2NDHANDMADE NO-SEW IDEAS by Karen Powell http://www.2ndhandmade.com ============================================ Hello! Creating new uses for old fabrics is fun, earth-friendly and inexpensive. This list of 50 no-sew ideas demonstrates the wide range of creative-reuse possibilities. I hope it sparks your imagination and inspires many projects. Enjoy! NO-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING CLOTHING 1. Men's shirts = Adopt one as a chore or hobby shirt. 2. T-shirts = Weave a "potholder" rug on a homemade loom of 2 x 4's and nails. 3. Wool sweaters = Boil to make felt for craft projects. 4. Shirt cuffs = Make a set of napkin rings. 5. Printed cotton blouses & shirts = Back fabric with double stick paper or double stick web to cover cardboard storage or gift boxes. 6. Baby clothes = Create a wardrobe for a doll. 7. Vinyl jacket = Make theme placemats for kids. 8. Fabric scraps from clothing = Design scrapbook stickers. 9. Fabric scraps from clothing = Make holiday ornaments and gift tags inspired by cookie cutter shapes. 10. Fleece robes, tops & jackets = Cut into small, narrow strips to make cushy stuffing for pillows or soft toys. NO-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING BEDDING 11. Comforter or old quilt = Cover with a new duvet cover. 12. Sheets = Consider them as handy reusable drop cloths. 13. Mattress pad = Use it for ironing board padding. 14. Afghan = Dog bed stuffing. Fold, shape and stack afghans to fit a pre-made dog bed cover. 15. Pillow case = Make a kid's tic-tac-toe & checker game: draw a TTT grid on one side and checker board on the other side. Recycle small objects from around the house to use as the playing pieces. Store pieces in the pillow case when not in use. 16. Sheets = Cover a cork bulletin board. 17. Bedskirt = Turn it into a window valance. (Use Fabri-Tac glue to finish turned back edges instead of sewing.) 18. Mattress pad = Fold and insert in a pillow case to make a changing pad for baby. 19. Blanket = Reuse as a picnic, car or beach blanket. 20. Pillow case = Large reusable gift pouch. 21. Bed pillows = Trim & stack to make pillow forms for pre-made decorative pillow covers. NO-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING WINDOW TREATMENTS 22. Drapes = Make simple no-sew shades or swags. 23. Sheer curtain = Use as a decorative layer over a tablecloth. 24. Light weight curtain panels or drapes = Shower curtain. 25. Curtain = Create a shirred sink skirt: determine measurements, gather at top and attach with sticky-back Velcro. 26. Drapes = Make a room divider slipcover. NO-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING KITCHEN & BATH LINENS 27. Tablecloth = Transform it into a curtain. 28. Large linen tablecloth = Works well as a top sheet. 29. Vinyl tablecloth = Makes a great yard & garden waste carryall. 30. Placemats = Use to roll-up and store paint brushes, silverware, small tools, tapered candles, etc. 31. Bath towels = Donate to animal shelters. 32. Square napkin = Make a hanging storage pouch for light weight fineries. Bring four corners together. Add a ribbon loop at point and join all layers with a 3/4" round head fastener. 33. Kitchen towels = Create simple cafe curtains. 34. Shower curtain plastic liner = Use as a washable art "canvas" for kid's outdoor art activities. NO-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING ACCESSORIES 35. Scarves = Use square or rectangle shapes as gift wrap. 36. Socks = Handy mitts for dusting/cleaning/polishing. 37. Hankies = Make sachet bundles. 38. Ties = Weave a new seat for a recycled chair. 39. Knit or fleece ski cap = Makes a gift and a gift bag. 40. Cloth tote bags = Mount on the wall or on the side of a wood shelving unit as hanging files or storage pouches. 41. Ties = Narrow shapes in lively colors and prints make fun ribbon for gift packages and pouches. 42. Woven jute market bag = Create a basket. Remove leather handles and reshape slightly with steam. NEW-SEW IDEAS FOR REUSING VINTAGE LINENS & NOVELTIES 43. Doilies = Use small ones as coasters and large ones as decorative placemats. 44. Embroidered or needlepoint pieces = Frame as art. 45. Crochet pieces = Starch with flour & water paste to make ornaments. 46. Apron = Makes a pretty cafe curtain for a small window. 47. Printed fabrics = Old feedsack cloth and vintage interior fabrics with artful print motifs look great stretched on an artist canvas and mounted on the wall. 48. Tablecloths = Like quilts, vintage tablecloths make lovely wall hangings. 49. Kitchen towel = Adorn a dresser or tabletop with vintage linen towels; use all all white or colorful prints. 50. Lace trim, crochet edging & beaded fringe = Attach vintage trims with glue to the bottom edge of a lampshade or window shade.