Saving for the Average Person: Ideas for Crafters: part 1

You sound a lot like my mother, who is always making or creating something. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Great idea here. Recycling is a great way to save money.

thanks Juan and Lynn!

Thanks for these great ideas. My problem is a new sewing machine and right now I can't afford one.

BJF: Coud you borrow one? Also hand sewing is a wonderful art..late at night when the kids are asleep ;-)

Also keep an eye out in the spring..yard sales may yield a machine!

Thanks Reena!

Your kids could do simple hand sewn projects..what great way to teach girls and boys simple sewing techniques!

Thanks for another great share, Mandi.

Thanks. These are some great ideas to save and get fabric. I made a wonderful denim squares quilt as a christmas gift last year from old jeans I collected from friends.

Another tip, you could make mittens from sweaters. Just trace your hand and cut out the correct size from the sweater. Sew two pieces together, and Viola! You get a mitten, repeat and you get a piar.

good article

Thanks a bunch Mandi~~

My MIL, who was both very thrifty and very crafty, would have unravelled the sweaters and reknit them into new ones.

Over decades, she cut apart her family's clothes (those that coldn't be passed dwn--my DH was the 2nd of 5 chldren) and made strips. She patterned them beautifully in her head then sewe them into thick, room-sized braided rugs. I remember a Christmas night when Dh and his sibs were all in middle age, sitting on the rug by the Christmas tree and its display of now-opened presents, pointing to different bits of the rug and talking about the clothes and their memories of things when they were wearing them in the 1940s and 1950s.

Dorine, I have thought about making one of those braid rugs! I better get to saving fabric! What wonderful thing to have and pass down!

Tammy, what a great idea!!! Sweater mittens would make a great gift!!

Sue, yeah I pretty much suck at sewing too...but I keep trying and get a little better every time! I am determined to get at least one quilt finished! ;-)

thanks all!

Good ideas!! Every so often I get the urge to do crafts or sewing projects or something too! :-)

I wanted to make some of the bead crafts in the Martha Stewart magazine but when I went to buy those beads, I discovered it was a craft for folks with unlimited funds.

There are all kinds of ways to be crafty, just look around you and think about what you could turn something into. Not only are you being crafty but you are using the 3 R's. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.
Great article and wonderful ideas.

Super info!

Old wool sweaters that have been purposely washed in hot water and felted in the dryer can then be cut into mitten shapes and sewed up with the sewing machine, turn right side out after sewing and Viola`! Mittens!

Where were you when i was asking if quilts could be made out of old 200 thread count top sheets and pillow cases? I kept them all but for now they sit in the closet.

I also recycle jeans. Cut all seams off and then go to making some squares. I cannot sew a straight line. I need some classes!

I have quilts of material that is at least 75 to 80 years old plus. Always save pieces of materials like my grandmothers did.Recycle is one of the best ways to save money and making something that is unique.

you and I would get along great! LOL I always have one project or another started in my house! LOL

Thanks for sharing.

great tips

I always thought that a denim quilt from old... soft...used...favorite... (you get the picture) jeans would be great.
I knew someone in college who had a cape made from old jeans - very cool. (a guy, even)

thanks, good info

thank you one and all!

The easiest way to make a quilt with out worryinh about straight lines is to cut everything in medium length strips...then sew the strips together at the ends...then sew the strips together in rows... then sqaure off the whole thing as one piece...viola! crazy quilt!

I have made some cute purses by taking the back pockets off jeans, sewing them together, adding a closure to the top (if desired), and then making a strap from the jeans. You can add cha cha yarn to the bottom for some funky fringe, too. :)

I did this when my children were babies. I had all those cute little baby blankets that were getting too small for them and I knew I would only get a few cents out of them if I sold them to a resale shop or at a yard sale. So I cut them all into 6 inch squares and sewed them together into a patchwork quilt. I then took an old single sheet to sew on the back and put some quilting between the layers. Presto!! I had 4 brand new single quilts for my son's new big boy bed. They are now 16 and 10 and still have their blankets.

Great ideas, Mandi. I hope to use some of them in the coming New Year.

I used to make soft toys for my oldest out of her baby shirts

This is funny timing, I am currently taking a break from turning dishcloths into decorative pillowcases. I loved the pattern, it matches my new bedding, and I already had some pillow forms....voila! I got them from Crate and Barrel for $4.95 for two and they are the perfect size! (And a lot cheaper than buying their decorative pillows for $49.95!)

These are great ideas which will initiate other creative ideas for crafters and money savers. Thank you!

thanks everyone!

I am so happy to see you so much recycling going on!!

Sharon, What a great idea!!! I bet you smile every so often when you look at those blankets!

Erin, those purses sound so cute! Great gift for a teen girl or any girl! ;-)

Gwen, Now that is a cool idea! YOu should post some pics when you are done!

thanks all!!

Great ideas, Mandi. We have gotten so dedicated around here to making things out of everything else that the whole family is afraid to throw anything away without checking with me first. "Mom, can this be something else, or is it really garbage?" LOL

Great idea! Recycle everything! Good to know! I'll be back!

Mandi, Mandi, Mandi, do you honestly think that I would mention the fact that feeder dogs don't move the material back if you have YOUR stitch setting at ZERO, why I would never dream of it. hehehehehehehehehehehehehehe.

I can't wait to see the quilt by the way. Oh and I need it to be queen size.

Great ideas!

Once my daughter went to Goodwill, bought some pretty curtains and turned them into the cutest aprons!

LOve the article, and one of these days I will learn to sew. I can cook three days in a row, but not sew. I will wait for the next "recyling" idea, and you are a champ in that area. Thanks Mandi. Ellen B

Mandi, I think we're twins. I'm a crafting fool and poor as a church mouse. I haven't paid full retail for ANY of my favorite fabric-craft materials in years. Jeans from neighbors, my own closet, yard sales and Goodwill were the source for "green" shopping bags as Christmas gifts last year. I hit the yard sales and 2nd hand shops for skirts, shirts, T-shirts, bedding (even entire bolts of fabric) for wonderful fabrics that become quilt squares, gift bags, shopping bags, trims on towels, patchwork jackets, etc. Looking for new fabric? e-bay! I had been looking for a particular fabric for my living room drapery. (I had previously made throw pillows with this fabric and paid $24 bucks a yard for it.) I searched high and low for this fabric; then I hit e-bay. I bought a bolt of 18 continuous yards for $187., less than 1/2 of the retail price. (Now all I need is the time to make my draperies ~ I have 10 windows in the living room!)

thanks all!!
I love hearing about your projects and how you save to make them!


Garden Witch 24 bucks a yard??? never! I am glad you no longer spend that type of money on fabric!! ;-)

I love the idea of making a quilt out of old men's shirts (striped and soft pastels); I can aready picture it.

As for Arlene, those of us who like to bead have learned to use the Michael's and Hobby Lobby and JoAnne coupons (40-50% off) which come on a regular basis. It may take awhile to get all the beads you want (not in a single purchase), but you can get them at greatly reduced prices. Also you might check Ebay for good deals on beads. Just some suggestions.

Good ideas. Too bad I don't do quilting. But with the other crafts I do I buy my supplies on sales or at garage sales. I buy beads for my jewelry making off a few vendors on ebay and at sales at local bead stores.

Excellent article. I know I've been hitting the Christmas clearance for trinkets and gift tags for next years Christmas cards.

Great idea for reusing and saving money!

Simple beads can be found at 2nd hand stores ~ in the form of "previously worn" jewelry. Looking for rhinestones? Look no further than 2nd hand stores and yard sales for jewelry (particularly earrings that have lost a mate). Take the orphaned earring (necklace, pin/broach) apart. Use the stones for glueing onto jeans, sweaters, and anything else that needs a little sparkle!

(Mandi ~ I had not previously, nor have I since, paid $24 a yard for fabric. This is some VERY unusual fabric. I only purchased one yard to make throw pillows, and I used remant fabric on the back. It was a one-time splurge.)

love the idea! There are so many ways to have beautiful things. Thanks for pointing one of them out.

thanks everyone!

Great tips on finding cheap beads!! And I love the old jewelery trick! great way to recycle and make something unique!

Great idea!

My nephew cleaned out his closet and gave a bunch of his old clothes to my grandson. Amongst the clothing was a bunch of t-shirts that he wore at various points in his childhood including a t-shirt from kindergarten that had his name on it, football t-shirts, etc. I am making them into a quilt for his bed. I know that he will enjoy it.

My mother would like to work with you. She loves hands on people.

Media Bytes Week 8

When I first started reading this, I had many ideas to pass on - but most have already been in the comments. But I have a few to add to or embellish on!!!
Sweaters - If you leave the sleeves flat (already doubled) and leave the cuff intact - mittens or gloves are a cinch. You can then take the body of the sweater - again leaving the cuff intact, and cut out a stocking hat form, just having to stitch up the sides and add a pom pom, if desired. The sleeves also can be made into great leg warmers - just thread a string through the cut off end to tie into place - or a piece of elastic - or ribbon.
A pair of gardening gloves - you can pick these up at most dollar stores (even the brown jersey ones will work, but not as pretty). Add pom poms to the palm side of the fingers and palm - voila, a dusting cloth to die for! And you can get two gifts out of one set of gloves! You can embellish with glitter gel pen rings or whatever too! Or even add a real gem!
Beaders - Goodwill, Salvation Army, yard sales, the old lady down the street - all have tons of old jewelry that can be torn apart. I had the local goodwill store saving broken jewelry for me for awhile. They couldn't resell and let me have it for practically nothing (didn't hurt that my daughter worked there then!!! - but we can all develop useful friendships). I have an ebay store and I even sell one earring pieces - so many of these are too gorgeous to throw away, and someone could make something so beautiful out of. (If you're interested in checking out my site email me and I'll send it to you). Most of my items are under $1.
Dollar stores are another boon - don't just check the jewelry racks - although you can find tons of tear apartable things there - but check the children's aisle. Some of the children's jewelry has some gorgeous beads.
Charm bracelets - again from dollar stores - there are usually enough charms on one of these that you can remove charms to make a pair of earrings, maybe a pendant, and leave one charm on the bracelet. I have sold tons of these sets!
This is going to sound like really weird, but here goes. A pair of underpants into a gorgeous tank top... or buy two pair alike and make a set. For the tank top, you cut the crotch out of the underwear, leaving the leg bands! Then you can add lace, beads, crochet around, let your imagination fly!!! A cute little sunset or swimming outfit for those little ones at very minimal cost. *Tip* I've even seen big ladies make these for themselves - have you priced swim suits lately???? The rule of thumb seems to be, if it fits your bottom, it will fit your top! These can be as fancy or as simple as you want them to be.
Men's/boys boxers are another good one... sew up the fly add lace or other embellishments. Lace around the legs. etc.
I'm sure you have all seen the scrubbies made with nylon net. Well I am a crocheter, but have never mastered these, but I buy the plastic store bought ones. And crochet a little 'doily' and attach to one side of these. Kids just love these for scrubbing pans - not so harsh on their fingers. And when I do get some of the home made ones, I do the same.
Door mats out of plastic grocery bags - same idea as braid rag rugs - and so sturdy.
The little vials that some bead stores sell their beads in - these can be turned into Christmas ornaments, fairy dust containers, the base for pom pom snowmen or trees. I donated some to my granddaughters art class and they had a ball making Christmas ornaments with a bit of glitter inside. Beautiful too!!! I suppose pill bottles could be utilized as well - though they're usually not clear.
Coffeemate creamer or other creamer containers - the labels on these usually all just peel away giving you an unblemished beginning. Paint or applique for pencil cups, etc. Adults can use an exacto knife to cut openings for luminaries. I am sure this is an uncharted territory- must be lots of ideas here!!!! And the lids are usually unmarked also. So they can be utilized also.
Guess that's enough for now.

Great ideas! heres another: my daughter had a sweatshirt from a dear friend, It had a cute saying w/ a puppy on the front. she out grew it so I cut it up and made a little pillow with it. she loves to cuddle with it.

I sewed a quilt for my mom out of shirts from her father, after he passed away no one either wanted or could fit into his shirts and there were a ton of them!!! also one of the nicest and warmest quilts I ever had was one made from mens old suits !!! it was very masculine too , so if you wanted to give a gift to a man........ perfect!!!!
I made some pillows out of an old sweater ...you have to be a little careful not to let it unravel on you !!!!

What wonderful tips, ideas and prjects!!

I am so proud of you all for your resourcefulness!!

Happy new year all!

A great idea Mandi - how is the project going?

Recycling at its best! I love it!

When I was in sewing class in 8th grade, we made a pillow I'll never forget. We all brought in old jeans (if we didn't have any that didn't fit, we could find them cheap at the secondhand shop!) and cut them into squares. There was a big square and four small squares (that would even out to the size of the big one.... but don't just cut it the size of the big square... factor in the seams!) to make the top half, and the same for the bottom half (only the smaller squares were on the other side.... so it was like a checkerboard)... we needed different colours of jeans. I had some light denim, some dark denim, and some light purple corduroy jeans. We sewed them with an inch seam, but the fabric we wanted to show was the side with the seam. Then, seams OUT, we cut notches into the fabric that made up the seams, so it looked all raggy... then we threw them in the wash. It's hard to describe... I'll have to post a picture sometime.

Anyway, I found out that you can make AMAZINGLY cute pillows out of jeans that don't fit.
Also, I used to be a competitive dancer, and when you collect a shirt from every recital, competition, and event, you end up with A LOT of shirts that don't fit (especially if you started competing when you were about 9, and now you're 19....)
So what to do with all the shirts? Pillows. Quilts. All sorts of things.

I also like to do it with shirts that I buy at concerts. After the concert is over, I usually stop wearing the shirt.... but I still want the memories that are attached! :)

Great article, Mandi! :)

I also knew this woman, who, when her kids were growing up, each year she would save one thing that her kids wore a lot (when they were young, it was her favourite outfit on them, but when they got older, they got to choose), and so each year, saved one outfit. Then for their 21st birthday, she gave them a quilt made from squares of the clothes they had worn for the past 20 years... It's one of the coolest ideas I've ever seen, and always turned out beautifully. Plus, they had years and years of clothes they remember wearing, or had pictures in, or things like that. :)

I am a quilter, and know exactly what you mean...sometimes we overlook the fabric all around us, because we are so entranced by the stuff at the store. ha.

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing./

I had a friend who made a wall hanging for her son. The background was an inexpensive twin-size corduroy bedspread. She then attached to it things that meant a lot to her son: his first tie, cub scouts and boy scouts memorabilia, etc. She included other things like fabric from the clothes that his parents wore when they were married. He was a teenager when this was given to him. He asked his mother to continue to add to it over the years. The final additions were when he was married.

I loved the article and the wonderful comments as well -- great ideas! I can't sew at all though so that makes it hard for me to do some things -- but I just look for ways to recycle that doesn't involve sewing :-)

what a good idea you had!!

great idea! You'll have to let us know how your sweater quilt turns out!

Hello :o),

I just wanted to stop by since I am finally going through what is now listed as under 4,800 pieces of gather new mail that is sitting in my inbox on here.

With that mentioned I just came across either a mailing from you yourself, or someone else brought this piece to my attention. You or they felt that your creation should be shared with the gather community, which I am very glad that it was passed on to me to view. So I wanted to say Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to publish it here on gather for us to all view. :o)

As well before I leave you I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year... in 2009 :o)