Reconstructing Clothes

goanmad

miss_keep_counting wrote: »

Lovin' your ideas! The beenie idea is perfect and I have a friend who would wear the leg warmers. My only issue is with the potential fray of the fabric. I know you can felt jumpers, I need to check the wool content and I'd be worried about it shrinking dramatically but I'm not sure how else to prevent it from falling apart?

Get a darning needle and some bright wool and try blanket stitching around the edges to prevent fraying. Felting is a great idea, you could shrink the jumper on a really hot wash and cut out some nice shapes like leaves, add a few sequins and sew with bright coloured cotton onto a denim skirt or bag.

redfraggle_2

I love this as an diea to turn old shirts into nice travel bags for your shoes (or anythign else you fancy)

http://readymade.com/project/diy_fridays_button_down_shoe_bag/

miss_keep_counting

I'm recycling some old work clothes and as part of the challenge I'm making some washable sanitary pads to go with my mooncup - really trying to be moneysaving here!!

I've made my template and I've got a fleece that I know I wont wear and I can't see how I can recut and sew it to make something I will wear so I thought, good material for the center absorby bit of my pads??

It's 100% Double sided Polyester Fleece Laminate hehe, so fleece. I've tried it with some water and it seemed to absorb well and not soak through to the other side even though I made a little well of it. I'm guessing this means it's nice and thick enough to be excellent padding but I was wondering if anyone else here has made pads and if they think this is a good center or if they can suggest a better one?

I'm going to make night ones and then panty liners and use some waterproof trousers for the backing, cotton shirts for the back and front and use the fleece to make removable centers, I'm hoping I'll be able to just put one liner in but I guess I can put two on heavier days.

Once I've done this I just have to find use for the zips and popers from the fleece :j

Thanks for any advise!

rosieben

I think it'll be a case of trial and error, but cotton top, fleece lining and waterproof backing sounds like a good start! Not sure how you're fastening them, but if you're making the wrap type you could use some of the poppers on them? see weenotions for what I mean.

- forgot to say well done for recycling :T

miss_keep_counting

rosieben wrote: »

I think it'll be a case of trial and error, but cotton top, fleece lining and waterproof backing sounds like a good start! Not sure how you're fastening them, but if you're making the wrap type you could use some of the poppers on them? see weenotions for what I mean.

- forgot to say well done for recycling :T

That's a fantastic idea! Thank you :T I have some poppers on the fleese and some velcro from the bottom of the waterproof trousers so I think I'll use that so I don't need to buy more.

I think it will be trial and error but I think I'll just go ahead and make enough to last me and cross my fingers.

Decided to use the waterproof trousers to make a bag to carry used ones in and two shirt pockets sewn together to make a carrier for them in my bag, I'm liking all this freebieness. I feel excellent knowing I'm recycling and saving landfills but also chuffed that I'll be saving some money over the years.

rosieben

Great idea to make a waterproof carrier.

I like freebieness too; its very satisfying to make things for no outlay, especially when you think what it would cost to buy the alternative in the shop. :eek: I'm busy making tablecloths and napkins from a couple of new sheets I was given (still in the wrapper!)

rachbc

i'd say fleece top- it gives a 'stay dry' feel as it lets liquid through but doesn't absorb it. i bought some from weenotions with hemp inside but no idea where you buy it. microfibre is very absorbant and drys quickly after washing so might work

ScoobieGirl

I wouldn't have thought polyester would be that good for absorbing. Man made fibres don't seem to hold water as much as natural ones. Certainly they come out of the washing mashine lighter & dry quicker. It might be worth trying one polyester & one multi layers of cotton to compare

I've seen more threads on the subject on the Green & Ethical board, so it might be worth moving the thread over there later.

jlj_2

http://www.downsizer.net/Projects/A_sustainable_home/How_to_make_your_own_washable_menstrual_pads/
Heres some photos and instructions of how to make some that may be helpful.

dandy-candy

I've just been going through the kids drawers and got a heap of old clothes that they have grown out of. Usually I put them in my recycling box but i'm wondering if there is a way to re-use them at home? I have thought of cutting them into dusters but I already have loads of those! It's mainly t-shirts, school shirts and denim jeans. Any ideas?