The Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild had an upcycle challenge, which was due at the November meeting. The rules were to use 3 different materials that were not originally quilting cotton (fabric off the bolt) and make something from those materials. I thought it was a fun and interesting challenge! Being frugal by nature, I HAD to join in.
I started with a black linen jumper (full length dress) that I wore about 20 years ago. I always figured that I could use the fabric for something....someday. This challenge was just the push I needed to get it done. I had fun repurposing the fabric to make several things!
My first project was to make a leash for our puppy, Lucy. She has a pink collar, so I incorporated a few pops of pink into her leash. I didn't use a pattern, I just made it up on the fly.
Our other puppy, Gigi, has an aqua collar, so she got pops of aqua incorporated into her leash. The hardware came from the shoulder strap of an old purse. I'm glad I saved the hardware because it's heavy duty. I'm thrilled that I finally re-used it! My family was impressed by the new leashes, which was pretty fun! The puppies like to chew on them, so I'd call that a success all around. Ha!
Since I had so much dress fabric remaining, my next project was a simple two colored zip pouch. I used black linen for the bottom and a fun fabric scrap from Cheryl for the top. (I used this pattern, but added a half inch to the width and a half inch to the zipper length as well.) The outside panels are quilted to batting scraps to add texture and stability. I love how it turned out!
I had a lot of smaller pieces left after making the leashes, so I turned those scraps into a flying geese pincushion. (Pattern is available here.) I like how the bright colors pop against the black, but I don't care for how linty the fabric is after quilting. Oh, well!
I combined a bunch of little low volume scraps with the linen to make a thread catcher. It was quilted as well, mostly by machine, but I added a touch of hand quilting to the top to finish it up. It was a fun one to make, and fairly quick, too! (Pattern is available here, which includes instructions for the patchwork version.)
And the last project, because I wanted to make 5 different things using the black linen, is a key fob wristlet thingy. :) Well, maybe I shouldn't say last project, but last project for today! I still have a little bit of linen leftover and I will probably making a few more things to finish it off. Stay tuned!
Since next week is Thanksgiving, should we have a link up next Friday or not? I'm undecided, so I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'll let you all decide so I don't have to. :)
That's it for me today! I hope you have a finish to share. If so, please link up. Thank you SO much for joining me for finish it up Friday!
Hi Amanda, Wow - creative and great uses for that black linen. I love the key fob wristlet thingy (and the official sounding name, too)! I have some of that tape measure fabric that I have been saving . . . you know, for that perfect use. HAHA Oh, and I would love to still have a link up next Friday but I can understand if you don't. I will be up with the birds, babysitting my 11 week old great-nephew while mom and dad are out shopping. Maybe we'll make some cookies, or sew, or play online reading other people's blogs. ~smile~ Roseanne
These are fabulous projects and great ways to use that jumper. I'd say go ahead with the link up. A day of rest and perusing online after all the food on Thursday will probably be how I spend my time!
Being a huge fan of upcycling and recycling fabric, linen and clothing, this is the perfect post for me. I have a suede jacket which was oh so cool, back in the day. Now it screams for me to cut it up. I just need to find the perfect project - likely a cross body bag or some other type of bag.
hmm.... I would vote for the link up - if you don't have a finish, just host it for others? I am not sure how much sewing I will accomplish this week either. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
Fabulous upcycling! I'm impressed with how many projects you've made already :) I'm in the UK so I vote yes for a link up but understand if you chose not to. I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!
I have some brown linen pants that I have been saving. Thanks for the inspiration. I'd like to have the link-up. I may not have a finish, but it's a guilty pleasure of mine, to spend time checking on all your followers.
Nice upcycling....do what you have time for next week. We miss you when you don't post, but I never get to check out ALL the links, as I'm sure others don't either, so there is always that to keep those of us online busy. Happy Thanksgiving!
Being in Australia, I'd still love a linky, but only f you can do something simple and still enjoy your holiday. Love all the uses you have found for that linen so far!
Great projects. I took a dress apart and have been re-purposing it, too. The gathered skirt may be enough for lap quilt backing. As for linking up next Friday - do what works for you.
Love the doggie leashes! While nothing can replace the love in those leashes, I do recommend for those dogs that chew, there are Lupine Leashes which I love and they give you a new one when you bring it back or mail it back (if you don’t have a store near you that carries them). I have quite a few and have gone through quite a few with Percy, the labradoodle, who chews his leash when I talk too much to friends on our walks!
26 comments:
I just love all of your happy little projects!!! What wonderful ways to making something new out of something else ;)
I love that little pin cushion!
Great up cycling. Your old jumper now has several new lives.
I love all of those fun projects!
I have been saving a number of garments for up cycling. You inspire me to get them out and play!
What a great way to be creative...such a fun challenge! I've done a couple projects using clothing before. You really took the challenge by the horns!
Hi Amanda,
Wow - creative and great uses for that black linen. I love the key fob wristlet thingy (and the official sounding name, too)! I have some of that tape measure fabric that I have been saving . . . you know, for that perfect use. HAHA Oh, and I would love to still have a link up next Friday but I can understand if you don't. I will be up with the birds, babysitting my 11 week old great-nephew while mom and dad are out shopping. Maybe we'll make some cookies, or sew, or play online reading other people's blogs. ~smile~ Roseanne
These are fabulous projects and great ways to use that jumper. I'd say go ahead with the link up. A day of rest and perusing online after all the food on Thursday will probably be how I spend my time!
The little line of hand Quilting on the thread catcher is perfect!
Being a huge fan of upcycling and recycling fabric, linen and clothing, this is the perfect post for me. I have a suede jacket which was oh so cool, back in the day. Now it screams for me to cut it up. I just need to find the perfect project - likely a cross body bag or some other type of bag.
Have a great weekend!
hmm.... I would vote for the link up - if you don't have a finish, just host it for others? I am not sure how much sewing I will accomplish this week either. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
Fabulous upcycling! I'm impressed with how many projects you've made already :)
I'm in the UK so I vote yes for a link up but understand if you chose not to.
I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!
I have some brown linen pants that I have been saving. Thanks for the inspiration. I'd like to have the link-up. I may not have a finish, but it's a guilty pleasure of mine, to spend time checking on all your followers.
I love! all of your projects, you high achiever you! Don't worry about next week, take it off and enjoy the meaning of the holiday! :)
Love what you did with that challenge!
Great set of projects! Love the leashes.
Wow, those are all great projects! Well done! xx
Nice upcycling....do what you have time for next week. We miss you when you don't post, but I never get to check out ALL the links, as I'm sure others don't either, so there is always that to keep those of us online busy. Happy Thanksgiving!
So it does pay to save stuff for a long time! Your projects are beautiful xAli
Great upcycle projects. And I hope you do have the linkup next Friday, I've a few gifts to finish up, and I always glean ideas here.
Being in Australia, I'd still love a linky, but only f you can do something simple and still enjoy your holiday. Love all the uses you have found for that linen so far!
Great projects. I took a dress apart and have been re-purposing it, too. The gathered skirt may be enough for lap quilt backing. As for linking up next Friday - do what works for you.
Upcycling is very satisfying! I really like all of your upcycled creations!
Love the doggie leashes! While nothing can replace the love in those leashes, I do recommend for those dogs that chew, there are Lupine Leashes which I love and they give you a new one when you bring it back or mail it back (if you don’t have a store near you that carries them). I have quite a few and have gone through quite a few with Percy, the labradoodle, who chews his leash when I talk too much to friends on our walks!
So many great projects! I regret throwing out a few old garments now that I am sewing. I will keep repurposing in mind in the future!
Now I've got to retrieve that green linen top I just put in the giveaway box. What fun and practical finishes!
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