Wait! Don't Throw Out That Old Sweater!

My family will tell you that I save everything.  Is that a bad thing?  You mean I’ll never need anything from the two hundred and fifty Rubbermaid totes in the basement?  Or in the garage, or under the bed … you get the picture. 

I’m the exact opposite of my father.  I’m certain I would have inherited millions if he hadn’t thrown everything out!  My future lies at the bottom of the old town landfill.  My Barbies (isn’t an original 1959 Barbie worth at least $10,000), clocks that had been in the family (remember the New Haven Clock Company?), even cars (I seem to remember someone toting pieces of a Hudson to the dump!) all grace the earth at the dump.  Give me a shovel and I’ll show you my childhood!

It explains a lot doesn’t it?  Keep in mind, I donate lots of stuff to Goodwill, the church fair and the collection box in the shopping center!  But this is useable stuff.  Clothes that are worthy of a new owner, dishes longing for a new kitchen and books waiting to be dusted off and read again and again.

But honestly, why would you throw out a sweater that the moths have turned into swiss cheese?  First, make sure it’s not appropriate for the donation box.  Then decide its future!  I admit that I have three sewing machines (remember what I said at the beginning of the article?) and I do love to sew.  But any of these projects can be hand stitched together with a needle and thread.

The first item we’ll pursue would make a wonderful scout project!  Mittens!  This is a great project for kids; perhaps you’d like to work on a sewing merit badge.  First, choose your sweater or sweaters.  Place your hand at the bottom, noting that the ribbing on the sweater will be the cuff of the mitten.  Using a marker, trace the shape of a mitten around your hand and thumb.  Cut an inch outside of the trace line.  Cut one for each hand.  Stitch with right sides together using your machine or simple using a straight stitch with a needle and thread.  Leave a one half inch seam allowance and voila ... a new pair of mittens! 

Make a scarf in the same manner!  Cut and sew pieces together to form your own design and line with an old silk scarf!  Just make sure your scarf pieces and your lining pieces are the same size.  Stitch them together with right sides facing. 

How about a purse?  Use the ribbing of the sweater for the top of the purse and there’s no extra finishing necessary!  I found small chain at the local hardware store that made a perfect handle.  You can also use ribbon, rope or what-have-you.  Embellish your project with scraps cut into different shapes.  Simply stitch on, using embroidery thread.  Don’t worry about the rough edges; they add to the charm of the project! 

How about a necktie?  Be creative!  Think ahead … who do you need gifts for this year?  It’s a quick and easy way to check people off your list.  It’s also a great project to do with your kids or grandkids.  Teach them how to sew!  Whatever you do ... don’t throw out that old sweater!