetic snap closure.

Orange MyTie by eSheep Designs...

The chain strap that's shown here snapped several years ago, so while this bag comes with attached D rings, it has no strap.

This red one was my first real test version (you can see it being made in the photos) and as such, it holds a special place in my heart. I was hesitant to put it out as a giveaway, but then there is the question of, what am I keeping it for? If someone else can use it, so much the better.

Red MyTie by eSheep Designs...

This one closes with a silver and red button and button hole. The chain strap that you see in the photos was removed years ago for some other purpose, so as with the orange MyTie, this comes without a strap (although it has the lobster clasp hooks attached).

Retro Reticules

Named with a nod to the little drawstring pouches carried by elegant ladies from the Regency era, this little fortune cookie shaped, loop handled pouch/bag is a versatile choice for many occasions. (I've carried the black and white one to a couple of semi-formal affairs; the other has never been used.)

Retro Reticules by eSheep Designs...

These were both testers for my pattern and were made with an interior divider pocket. I've said before that this is a great option to pack for vacation as you can use it in its flat pouch format to stow stuff in your luggage, while it transforms into an elegant bag for going out once at your destination. (EDIT: The black and white one has been claimed.)

Make It Yours Bag

This brown and taupe MIY bag tester is actually a prototype for a deeper variation of the free pattern, what I once referred to as a Version II. Because of that, it's definitely one of a kind.

Make It Yours Bag by eSheep Designs...

At one time, I was considering releasing this as a paid pattern and was trying to get the perfect version of it before doing so. Needless to say, as time went on, my interest in "perfecting" it waned and I never did incorporate the changed dimensions of this particular tester into the actual pattern before later releasing it as a freebie.

Interior of the MIY...

The interior of this bag features a two slip pocket assembly with card slots on one side and a zippered pocket on the other side. The exterior front is a concealed full width pocket that provides loads of quickly accessible space for your stuff, while the back has a diagonal zippered pocket for secure storage.

This one measures 16" wide x 12" high, with a strap drop length of 11". (EDIT: This has been claimed.)

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While the above selection of purses were the product of testing my own patterns, these next bags were made based on patterns by other designers. All have had modifications made to them, however, so they are unique renditions.

ChrisW Designs' Bella

This is the fourth bag that I ever made, the second of two Bellas that I introduced in this post from 2013. As you may recall from a couple of weeks ago, it's an early rendition of Christine Welsh's current Bella pattern.

Features I love about this design? The side gusset pockets and the open front. I like purses that offer quick access storage options, without having to go into the main interior.

ChrisW Designs' Bella...

I'm keeping the first Bella that I made, but will reluctantly let this one go. It's a lovely bag, but if I'm not using it, perhaps someone else can.

Sew Sweetness Oriole Bag

My first and only attempt at a Sara Lawson bag, this – Barbie pink! – Oriole (small version) with matching pouch is looking for a new home.

The pouch is my own creation and was made to fit inside the bag to act as a divider of sorts, as well as to provide secure, removable storage. The bag itself does not have any pockets.

Sew Sweetness' Oriole Bag (and matching pouch)...

As a crossbody style, it's ideally sized – measuring about 10.5" wide by 8.5" high – not too big and not too small. The strap has a drop length of 22".

Ann Kelle Dubstepper

I made this bag as a "going back to work" project, customizing it heavily to suit my preferences. In terms of functionality, I left out the tablet sleeve. (Anyone owning a tablet likely has a sleeve for it already and the whole thing can be slipped into the full width zippered pocket on the back.)

Customized Ann Kelle Dubstepper...

My modifications in leaving out some Peltex did result in one problem, however: the top part where the grab handle is installed is not study enough to support a filled bag without bending. This can either be resolved by cutting into this top area to insert and rivet in place some plastic canvas, or by carrying the bag with a strap – not included – instead of the grab handle. (EDIT: This has been claimed.)

Betz White Flight Bag

This bag marked my first experience with Creativebug. I made this Flight Bag during a trial run with the crafty learning site back in 2015. It's a roomy, rectangular, almost backpack-like bag with a top grab handle and a removable snap-fastenered strap.

Betz White Flight Bag...

There are two external pockets, a basic full width slip pocket on the back and a twist lock secured bellows pocket in the front. Given its name, it is a good choice for a carry-on while travelling. (EDIT: This has been claimed.)

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People usually make it a point to state that their homes are smoke and pet free when they sell handmade items. I can confirm the same in this case. Also, some of the above bags have been used, but only very lightly and I don't believe there are any visible signs of wear and tear on them.

As for actual transactions, I will need to receive payment for shipping via PayPal before sending the item. (All transactions will be final with no returns.) 

There is no expiration date on this offer. As long I still have these items, they are available to all comers, but of course, the stock is limited to what is shown above.

One more thing: we are in the thick of the holiday shopping period. I would just as soon avoid the seasonal traffic jam, so any requests that I get will be deferred until January for processing. 😉

'Til next...

Living & Crafting Sustainably [Pt 3]: Donating — Good or Bad?

How to sew more sustainably...

Are we doing good by donating stuff that we no longer need or is it really a way of averting our eyes from a bigger problem?

Ponder that thought, if you will, while I draw your attention to National Sewing Month's (i.e., September) rather appropriate theme for 2023: sew sustainable.

As you can see from the graphic below, we can do a lot with what we have and we can learn to make decisions wisely when it comes to purchasing new.

image courtesy of National Sewing Month...

Over the past couple of years, I've become even more focused on reuse, repurposing and upcycling, but they are concepts that have been important to me from the very beginning of my sewing journey. (There's even a fairly large label on my sidebar that you can use to find posts relating to that topic.) Back then, it was not so much a case of not being able to afford supplies as much as it was a problem of where to find them.

When I decided to be creatively frugal about my sewing choices – because that's just my nature – I knew that the approach would appeal to others as well.

By the way, you can find previous installments of my "living & crafting sustainably" series here and here.

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Here's a brief rundown of the ways in which I've incorporated some of the twelve ideas into my sewing.

Mend

Just last week, I had to repair hubby's sandals again. (I first showed you the problem in this post about specialty sewing needles.) This time I got smarter. Rather than struggle with trying to poke the needle through layers of leather and plastic, I enlisted the help of a pair of pliers to push and pull.

Sewing with pliers!

Turned out to be a breeze, and I'll remember for next time. (Because for sure there will be a next time.)

Oh, and if I can "mend" sandals, you bet I'm also mending clothes and such.

Reuse

One could say this is similar to repurpose, but if I take it to mean using something again for the same purpose, in sewing, I have reused zippers since forever.

Reclaimed zippers on my proof of concept MIY Bag...

In fact, I'm quite thrilled that I had the foresight to harvest stuff like buttons, zippers, connectors and magnetic snaps from bags that were past their prime, for reuse.

Upcycle

To me, an upcycle refers to taking something that is potentially a throwaway item and making use of it in a way that is superior to the original.

Upcycled CD coasters...

Some time ago, I turned some old CDs into coasters and baskets. I can confirm that they have been used a lot more than the original CDs!

Organic, Fair Trade & Zero Waste

I admit to being not as knowledgeable in the first two areas as I could be when it comes to sewing. As far as (sewing) waste goes, I haven't reached the zero level, but it's potentially doable, particularly with these techniques.

Repurpose

I love thinking up ways to repurpose things. One recent example are these outdoor seating cushions made out of donated tote bags.

Tote bags into seat cushions...

Didn't need the tote bags to be tote bags, but these are quite useful. I also liked repurposing an old skirt into a bag.

Refashion

I don't do a lot of sewing of clothes, but I did attempt a clothing refashion a couple of years ago that was surprisingly successful.

This still hangs on the back of my chair within easy reach...

Taking something that you don't wear and turning it into something that becomes a favourite item is a total win.

There's actually a part two to this story. My other half also gave me a thin, short front/long back style cardigan that I subsequently chopped and evened out in length (to thigh level). Had never really worn it before, but it now also hangs within easy reach, just like the vest. It's my go-to topper if I want a quick cover up during the summer.

Natural Fibers, Chemical-Free, Less Hardware, Botanical Dyes

I'm not sure how much or how many of the substrates that I use are made out of natural fibers and/or are chemical-free, but I see the need for us to be more aware. And of course, the idea of botanical dyes is wonderful if you can get the colours that you want.

Less hardware? Maybe this can fall under the reuse idea. Closures, buckles and rings can easily be reused from one project to the next. I must admit that – for me personally – some things wouldn't look as nice without appropriate hardware.

The bottom line when it comes to sustainability or any other environmental concern is that we can't all do everything, but we can all do something.

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And now, to circle back to the title of this post: is donating good or bad?

There are people who think that donating unwanted items to "those who need it" is a way to live sustainably.

It's arguably not, because it gives us an "out" when it comes to buying more than we need; i.e., I can always donate it if I grow tired of it. Not to mention that it's well documented that many donated textiles wind up as scraps destined for third world countries. (Look it up.) Nevertheless, those of us who donate give ourselves a pat on the back for a good deed performed, allowing us to feel virtuous for giving to those who are less fortunate.

Dish drying mat from Tale Handmade...

I was involved in a YouTube "conversation" a couple of weeks ago that I'd like to share, because I want to put out the idea that reuse and repurposing should be considered before donating. (The person behind most of the comments on the thread in question seemed to have a definite need to have the last word, so I didn't bother to expand on the discussion there.)

The situation arose after the crafter behind Tale Handmade uploaded a video where she took some fabric and an old towel and transformed it into a dish drying mat. While all other comments were overwhelmingly positive, one person contributed the following:

image courtesy of YouTube...

She then followed up with her two respondents, first this:

I do not know how to use a sewing machine and I do not have extra fabrics lying around the house, I would have to purchase, which is more expensive on my end.

Then this:

It is not really recycling because even if we have old towels, not everyone like me will have fabrics lying around the house. It would still be cheaper to buy at Dollar Tree rather than buying new fabric. And I am speaking for myself not to you nor anyone else.

Since she highlighted her perceived lack of fabric twice – and because I have always seen "fabric" take on many forms around the house that may not be obvious – I took this moment to enter the fray with, "I totally understand your point. For many others of us, however, we do have old towels and old "fabrics" – old bedsheets or even clothing are fabrics – that we can recycle to make something like this. In that respect, we're repurposing things that might otherwise be discarded. A video like this gives us ideas."

She replied to me with the following:

I am sorry, but I would rather donate my old clothes, towels and bedsheets to people who need them most which would be more practical, rather than cutting them to pieces wherein you can buy this things at dollar tree for $1.25. And you cannot buy even old towels and old bedsheets for a dollar. Just my two pence.

When one of the previous commenters added a thought about how it appeared that this video was really just not her cup of tea (I'm paraphrasing) and that it was okay, she chimed in with one more observation:

I love diys, recycling, upcycling but yes I did not really like this video because for me it was a waste.

It certainly is not a waste, but since this person didn't seem inclined to consider another point of view, I didn't engage further. I would have liked to point out that some of us use our household linens (and even certain articles of clothing) down to near bare threads — I believe I've previously explained how our bath towels are repurposed into vehicle washing towels before they are eventually not usable as towels, period. (They're what I stuffed into my tote bag turned seat cushions.) It would be an insult to donate such items. People who "need them most" should not be given linty, ragged towels. But those same towels could very well be put to use in something like this dish drying mat. Ditto for sheets and pillowcases that have been through too many wash cycles. I'm quite sure the donation places aren't going to lament not having those items for resale.

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The point being, if we reuse and repurpose within our own households first, we ultimately reduce (which is the first of the original three "R"s: reduce, reuse, recycle). When we donate things that may not be acceptable – on the pretext that we're doing good for society – we're merely shuffling a problem on to someone else. On the other hand, if we are constantly donating things that are almost new, we should seriously examine our consumption patterns. Either way, it's easy to fall into a habit of "do good by donating" because it literally enables us to start the entire cycle all over again. Rather painlessly, in fact.

So glad I did not donate these jackets!

Being able to buy things for $1.25 does nothing to deter overconsumption, either. We all like to get a good deal, but when some of us purchase simply because it's a good deal, it can be a problem. (Not to mention that buying cheaply often has a direct impact on the whole "fair trade" part of sustainability.)

But enough about that. Let me emphasize that the message I really wanted to get across today is that we should try "experimenting" with our unwanted textiles instead of automatically donating them.

Because you never know what you could end up with. It's one thing if you don't sew (because then you wouldn't be reading this), but because you do sew, take the opportunity to create something unique. I daresay that whatever you make, it'll have greater value – in both sentimental and monetary terms – than what you started out with.

Oh, and the final word on donating? Obviously, it's both good and bad. And like all things, it probably depends on the attitude of the person doing it.

'Til next...