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 ›
Quick and Easy Fabric Crafts with an Upcycled Twist
April 22, 2024 · By · Leave a Comment
Whether you sew or not, fabric crafts are a favorite creative pastime for many crafters. There are so many inexpensive sources of fabric, too- the remnants bin at a fabric shop, the linens rack at a thrift store, or even old clothing from your very own closet. So, if you’re looking for some new crafty inspiration, then this collection of upcycled fabric crafts will have you reimagining all your scraps and yardage into unique and clever projects.
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 ›
Repurposing Ideas for Face Masks
April 22, 2021 · By · 19 Comments
While we’re not there yet, my hope is that in the near-ish future, we won’t need to wear face masks constantly. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to wear them until we’re at comfortably safe place! But, if you’re anything like me, you’ll ultimately be left with a pile of masks and unsure what to do with them. So, I thought it might be fun to come up with a few repurposing ideas for a fabric face mask (which is the kind of I’ve been wearing for the past year).Read more ›
DIY Coin Purse from Crocheted Potholders
February 10, 2021 · By · 20 Comments
Several years ago, I upcycled a pair of crocheted potholders into a DIY coin purse. It was SO cute (the potholders were clock faces), but I can’t find it anywhere. So, I decided to make myself a new one and re-share it here on my blog.Read more ›
Refashioning with Ribbon Belts
August 12, 2018 · By · 9 Comments
When I was a teenager, I had grand plans that involved collecting snippets of vintage jacquard ribbon (and non-vintage, if pretty enough) to decorate “all the things”, such as handbags, headbands, and t-shirts. But I quickly found out that the gorgeous ribbon I coveted so much was expensive…and my plans fizzled out. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’m back at it with an alternative (and thrifty) plan: What if I used some ribbon belts from the thrift store to embellish different accessories?Read more ›
Drawer Sachets from Shirt Pockets
May 30, 2018 · By · 26 Comments
Even though I’ve made repurposed drawer sachets once before, I had this spark of an idea and I simply had to share it with you. If you’ve been looking for ideas for DIY gifts for him (Father’s Day, Christmas, etc.) then these drawer sachets are JUST what you’ve been waiting for. In other words, “Shirt Pocket Sachets”.Read more ›
Recycled Tote Bag from a Framed Cross Stitch
February 1, 2018 · By · 45 Comments
Framed cross stitch pieces are something I see at thrift stores all the time. And while there are modern versions of cross stitch that have become very popular (with sassy sayings), the older ones seem to get tossed in the donation pile. When I found this 1980s-era country cross stitch, I immediately thought that it would look SO CUTE as a recycled tote bag for grocery (or farmer’s market) shopping.Read more ›
Making an Envelope Clutch from a Table Runner
July 14, 2016 · By · 74 Comments
One of my favorite local thrift stores happens to have an amazing linens department, and I always check it out whenever I stop by. I recently found this table runner that looked like brocade fabric and I KNEW I needed to upcycle it somehow. It had some red wine stains in the center, but that was fine by me. Because I planned on making an envelope clutch and only needed a third of the runner to do that!Read more ›
How to Make a Half Apron from a Vintage Pillowcase
June 2, 2015 · By · 82 Comments
Vintage aprons are so pretty and I know a lot of folks that collect them. However, I rarely cook while wearing something that is worthy of protecting. But I had an idea for a more utilitarian apron, like a half apron that servers at restaurants wear. And it would use a couple of typical things I’d find at a thrift store: a vintage pillowcase and a ribbon belt.
