recycled gifts and crafts

she_grinch

I was looking at recycling clothing, blankets, charity shop finds into some thing useful and began to wonder if I could make gifts from recycled items. Has anyone else any good ideas for recycled gifts that look good enough to give as gifts.
I have found these http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28927/how-to-make-hats-from-recycled-sweaters these could be made into hats for children or the men in your family.
These are recycled sweaters made into blankets or throws http://www.craftstylish.com/item/10981/how-to-make-an-embellished-blanket-with-recycled-sweaters
one for baby http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/felted-sweaters-baby-quilt-pattern.html
I have also seen them made into bags, cushions leg warmers and mittens.

Shelley3774

My Fil made a fantastic throw from all his grandchildrens favourite clothes that they had outgrown - it was really lovely. I think it is a brilliant idea.

You can also make cushions out of a favourite jumper or football shirt.

she_grinch

Shelley3774 wrote: »

My Fil made a fantastic throw from all his grandchildrens favourite clothes that they had outgrown - it was really lovely. I think it is a brilliant idea.

You can also make cushions out of a favourite jumper or football shirt.

YesI have seen this idea before.
I also saw some cream cabled jumpers made into cushion covers in a magazine once that looked really cosy. I do like the idea that treasured hand knitted baby and childrens jumpers could be made into a blanket to be enjoyed, used and admired instead of all packed away in a box or case in the loft somewhere never seen.
Sleeves could be made into cup holders like I saw on some expensive mug sets over christmas, the cable ones would look especially good.

she_grinch

Like this
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16569090

even simple christmas decorations from old felted sweaters

linni

Wonderful idea. I am knitting cushion covers but had never thought of turning a jumper into one.

greenpixey

You can make wrist/garter warmers from old knitted jumpers by using the sleeve.
I can't seem to find the link now where someone showed how they done one from an old jumper so I posted a link for a knitted version to give you an idea what they look like

http://slumberland.org/wp/2005/11/08/pattern-warm-braid-cable-wristwarmers/

mary43

Love the idea of recycling...........especially if it means creating something thats cost next to nothing.
Love the blanket but think thats a bit of a big 'project' for me but something like leg warmers made from sweater sleeves...........well in the cold weather we're having they're a must !! That's something I might have a go at for myself - if it works out ok there's a few more christmas pressies:T

she_grinch

http://janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Project_Detail/Recycled_Sweater_Purse
These could make good gifts for teenagers

she_grinch

http://indiefixx.com/category/crafty-stuff/ another christmas ornament

she_grinch

Fantastic idea for baby trousers! http://www.greenkitchen.com/blog/2006/02/recycled-sweater-kid-pants.html

Little hearts for ornaments, gift tags (embroider names)http://www.flickr.com/photos/animalunited/3129917674/

Even something to go in the dogs stocking!http://greatgreenpet.com/2008/12/09/bark-for-peace-recycled-sweater-dog-toys/

pretty bowl for buttons or hair bobbles http://blog.betzwhite.com/2006/10/cutie-pie-tutorial.html

cute bunnies http://blog.betzwhite.com/2007/03/cashmere-bunny-tutorial.html

she_grinch

using old puzzle pieces
candy canes http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puzcandycane.htm
wreath http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puzwreath.htm
star http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puzstar.htm
snowman http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puzsnowman.htm
reindeer http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/ss/puxreindeer.htm

also if you have any toddler floor puzzles you could paint the pieces, drill a small hole in the piece and attatch to children's presents for gift tags.