Over the weekend I finally checked something off my perpetual to-do list that has been on it for far too long….a closet purge. I decided to through my closet with a realistic mind. I had so many articles of clothing that hadn’t been worn in ages. They fell into several categories; out of style, doesn’t fit, not my style, and why do I even own this?
I have a tall kitchen bag full of shirts and skirts but several pieces had potential to be reused or re-purposed.
I decided to cut or tear out the usable crafting pieces. I love adding bits of fabric to my journals, collage cards and mixed media pieces.
There was a good mix of colors and textures.
I’m really excited to start piecing these together. The pink plaid is kind of bugging me in this photo if I’m honest. But the rest of it gives a real tropical 1980s feel. Bright, bold colors…totally 80s. Like, totally! (in your best Valleygirl impression)
That roll of lace is calling my name….I cut it from the bottom edge of a shirt that I think I only wore once. It just never fit right. I hate that! I should know better than to buy something just because I really like the look of it and ignore the fact it doesn’t really work. But at least I have some pretty lace now.
But seriously…so many fun bits of this and that.
Anyone notice my glass of water in keeping with the T stands for Tuesday rules? She’s there on the corner of the table. Have to keep hydrated in the winter.
There was a sweater in my original pile but I haven’t decided how I want to use it yet so it remains uncut. I was thinking about Christmas ornaments and decor. Also maybe boot cuffs or mittens. I also thought about trying to refashion it in some way. Since I am totally undecided it will go in with my sewing fabrics until a later date.
ooh – fabric, lace and buttons – what’s not to love!! I’m sure you’ll produce lots of fab art with your collection. Happy T day!
How smart to be able to repurpose. I look at clothes and never have any ideas how to change them. I hope you show us some of the final pieces. Happy T day Halle.
Now, if you would just come over and do my closet……oh wait, I might need some of those clothes until it warms up….HA, HA!
You ended up with a really nice selection of textures and colors, can’t wait to see what you do with them.
Happy T-day
Well done o the closet clear out. I have done one corner of mine, and made a bag for the thrift shop and a pile of Useful ‘crafty’ bits as well. But I need to do the rest! Happy T Day, hugs Valerie
Great idea to use a lot of the things you have discarded. I would have used the knitted jacket to unravel and use to crochet a blanket. Not sure my sewing skills would have had so many ideas as yours.
Have great T day
Love Chrissie xx
a closet purge is exactly what would be needed here… bravo! and i´m sure we will see some of the leftover pieces in your art! happy t-day!
Lovely collection of fabric that you intend to repurpose. And I like how you sneaked in the glass of water, to qualify for T-Day. I’ve been looking in on T-Day for awhile, but never had a way to enter it. So I finally got clever and am using my stuffed Teddy Bear (named Teddy of course) to sneak my way into the weekly challenge. :-)
Good morning, this looks like it turned into a fun craft project-I love using recycled clothing. I love felting down wool sweaters and then making the sleeves into mittens-using the bottom ribbed edge for the bottom of the mittens.
Happy T Hugs Kathy
It always feels to accomplish a big job that has been nagging at you. Plus you got all those bonus craft and sewing supplies, Halle. That a two-fer!
Happy T-day! Hugs, Eileen
That was a great idea to cut the fabrics and save the pieces, lace and other things you showed in the photos. They will be super additions to your future craft projects.
Happy T day wishes
Yvonne xx
I lOVE this idea. I did the same thing before Christmas but I still have all the clothes in a pile waiting to be used. I think I should just take the plunge and cut them up! I look forward to seeing your journal pages that you make with these scraps.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
A great way to recycle or is that upcycle? Looks like you’ll have a lot of fun using up the bits and bobs. Your comment about the pink plaid made me laugh. All I could think of was some old dude on the beach in the tropics with those pink plaid, preppy trunks. And he thought he was the height of fashion. I cleaned out the front closet of unused and no longer fit coats and jackets. The college where Himself teaches was having a coat drive. Yay for cleaning out closets! Happy T Day
Water is important. I think we often don’t get enough. I remember when I did the Marie Kondo plan with clothes. I ended up donating bags and bags full! When I’m tempted to buy something new I ask myself whether I’d have worn it that day instead of what I have on. Then I put it back on the rack lol Happy T Tuesday!
Very well done, always a fab feeling after a closet clear out! I am looking forward to see bits of your leftovers in your future art! Happy T-Day Halle!
Hugs Susi
Looks like you are having fun decluttering and you’ve selected some wonderful fabrics to get creative with! How exciting, I can’t wait to see what you create with them ?. Wishing you a Happy T Day! J ? x
Oh well done you for purging. I should do that too, but I have always an excuse for not throwing anything away.
I love the colours of the pieces you have saved. I see some brown velvet. I like that too.
I have a glass of water next to me too. I try to drink a lot of water through the day when I am home.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
My sincere apologies for not visiting sooner, but my electricity went out about 4ish this morning, just as I was trying to leave you a comment. It is finally back on and I love that you have repurposed these fabrics and buttons, etc. for your art. It’s a great way to get your money’s worth out of something that didn’t work the first time. By deconstructing these fabrics, you have brought new (and better) life to them, just like altering old, unloved books. Yes, the 80s were definitely beach colors and these will go nicely with anything beachy. I feel a new altered book or altered journal coming on!
Thanks for sharing your deconstruction process AND your water with us for T this Tuesday. Again, sorry to be so late visiting.
I love saving bits and pieces from old favourites – only thing is I now have 3 full drawers full – i will have to use them soon!!! It’s great to have a clear out though!! Belated Happy T Day! Chrisx
Such a good idea to repurposed bits and pieces from clothing you are purging. You picked out some lovely bits, too. Good luck with it. And yes I see your glass of water. :) Happy way belated T Day!