Recycled Tank Scarf

I've been looking for ways to reuse some clothing items that I don't think anyone would want (even for free).  There are boxes in my basement of clothes that I wore for years before losing weight. Things that are stretched out, out of shape and just, well, old.

Last week I was forwarded a link: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/tshirt_scarf. It is an awesome tutorial on how to make a t-shirt scarf. I decided to use tank tops.Tank tops are stretchier than t-shirts so it was a little harder to sew straight. So I modified it a bit. I added a few beads I've had for years (to cover up my stitching) and didn't do fringes on the ends. Next time I will definitely make the scarf longer but this was a great first project and gave me some great ideas for giving my old clothes new purpose!

Fall colors were my mood for last night. Probably because we were getting snow...

Part of my little sewing kit.

I ended up blocking the colors together. But for the next scarf I'll probably follow the tutorial a bit closer and alternate. These blocks arent' exact so just look a little messy.

My 'fancy' bead work. Ha!

Finished Product

I am also happy to say that both me and the sewing machine survived!

Jeans-a-new

I currently have 7-8 pairs of jeans with holes in them that I can't wear to work, church or social events. I also have 5-10 pairs of jeans of Cole's that he has outgrown or have holes in the knees.

I could wear my jeans outside if it weren't -10 but I have 'outside clothes' for gardening and yard work already. So while my worn out jeans have been piling up I've been looking for things to do with them. I have found that garage sales just don't get rid of holy jeans...

I found several patterns (yes, sewing patterns) that I think I'm going to try come one rainy day this spring. There are a ton of ideas online too so if I still have some extra jean material I can still find something fun! Here are links to just a few of the sites:

Rice hot pack:
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/ricehotpack.shtml

Funky denim jacket:
http://magpiesmumblings.blogspot.com/2007/05/recycled-denim-jacket.html

Crafty Lunch Sack
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafty-lunch-sack-660656/

Gardening knee pad
http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=25212e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&lastnavigatedchannel=13fbf423088ee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=taxonomylist

Beverage Cozie
http://www.docpop.org/2007/07/40-ounces-of-denim/

53 different ideas!
http://www.greenecoservices.com/top-53-ways-to-reuse-blue-jeans-make-money/