Believe it or not, but there are a lot of interesting and creative ways to craft with yarn that don’t require knitting or crocheting skills. Especially if you have leftover yarn from other projects or thrift partial skeins on the cheap. So if you’ve been looking for some yarn crafts and project inspiration, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. And none of them require knitting or crocheting experience!Read more ›
How to Make a Fabric Patch
February 8, 2025 · By · Leave a Comment
It’s no secret that when it comes to accessorizing, I’m a big fan of patches. I’ve used vintage patches on a number of projects, most notably hats, shirts, and bags. But I’ve also made a fabric patch or two from a very likely culprit, which brings me to the reason for today’s blog post.
Halloween Embroidery on an Upcycled Sweater
October 3, 2024 · By · Leave a Comment
After wrapping up my Halloween pillows project recently, I was reminded of an o-l-d project of mine from several years ago. That project and blog post (some Halloween embroidery on a thrifted sweater) needed tweaking- including re-editing the photos and such, so I removed it from my website. But after seeing how similar my jack-o-lantern pillow looked to it, I decided it was high time to re-publish that long-forgotten Halloween project post.Read more ›
Fun Fall Refashion with a Varsity Sweater
August 29, 2024 · By · Leave a Comment
It’s true, my love of vintage patches is pretty well documented here on my website. I’ve talked about adding them to various accessories in the past, but today I’m revisiting another application. One that is specific to the back-to-school time of year: the Varsity Sweater.Read more ›
Easy Sewing Projects with an Upcycled Twist
August 23, 2024 · By · 2 Comments
Thrift stores, yard sales, and even your own closets are filled with any number of fabric sources. From old clothes to table linens and everything in between, these secondhand materials are absolutely perfect for any number of easy sewing projects. Not only are they inexpensive fabrics, but if they’re blemished in some way, then they’re ripe for repurposing with a little bit of sewing magic. Here are some great sewing projects that are simple, approachable, and perfect for a beginner.Read more ›
Upcycle Ideas for Sewing Supplies
May 14, 2024 · By · 2 Comments
From buttons to spools and zippers to tables, old sewing supplies end up at thrift stores, yard sales, and antique shops all the time. Cookie tins of notions or jars filled with wooden spools are a common sight and ideal for any number of projects. But even if you aren’t a sewist, those sewing supplies are ripe for repurposing, as well- no stitching required. So, if you’re interested in a few upcycle ideas for notions and such, you’ve come to the right place.Read more ›
Craft Ideas with Vintage Fabric
February 8, 2024 · By · Leave a Comment
Vintage fabric and linens are such a great source of material for anyone who enjoys fabric crafts. Whether you sew a lot or a little, there are lots of projects that put those retro linens to terrific reuse. And if you’re lucky enough to find a pretty bed sheet at the thrift store, then you’ll get a lot of yardage for very little cost. So, if you’ve been looking for some upcycle inspiration for tea towels, bed sheets, and other vintage fabric, then this collection is just what you’ve been waiting for.Read more ›
Refashioning with Vintage Patches
May 13, 2023 · By · 17 Comments
I’ve had a love affair with vintage patches for as long as I can remember. It probably goes back to my days of Brownies or Girl Scouts and earning all those badges! But even in college, I’d spend my mad money on patches from the Army-Navy Surplus Store to decorate my beloved denim jacket.Read more ›
Blue Fall Decor with a Pumpkin Throw Pillow
September 8, 2021 · By · 31 Comments
Back when I was writing my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, I thrifted several shirts that were pretty enough to photograph as-is for the book. One of them sported an assemblage of colors that made me think of Fall in a funky and alternative way. So, I set it aside for a year, mulling over several ideas, including a pumpkin throw pillow.Read more ›
Boho Pillow Covers from Upcycled Sweaters
May 13, 2021 · By · 19 Comments
If you read my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, then you know that I recommend thrifting for flannels during the warmer weather months. Well, the same goes for other cozy clothing, including sweaters! And after finding some colorful, patterned sweaters at Goodwill, I decided to make some Boho pillow covers with them.Read more ›
