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 ›
Repurposing T-Shirts into a DIY Cat Cave and Handmade Cat Toys
May 15, 2016 · By · 41 Comments
Your old t-shirts (or perhaps a favorite tee that has a stain or no longer fits) are absolutely IDEAL for upcycling into a DIY Cat cave and a few simple cat toys. I love using repurposed clothing in projects, but I rarely recycle t-shirts. But for this pet tent and kitty toy projects, the jersey knit fabric of t-shirts is positively ideal.Read more ›
Rustic Table Runner
October 13, 2015 · By · 130 Comments
Back in early Spring when I created my Dyed Doily Table Runner, I was already envisioning an autumn version- with doilies dyed to look like chrysanthemums. AND, I even bought some vintage doilies that had orange and gold hues for a rustic table runner to use in the Fall. I was *convinced* that that was the plan. But as time marched on, I started envisioning a cozier version, one that used flannel shirts and lace ribbon.Read more ›
Floral Shower Curtain from Vintage Sheets
August 4, 2015 · By · 55 Comments
Our guest bathroom is a cute little room, but without a window, is only illuminated by artificial light. As a result- and I’m not sure why I never noticed this before- our existing shower curtain was doing nothing to brighten the room. But instead of running out to the store for a new one, I decided to upcycle one of my vintage sheets into a floral shower curtain.Read more ›
DIY Corner Bookmarks from Embroidered Linens
July 21, 2015 · By · 37 Comments
Any time I’m in a secondhand shop, I always peruse the linens section. Every now and then, I’ll happen across some embroidered linens such as vintage tablecloths or vintage napkins. I just have SUCH a weakness for those beautifully hand-embroidered pieces.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.
DIY Pin Cushion in a Vintage Teapot
May 19, 2015 · By · 183 Comments
With my burgeoning love of sewing comes a need for storage for sewing supplies. And one of the things I wanted to have was a cute, functional pin cushion that had one additional feature- secrecy. That may sound crazy, but with a cat as curious as Cottonball, a secret pincushion is not all that far-fetched. And I decided that a vintage teapot would be the perfect thing to upcycle into a DIY pin cushion that could hide in plain sight.Read more ›
Cloth Produce Bags for Fruit and Vegetables from Kids T-Shirts
March 12, 2015 · By · 51 Comments
Like so many other eco/cost-conscious shoppers, I love to bring my own tote bag(s) to carry my groceries home. Any time I can avoid plastic or reduce plastic, I take it! So, I decided to make some cloth produce bags for fruit and vegetables by upcycling some kids t-shirts. They are plentiful at thrift stores and on a smaller scale that is perfect for fresh produce!Read more ›
