Upcycling: Sewing Scraps

February 19, 2013 by 10 Comments

We don’t buy paper napkins.  In our quest to decrease our paper usage, paper napkins were removed from our monthly grocery list with me promising to sew fabric napkins….. But, I could not settle on fabric.  So during my period of indecision, we had greasy hands and dirty  faces…. until I purchased a seamstress’ scrap fabric.  Combined with the organic cotton crib sheet that I will not need anytime soon, I was ready to attack this easy, but neglected project.  Now it felt like the possibilities were endless and I finally sewed a few sets.  Here is one of my smaller napkins which are perfect for little mouths.  They are double sided with one of the sides being organic cotton.

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I feel good about this project because I was able to repurpose scraps into something useful.  Practical upcycling!  Anything in your home or office that can be repurposed / upcycled into something new.

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Why Organic Cotton?

February 5, 2013 by 9 Comments

So what’s the big deal about organic cotton?  Is it worth the cost?  Is this some type of gimmick?  Why is conventionally grown (non-organic) cotton called the dirtiest crop?

ColorGrownSampleCardA1

I have the answers!  We are hearing more and more about organic cotton because consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the problems associated with conventionally grown cotton, demand is increasing for organic items and big name designers & stores are starting to offer organic cotton options.

Growing non-organic (conventionally grown) cotton requires more insecticides than any other single major crop.  Does that mean that I threw out everything in our home that was made from non-organic cotton?  Absolutely NOT!  But I am more careful with new purchases.  I choose organic cotton yarn over non-organic, hemp instead of cotton and watch what I use on & close to my skin.

Organic Bath Collection

The Organic Trade Association is a great source of information.  And a quick search on the term, “organic cotton”, yields a lot of information.  If you sew, there are great organic cotton  fabric and thread suppliers.  Do you knit?  More and more yarn companies are offering organic cotton options.  Are you buying a new baby gift?  The selections for organic cotton baby apparel and toys seem to be endless.

Have you seen any organic cotton items that you were tempted to try… sheets, towels, clothing, etc.?

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Exploring Hemp Fiber

January 15, 2013 by 7 Comments

What is hemp?  Where does hemp come from?  How can there be hemp yarn, hemp fabric, hemp milk and hemp oil?  These are just some of the questions that I receive from curious family members, friends and customers.  Just a few years ago, I was asking the same questions.

Hemp Yarn

Here are the answers to the some of the questions…

  • Hemp is a plant that does not need pesticides or herbicides to grow.
  • Hemp is sustainable – it grows with minimal long term impact on the environment.
  • Hemp fibers are stronger, more absorbent & mildew resistant than cotton.
  • Hemp can be spun into yarn, woven into fabric and made into paper.  It is quite versatile and durable.
  • Hemp does not contain enough psychoactive ingredients to pass for the “other substance” so you don’t have to tell my mom.

Bath / Shower PuffI crochet and knit using hemp yarn.  I’ve read that hemp fabric is excellent for children’s clothing because it is so durable.  I also found paper that is 75% recycled and 25% hemp.  The hemp gives the paper a nice texture.  I am still experimenting with hemp.  As a result, I am sure that I will be sharing more information about hemp in the future.  Until then, here is one more “hemp fact”…

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.

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Keeping it Green While You Clean

January 8, 2013 by 12 Comments

Even though I rather keep knitting, sewing and have fun creating, I don’t have one of those self cleaning houses yet. Therefore, I must stop having fun, I mean working, and clean the house. Your resident “greenie” is on the job with non-toxic suggestions on Pinterest.

I look for non-toxic, natural solutions for everything, but please consider your own situation to ensure my suggestions will work for you and your home.

When I looked at the labels of the popular cleaning solutions, I realized that they will not contribute to good air quality in our home. I remembered all of the fumes and I simply didn’t want to introduce these chemicals into our environment in the name of cleanliness.

Eco Cleaning Products

I found this book, Green Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck, and really think it is a great resource. It is my go-to source when I encounter new cleaning questions. Here’s an example…
One day, I noticed our bathroom sink was draining very slowly. Now, I warn you, I know basically nothing about plumbing. I just knew that we had a problem and I didn’t want to resort to harsh chemicals. The author of Green Housekeeping recommended a combination of vinegar, baking soda and boiling water. The exact procedure is in the book and it worked like a charm.

The main two items in my cleaning arsenal are baking soda and vinegar. Need to remove soap scum, I use a combination of baking soda & vinegar and scrub away. I add other items (mostly items that you normally find around the house) depending on the task at hand. Then I sit back and admire our clean home until its time to do it all again, but at least the clean smell is all natural and chemical free.

Not sure yet… Check out some free tips that I collected on Pinterest

Open & Honest> I personally think the book is great and provide links as an added resource. However, please note that some of the links in the post above are affiliate links which means if you click on the link & purchase something, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.

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Crafting to Your Own Beat

September 11, 2012 by 13 Comments

Do you craft to your own beat or follow the crafty crowd?  What is your craft of choice?  Is it sewing, crocheting, knitting, jewelry making, photography, candle making or are you an artist?  Now here is the real question… Can someone look at what you have created and recognize it as something that represents you?

We all have our unique styles whether its the style of clothing we wear or the colors that we prefer.  How does that translate into our unique creative designs?

Jute Basket with T-Shirt Trim

I’ll use me as an example.  I like natural fibers.  I also enjoy crocheting, but when yarn became boring, I switched to jute twine and t-shirts. So when people see that natural jute basket, they see me.  Why?  Because its made from a natural, eco-friendly fiber and most people know I’m a “greenie”.  Then, when I added trim, I transformed a t-shirt into yarn.  It’s me!

How do you personalize your craft?

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6 Easy Steps Toward an Eco-friendly Shopping Trip

July 26, 2012 by 6 Comments

Let’s face it… most of us have to visit the grocery store sooner or later.  We don’t grow every vegetable and fruit.  We don’t have fields full of grains.  Most of us have to go shopping for groceries.

6 Easy Steps Toward an Eco-friendly Shopping Trip

Here are 6 easy ways to turn that ordinary trip to the market into an eco-friendly shopping trip.

  1. Consolidate your trips.  If at all possible, try not to stop at the market every day or every other day.  For our family to be successful in this area, we have to plan our meals and keep our shopping lists updated.
  2. Bring reusable shopping bags.  Skip the plastic and paper bags that the store provides and bring your own reusable bags.  A lot of stores now provide reusable bags, but you can also make your own.
  3. Bypass the plastic produce bags.  I know this can be challenging.  We are still looking for the best alternative, but think about how much plastic is used every time someone purchases organic apples, carrots, etc.
  4. Don’t go shopping while hungry.  We’ve all heard this warning, but most of the time it refers to spending more money than originally intending to.  However, I will go a step further.  I find that I will pick up something that I think I want, may eat a little, then it goes to waste.
  5. Buy bulk.  Purchasing items in bulk means less packaging and trips to the grocery store.  Usually, you will save some money, too.  We buy a 10lb bag of organic brown rice that lasts us a very long time.
  6. Use an e-version of your shopping list.  You know I’m a part-time techie so this suggestion just fits right in.  We typically are creatures of habit and purchase the same items, week after week, month after month so why not use a shopping app for your smart phone or a pre-printed shopping list that can be reused.
I am a firm believer that the best and easiest ways to make the greatest impact is to make small changes in what we do every day.  So what tips can you add to the list??  Feel free to add them to the comments below.
You read all the way to the end so here’s an extra tip >> leave your reusable bags in the car so you never run the risk of forgetting them.  Have fun shopping!! … Loretta

 

 

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The Upcycling Challenge

July 24, 2012 by 20 Comments

“Are you kidding, that used to be a _______?” You can fill in the blank.  No, really you can. Think of all of those items in the back of the closet, under the bed, in the garage.  Now imagine being able to transform them into something that you can use.

I enjoy the surprised look on a person’s face when I tell them the item that they hold in their hands used to be a t-shirt, sock, men’s shirt, bed sheet and the list goes on.  Here’s a tidbit that most people don’t know… the curtains in my office used to be bed sheets.

Upcycled T-shirt Basket

“I used to be a t-shirt”

Ready to take the challenge?  My definition of upcycling / repurposing is transforming an item that was not being used into a new usable item.  So what is in your home that is not getting much love, but is not in a condition to be donated?

Need ideas?

  • Reusable gift bag – Cut off the sleeve of a long sleeve shirt, sew the bottom and tie the top close with a ribbon.
  • Pencil holder – Dig out a can from your recyclables, ensure that there are no sharp edges, and wash well.  Then get your favorite eco-friendly adhesive and cover the outside with pretty patterned paper (perhaps from an old greeting card).
  • Cloth Napkins – Find the t-shirt that has a hole or a stain, cut squares or rectangles, and you have reusable napkins.

Now that you’ve seen a few ideas, I’m sure you can think of many more.  Feel free to share them in the comments below.

Did I forget to mention that upcylcing and repurposing saves money.  I have a few upcycling tutorials to share with you… until then, keep your creative mind energized with new ideas.   ….Loretta

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