Repurposing old clothes...

 

As a seasonal declutterer, I have learned over the years that some things which appear to have outlived their usefulness, may just be in need of a new purpose. Those things are stored away for a year or so, and if after that time I still find no use for them, they are donated. 

But if I do find a useful way to repurpose the item, I get quite excited!

A few weeks back I did a re-ordering of my sewing space after selling almost half my fabric stash. As I rarely design anymore, just the odd one when I have inspiration, there was no need to keep fabrics which have lingered on my shelves for too many years. My style has changed the past few years and I'm still discovering exactly what I really like these days...probably a very eclectic mix of a few styles if the truth be told. Anyhow, as I went through all the fabrics, I also dug out a small plastic tub of old linens. These linens were clothes once upon a time - tops, skirts, even a few dresses. As the years passed and I wore them again and again the linen would wear away in certain places, but the rest of the fabric would still be lovely, albiet much softer than when it was first purchased (soft washed aged linen is beautiful)...

Instead of packing the linens away again, I kept them on my sewing room desk for the next few weeks as I knew that they would be perfect for a few simple projects I had in mind. 

The first project was a new covering, with pocket, for one of my very old Bibles. It had a deteriorating cover, leaving spatterings of the green bonded leather over everything it touched - mostly my dresses as I sat it on my lap each morning. 

I chose the remains of a red striped linen top, which had a lace trim around the bottom edge. That lovely washed-out lacy edging helped the pocket stand out...

...and held my pencils and pen, for I write notes all through my Bibles! One day I shall transfer the notes from all my Bibles into one single Bible because I have hundreds and hundreds of notes scattered everywhere. 

The next thing I made was a cover for a Bible notebook, which also had it's cover falling apart (in fact the cover actually stuck to my desk and had to be eased off with a knife). As our climate is so very hot and humid, all bonded leather, or plastic leather-look covers, will eventally melt and break apart. 

I chose a pink and grey stripe, which had also been the remains of a favourite top, and added an applique flower onto the front using a grey stripe linen (once a dress) and a couple of cotton fabrics from my remaining quilting stash. 

In this notebook I write out passages of Scripture on one page, and a few explanations from the Hebrew or Greek on the opposite page. I'm currently going back through 1 and 2 Peter. 

It has been lovely to use my refreshed Bible and notebook this month, with their pretty, and soft, linen coverings! 

I thought today how apt that verse from Ecclesiastes was for repurposing good fabrics, and giving them a second lease on usefulness. There was a time when I would not consider cutting up clothing, but felt I should donate the entire item, but not today. When I have paid for an item, worn it, and genuinely loved the fabric, it still has a purpose I can lay hold to. 

I thought about the Proverbs 31 woman, whom we studied all through last year (I am working on putting all the studies into a single file for you soon), and how she would have kept any clothing fabric that still had useful sections, and would have repurposed them as a way of saving finances, and providing for her household. 

I have a number of ideas swirling around in my mind for more projects that can be sewn with the old linens I have saved, and will be sure to show you as I make them. But what about you? Do you have ideas for good fabrics which may not be perfect, but have lovely sections just waiting for a makeover? Please share them with me, and with the ladies reading here. :-) 

Thank you for ALL the emails, and the comments left here after my post last week. Hubby and I think its a good idea to invest in a paid newsletter once again - God tapping on our hearts perhaps. Trusting in Him to provide as He always has.  

I must say however, that for the first time, every comment was 'no reply blogger', even those whom have always had their email address available with their comment. So I apologise for not replying, as I had no way to do so, but EVERY comment overflowed with love and kindness which filled my heart and gave me extra renewed vigour for blogging in future. 

I hope you've had a lovely week with laughter and joy, but if not, and things have been a challenge or you've faced a trial, I am praying that God provides avenues of help, hope and kindness to meet you right where you are. 

He is gracious, loving, and generous to a fault, my dear...and He loves you. I would not be here today without His faithfulness to me in the darkest of valleys and His mighty hand to lift me back into the Light. 

God bless dear ones!!!

Love and hugs

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