Contributed by Laura Wylie
Okay Ladies, it’s the second week of April, which means it’s officially time to go through your closet and get your wardrobe in shape for warmer weather. It’s time to kick the wools sweaters and fleece hoodies to storage and welcome your light, airy and brightly colored garments back home. However, if you’re even a little bit like me, you have severe separation issues with your clothing, making seasonal wardrobe changes quite a challenge.
Have no fear!
We’re going to do this together. The first step is admitting you need help, right? I’ve found 2 things that work really well for me: donating items that I’ve outgrown or no longer wear and finding unique uses for items that I can’t possibly bring myself to get rid of because of sentimental value. So today we’re going to find a second life for those items that are too dear to your heart to pass along.
T-Shirts are always usual characters prime for donation. But the hard thing about giving away those tees is that usually you’ve spent good memories in them or they are from special events. And I’m sorry, but I’m not giving up my 2004 Powder Puff T-Shirt (even though it hasn’t seen the light of day in years).
-Braided T-Shirt Headband: This is one of the coolest and easiest ideas I’ve seen for unused t-shirts! Tripping Over Joy teaches you how to make a headband out of an old t-shirt. Way cute, way easy and I get to use it to beat the heat on my next Spring outdoor activity.
-Detailed T-Shirt Scarf: You’ll need a sewing machine for this one, but it’s so simple even I could do it (and I have next to zero sewing skills). Make It and Love It goes step by step showing you how to transform your old tee into a light and comfy scarf that’s uniquely yours and perfect for Spring weather.
-Whimsical T-Shirt Pom Pom Balls: While this is not something you can necessarily wear in your new Spring wardrobe; it would be PERFECT for putting a little Spring into your home! Craftaholics Anonymous shows us how to create these whimsical, fun and easy pom pom decorations that give your old tees a new look at the world.
Sweaters are good for cold weather and cozying up to the fire, but they go out of style quickly as fabrics and cuts change annually.
-Sweet Sweater Covered Planters: These small clustered sweater-covered planters are so adorable and shabby chic! And they’re so easy – Factory Direct Craft Blog shows you how to cut the sleeves from an old sweater and slip them over the jar or planter, then use hot glue at the bottom to affix them to the jar.
-Sweater Koozy for Spring Potluck Dinners: Craftzine came up with a great use for old sweaters in the form of a koozy for potluck dishes. How many times have you been to a potluck and someone insulates the gorgeous dish that they labored hours over with an old ratty towel? It’s all about presentation! And with this cute and functional insulated envelope, your dish will instantly be the talk of the Spring BBQ.
Fleece is a staple during the winter months; it’s toasty and relatively inexpensive. But how many fleece pullovers do you really need? These DIY projects will make you think twice before tossing that old fleece.
-Blossoming Fleece Hair Accessory: Every girl loves a pretty bloom in their hair every now and again. This bright fleece hair accessory featured on Fleece Fun will last you all Spring. And the best part is there is no sewing involved – perfect! BONUS: Use an old broach or lost earring that you were going to throw away as the center of the flower for an extra dash of uniqueness.
-Puppy Fleece Toy: Even your puppy loves something new! HGTV uses old fleece garments for braided dog toys that are tough enough to handle even the tug-o-war champs. You pup will love the toy and your wallet will love the extra cash that you saved.
Changing out your wardrobe for a changing season is a great way to identify all the items that are not being used and find unique ways to give them a new life! What are your favorite clothing re-uses?
Posted: 4/11/2012 10:41:57 PM by
Heather Wallace | with 0 comments