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I'm also linking up to Reinvented's Trash to Treasure party today. Kimm is a great example of upcycling!
Upcycling is "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value" From the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.
As I was cleaning out my garage and getting ready to take a load of unwanted clothes to the thrift store, I had an idea. I started looking at the pile of clothes and seeing them in different forms and uses. I decided it wouldn't hurt to cut some clothes up and try upcycling since I was getting rid of them anyway.
I bought this sweater for my husband years ago, early into our marriage before I knew that he doesn't wear sweaters. It had a lot of use left in it since it was never worn.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8_AhkFLj5M7V4p6z0cibMlC2eJ1J93QnBuXqXcqkSPID3MUIWSmSOR8oVRBNuslP4vyeggk_UcHBvHbXJlE060U6lTraI1To8k61ksbCwGzAzy26lGszQWE7Dc8J4Jx93TyzZJrFlNk/s320/sweater.jpg)
1st I found a hat and traced the shape on the bottom part of the sweater. I sewed it up and finished it off with a zig-zag stitch. I put a flower clip that I had made on it so it can be switched out with different clips (Sorry about the yellow blobs in the pictures. I am very protective of my kids).
Then I cut the sleeves off and just sewed a zig-zag stitch to finish off the edges. I sewed the bottom of the sweater under and then did a zig-zag stitch.
I took the sleeves and cut the sides off so they were more straight. Then I sewed under the bottom edges and finished them off with a zig-zag stitch.
And that is how you upcycle!
Total cost for this project: $0
Total time: about 20 minutes
![](http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif)
Oh my God, you're a genius! I gotta learn to sew. Something tells me that's kind of a requirement for upcycling.
ReplyDelete- Margaret
That is just beyond clever and cool! The outfit is adorable!!
ReplyDeleteAmy
I never would have thought of that. Very clever, cute and quite practical.
ReplyDeleteHappy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
How fun! I've been meaning to try something like this for a long time. I love the leg warmers!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS!
Oh my goodness, that is TOO cute! My husband doesn't wear sweaters, either, I've got a few that he's gotten as gifts, and I'm seeing them in a whole new light! :) Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteThis is engenious! Love the result, great job! Janell
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI love upcycling. Great ideas!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Love your blog ... will be visiting often.
ReplyDeleteNeato! I've yet to upcycle clothing...furniture yes, clothing not yet :O) Thanks for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteI added your link to my list of blog parties too.
peace.