1. Sew an upcycled striped T-shirt dress
A beautifully simple idea with great results, this upcycled striped dress project comes from I am momma hear me roar. Click the link to find a step-by-step tutorial. All you need is T-shirts of assorted colors, fabric paints, markers and a sewing machine.
2. Make a dress from a man’s shirt
This DIY project was just way too cool to not be shared. While you have to have some sewing skills to take up this project, if you’ve got the time and patience you’re sure to be pleased with the results. Want a smart way of turning your a man’s workshirt into a beautiful dress for your little girl?
Check out the details and instructions on thegirlinspired.com
3. Get your kids to paint their own fabric – then turn it into a skirt or shorts!
Do you have any plain white cloth lying around? Don’t cut it up into rags. Instead, grab some markers and fabric paints, and ask the kids to have some fun doodling. Once it’s done, hang it out to dry and then sew it up into skirts, dresses or shorts. They’ll love wearing their own creations. Check out the project right here.
4. Use felt appliques to upcycle drab clothes
Buy some vibrant colored felt, use some cute patterns, and add some instant oomph to those old clothes that haven’t the light of day for weeks! If you’ve never made appliques before, this link will help.
5. Turn a bunch of fabric scraps into patchwork shorts
Have a bunch of fabric scraps lying around from your last sewing project? Then gather them up, add a sewing machine and a whole lot of patience and love, and you’ll soon have a super cute new pair of shorts. Quite a lot of sewing skill is needed for this project, but you can find a detailed how-to here.
6. Quickly whip up a no-sew bandana dress
And if you’re like me and aren’t too great at sewing, grab yourself two vibrant bandanas, and you can still whip this beautiful pillowcase dress in an instant. Find out how here
7. Make a child’s skirt from a T-shirt
Possibly one of the cutest sewing projects out there: you need is a knit T-shirt, elastic and your trusted sewing machine. Follow the steps here on how to make your own elastic skirt with matching bow.
8. Make a dress from a man’s shirt (Part 2)
Yet another way to make use of old men’s shirts – make more dresses! A new pattern this time, with an elasticated waistband. Check out the project here.
9. Create a tote bag from a T-shirt
If you try to avoid using plastic bags for shopping, why not try this very cool idea of making fun shopping totes from knit T-shirts? Make sure you use a heavy weight knit for this. (You don’t want a stretched out bag after the first use!)
Theres a detailed instruction PDF on instructables. Find it right here.
10. Turn an adult sweater into a kid’s sweater dress
Winter’s coming, but why shell out for a new set of pullovers? Repurpose one of your old sweaters, turning into into a wonderful sweater dress. Add some applique or a brooch for extra style points. Find out how on makeit-love-it.
So get crafty, start a new project today, and upcycle your way to a fresh new look.
Author: Poonam for Mommygyan, A Parenting Blog in India. Reposted with permission.
