This time of year I always do a big Spring cleaning throughout my house, including my closet. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on how you look at it), there are always a couple of wool or cashmere sweaters that look a bit shabby after a long Winter’s wear. The good thing about this though is that I’ll have some cozy material to work with. Sometimes I’ll recycle a sweater by turning it into a tote. You can see a couple of examples in the new issue of Haute Handbags.
Here’s another look…
…and a couple of close-ups.
One sweater makes up one tote – the material from the body of the sweater went into making the main bag compartment (plus a pocket if you’re lucky) and each arm of the sweater went into making each handle (please keep in mind that the cream-colored wool that you see on the totes above are from a separate sweater from a previous project.) After making my totes there are always leftover scraps of wool or cashmere. Sometimes I like to use up these pieces to create palm-sized pincushions.
To make these pincushions all you’ll need besides the sweater scraps is some other fabric scraps plus one single button (if you’re like me you probably already have tons on hand.) You don’t even need store bought stuffing to fill the pincushion, just use more sweater scraps cut up into small pieces.
Have you cleaned out your closets yet and did you come across any wool sweaters with holes or stains? To felt any sweaters you find, simply run it through the washer and dryer. The specific directions for creating the totes are available in Haute Handbags…happy recycling!
15 Comments, Comment or Ping
Becky those are darling! Love them. Really loving the colors of that pincushion too.
April 7th, 2011
cleaning my closet is on my list during my blogging break. i will certainly look for some sweaters i can turn into darling bags like these.
April 7th, 2011
so sweet. haven’t gone through closets yet. doesn’t get warm enough until May. will make some of these, they are adorable. love them Becky.
April 7th, 2011
These are great ideas Becky! I can’t wait to give them a try!
I have some wonderful old sweaters that will be perfect!
Thanks for sharing!
April 7th, 2011
So pretty – makes me wish I wasn’t allergic to wool! Thankfully I can work with wool felt in small amounts for short periods before the infernal itching starts – just can’t wear it at all.
Your bags are beautiful, as is the pincushion. It seems every publication Somerset/Stampington has, one can find something special from you – way to go Becky!
April 8th, 2011
Jillayne, It’s unfortunate that you are allergic to wool…what fibers can you wear? If cotton is okay for you, you can probably make a similar tote and/or pincushion using a recycled sweatshirt (sturdy material will most likely work best.)
April 9th, 2011
Becky, just saw your little tart pan pincushions as I was going through another of my Somerset Life magazines this morning. You must have lots of old wool sweaters around! 😉 Mine aren’t tattered enough yet to cut them up but I do have some wool squares I bought on impulse in a fabric store but have never found a project I really liked enough to use them…until these sweet flowers you show above…So cute. Maybe with a couple of scoops of lavender inside too so every time a pin goes into it I’ll have a pretty scent escape!
Hugs, Diane
April 8th, 2011
I just love your felted babies. They make me smile.
April 8th, 2011
Those came out beautifully!
April 8th, 2011
I love your tote Becky! I still have fun looking for wool out here in the west. I’ve been to the thrift store, and found a cream color and tan sweater made of wool, just waiting for me to do something crafty with it. I just don’t think a lot of people out here wear wool even in the winter, so different colors are hard to find, but it’s always so fun to hunt for it. I’m thinking of doing a little embroidery on some of it. Happy weekend!
April 8th, 2011
I found a luscious purple sweater the other day and felted it. I cut up some hearts. I love what you did! YOU have such a gracious, green spirit~
I usually do the closets in April; my daughter has vacation and we go through our stash. What we don’t want goes to a local thrift shop that donates to a children’s hospital, or I cut up and find a new use for it. I love your new uses!
April 8th, 2011
Since it is extremely frigid and snowing at this time I am not giving up any sweaters…not even for adorable totes or pincushions. Brrrrr.
Congratulations on being published in Haute Handbags. Your totes are simply and stunning. Great idea for a pincushion. Thank you for the inspiration…Now Please Send Spring Back!
April 8th, 2011
A friend of mine has recently started creating the most fabulous mittens by recycling old wool sweaters, and I am just in awe of the final result. After seeing the wonderful things you do, along with my friends mittens… who knew a wool sweater could be so inspiring!!
April 10th, 2011
Shannon, How wonderful to hear that others share my love of recycling sweaters. Making mittens is a great idea…thanks for the inspirational reminder (it’s been a while since I’ve made mittens so I’m good and ready to do some more.) Thanks!
April 11th, 2011
Congrats Becky! We love publishing all of your projects : )
April 25th, 2011
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