Re-purposing: My new hobby

I've found a new hobby.  It involves turning old things into new things.  I especially like when I can find a new purpose for old clothing.  First, it saves something I would have otherwise donated.  Secondly, it reduces some of my sewing time.  For example, if I re-purpose a tee-shirt into a skirt, the hemming and seams are already done ... professionally!  How neat is that?!

My first attempt at re-purposing was over 4 years ago when I made a fitted cloth diaper for Veronica.  Remember?

(Veronica @ 3 mos)

Today I turned a tee shirt into a yoga skirt for Veronica.  Hey, same model!!

(Veronica @ 3 yo)

I bought a few more shirts at Salvation Army and plan on re-purposing them for Catherine and maybe even Sophia.


My inspiration?  This new favorite blog, Make It and Love It.  Here is how I turned a tee shirt into Veronica's new skirt.  I'm currently working on matching leggings made from the sleeves.  Neat, huh?!

Another re-purpose is the side of an old crib into a magazine holder.  I placed it in my guest bathroom and love it!!  I might paint it. Haven't decided yet.

(Added bonus ... you get to see my favorite magazines!!)

Well, gotta go re-purpose.  

Projects in Progress

Here's what I'm working on:

Skirt for Isabelle. Still needs one more layer added to make longer.

Elastic needs to be tightened.

Skirt for Sophia. Still needs hemming and elastic added to waist.

Skirt for Isabelle. Needs to be hemmed.

Blanket for baby. Need to crochet brown finishing edge to entire blanket.

Baby is perfectly and completely done. I had nothing to do with that! ;-)

Sewing Fitted Diapers

I'm so excited about the fitted diaper I just made Veronica!!! I found a pattern that seemed simple enough. The best part was that it called for used tee shirts as the material. So, after raiding Craig's drawers (thanks sweetie), I found myself a blue tee that has seen enough years.

Next time I'm making a size medium instead of a small. I don't think this diaper will last her more than 2 weeks. Also, I wish the Velcro didn't stand out so much. I thought about cutting its width, but thought it wouldn't work as well. Maybe I can find colored Velcro for the future.

I made the sewn-in soaker style. I might try the stuffable style next time. How exciting! I think I'm going to put my crocheting down in light of this new hobby!

*Note* The diaper looks like its made of denim but its actually a very soft blue tee shirt. Click on the pictures to see full screen images and you'll be able to see how soft it actually is.