A few sewing skills are all that are required to undertake a variety of green or environmentally friendly sewing projects.
There are many sewing projects that use basic sewing skills and yet make wonderful items from discarded or unwanted clothes and fabrics. These are great ways providing fabric for free or a low cost and keeps waste out of land fills. Another benefit of green sewing projects is that by using old or unwanted items of clothes or fabrics and recycling them into new items, there is the opportunity to make one of a kind pieces as no two items can be truly the same.
The types of sewing projects that are quick and easy to undertake, while requiring only the most basic of sewing skills include:
- Shopping and Grocery Bags: Sewing these bags has the twin benefits of making unique and customized fabric grocery bags that are long lasting and also reducing the use of plastic carriers. When making fabric carrier bags it is really easy to customize. For instance, add a simple inside pocket for small items to stop them from getting damaged or lost at the bottom of the bag. The bags can be made from any fabric, although tough fabric such as curtain or upholstery material will give a longer-asting bag.
- Toys: Toys are great fun to make and can be created with odds and ends of fabrics, cast-off clothes and even socks! The wonderful thing about making soft toys now, is that many of these little characters rely on their unique styling and unusual shapes for their appeal. Therefore slightly misplaced eyes, or a wonky smile will only add to the appeal of the toy and give it additional character. These can be great projects for children to work on and make an excellent first sewing project. A youngster can design and make the toy without the need for special skills, a sock and glove plus wadding to stuff the toy and buttons for eyes are all that is required to create something a little different! Small toys are easy to sew by hand, making them great portable projects.
- Embellishments: Many items can be given a new lease of life through some clever embellishments. This means that old items can take on a new look, which keeps them from being discarded or thrown out and saves new items being purchased. Embellishments can come from anywhere; old fabrics cut into shapes or turned into corsages, buttons used as decoration. Old buckles or fasteners can be used in creative ways; old pieces of lace can transform an item; beads make a great adornment – the list goes on. The great thing about embellishments is that they can be found anywhere;an old doily can provide lacey fabric or an old necklace could provide beads for embroidery. Bags of castoff junk or treasures (depending on your viewpoint) can provide a wealth of creative opportunities and can be found at thrift shops, garage or jumble sales or charity shops. Alison Willougby explores embellishing skirts in more detail in her book 49 Sensational Skirts. A review of her book finds out more about her unique style.
Green sewing projects are fun to do and an excellent way to provide the opportunity for creative exploration with little or no cost while also helping the environment – a powerful combination!
