Turning old t-shirts into something usable

 In my opinion part of being a "homesteader" is that desire to use what you have, be resourceful and not be wasteful. It is trying to have a sustainable lifestyle. This is something that I really enjoy working on and because of this I have a tendency to save all sorts of things that I know will be useful someday when I want to make something.

 Saving stuff to use later is all very nice until your crafting area just seems to almost explode because of everything that is being stored there. In my effort to get my home as organized as possible before the end of the year I have felt there was a need to do something about all these things that I have collected, so.... Last week I decided to tackle the old t-shirts and sweatshirts and see what I could turn them into.

This is the stash that I first pulled out: (and then later I found even more!)

Here is a portion of some of the things we made out of them:

-Jump ropes (instructions here)

-Flower barrettes and pins (using this method)

-Headbands

-Woven Rugs (using this method)

- Hot pack (stuffed with corn though sometimes I do rice)

I have several cut out but only one sewn up as my sewing machine broke. :-(

-Dishcloths (instructions here)

-Underwear

-Napkins (cut out but not hemmed yet because of my sewing machine)

- balls of t-shirt yarn or strips to use in future projects.

-Quite a few types of scarves which I will show photos of and instructions for tomorrow at my Handmade Christmas Carnival. I hope you come join me!

It has been a fun time to make things. I love the challenge of using something old to make something useful. I do still have a box of t-shirts left but I made considerable progress! I have some ideas of things to make with what I have left as well. Some of my plans are: Baby bibs, Doggy chew toys, more rugs and headbands and using some of the sweatshirts as mittens liners. I did also attempt making a pair of socks from some old sweatpants. That was not very successful but I will try again!

This week I am working on my stash of denim. Hopefully next week I will be able to have a report on some of the things I have made. However I am feeling a bit hampered by not having a working sewing machine. I am considering buying a new one at the moment.....

Have great week!

I am linking this to the Homestead Barn Hop at Homestead Revival.