SEWING GREEN

August 2009

9 August 2009 - Jo Williams

As increasingly more sewers and crafters are turning their skills toward helping the environment, green sewing ideas are in demand. I’ll be periodically writing a post on green sewing and welcome any tips you crafty people have to share. (You’ll also enter to win our monthly prize pictured here!)

Reuse – Recycle – Upcycle – Repurposed Clothing. These are some of the terms we see used in reference to green sewing. One of the best ways I know of to sew with the environment in mind is to find gently-used items and remake them into something updated and useful. With so many beautiful fabrics out there, many deserving a second life, it’s easy to sew green.

My current favorite is to find old Chintz curtains and reuse them. The floral prints that were popular last decade are not so popular this decade. But the fabrics are so beautiful and deserve an upcycle.

Here are some ideas:

Aprons, potholders, appliance covers, napkins, placemats, PJ’s, blouses, skirts, shorts, and my favorite, gift bags. (We sewer’s should never have to buy wrapping paper again.) I just open up a paper or plastic bag and use it as a pattern.

Grocery and shopping bags are another great use for fabric. Here’s a site at Tipnut with 35 Free Reusable Grocery Bag Patterns. I’m certain you’ll be able to find whatever you need!

Repurposed Clothing

Sometimes, a little embellishment is all it takes to update an old look. Sometimes remaking a garment into something totally new is the answer to an outdated garment. Check out Wardrobe Re-Fashion, a blog that’s full of ideas to recycle clothes that you already have.

I’d love to hear some of your green sewing tips!

Click here to comment on this story...