Upcycling Becomes a Treasure Trove for Green Business Ideas This story first appeared in the April 2011 issue of Entrepreneur. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Like everything about Looptworks, the signature on CEO and co-founder Scott Hamlin's e-mail is a call to action: "Did you know that it requires more than 400 gallons of water to make one organic cotton T-shirt? Upcycle." If you're not up on the green lingo, the best way to think of upcycling is that it's like a sexier, even greener version of recycling. Looptworks personifies the upcycling trend. "There's a plethora of people looking into different angles in different industries--the opportunities in upcycling are fascinating," Hamlin says. For its part, Looptworks uses what it calls "pre-consumer excess" as source material for its accessories, gear and apparel. "Our goal," he says, "is to influence consumer awareness and figure out a way to promote this non-mass-produced approach on a large scale." There's also serious behind-the-scenes innovation happening. No kidding.
DIY Trash to Couture original DIY tutorials Click on the links below the pictures to see the page. DIY | Burgundy Cut Out Shirt Cut out shirt seen at Maison Martin Margiela amongst many other labels. Burgundy seen at Acne, also amongt many others. I just hopped on the burgundy bandwagon. Today I found a large silk mens shirt at a vintage shop and decided to cut in it a bit. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Repeat - Mason Jars Yes, they are everywhere. Yes, I have posted on them before. And yes, I am still smitten! How could I not be? They are affordable. Sometimes free. I should note...I'm a little obsessed with how the matte black came out and have more outside drying as I type this. Then, in my Pinterest crazed obsession, I found this little DIY image. This led me to trying my own version with a milk jar, fabric marker and glue gun.... She's not perfect, but I love that about her. For all you DIYers with questions on how to or the materials used for this project...I did a follow up post that can be found here.
Petticoat Tutorial For the last year, I have been looking for a petticoat- I know this might sound a little strange but I wanted something frilly and white to go under my skirts or even be worn as a skirt and to pair with my extensive collection of knee high boots! I had a very specific "vision" of what I wanted in my head and finally gave up my search and decided it was time to just make one for myself (like everything else-if I can't afford it or find it- I MAKE IT!). Since I didn't have a pattern, I made my own from an old skirt. While I don't wear it anymore, I loved the shape and design which was a little bit A-line- just what I wanted for my petticoat! Start by cutting up an old skirt to use as a pattern (or use a pattern!) Cut out the pattern from fabric. (I used muslin for my petticoat) Cut out lots and lots of strips of fabric for the ruffles. To create the ruffles- sew a straight stitch down the edge of the strip. Pull the top thread until you have a ruffle the more ruffles the fluffier it will be!
How-to make the Infinity Convertible or Wrap/Twist Dress **disclaimer: I am not a professional designer or tailor by any means. I love to sew and craft so this has become a beloved past time for me. I have adapted these instructions for my own use from the Shira.net and Rostitchery websites. If you have any questions please private message me :) Supplies newsprintpencilcompass (or string)metre stick (yard stick)square (right angled ruler)pattern weights (or traditional pins or things like soup cans)scissorsfabricpinsthreadserger (or sewing machine)1 inch elasticbodkin (or safety pin)large open space (floor or table) Terminology: right side of fabric - right side or face of fabric...Jersey fabric may or may not have a design on it, the side with the clearer design is the right side, alternatively the shinier side will also be the right side. Step one: Roll out the newsprint on the floor or table. Using your compass draw the first 1/2 circle at the top centre of the pattern. Now you will need two measurements for the wrap panels. Step Two: Step Three
Paintstick Starburst My friends, if there ever was a bandwagon, this carefree DIYer is jumping right on it. For months, I’ve seen fabulous versions of the sunburst mirror pop up all over the blogosphere. And for weeks now, with every stop in the paint department, I couldn’t help but notice how those paint stir sticks might just make a very cool version of this decorative favorite. I couldn’t figure out how to stack them nicely enough around the center to make it worth my effort, but that little road bump didn’t stop me from snagging more than my fair share of free stir sticks at a time, like 8 or 10, over the course of a month. When I read how Danielle used an embroidery hoop, that convinced me to make my own version too! How to Make a (Paint Stir Stick) Sunburst Mirror Paint your embroidery hoop. Some paint stir sticks have a small curve in them, so I simply trimmed mine with my compound miter saw. Test out your design around your mirror so you know how many sticks you’ll need to paint.
Sew A Clean Sweep Apron! A cleaning apron? What, me? Yes, you! Forget those '50's images of housewifely frou-frou and ruffles: a cleaning apron has a place in the modern home manager's toolkit. A cleaning apron speeds cleaning chores. Spray bottles of cleaning solution hang ready for use. Stockpile a stack of cleaning cloths in one pocket, a cleaning sponge in another. The pros know! But there's a small problem. Add the cost! We've got the solution: our Clean Sweep Apron. Just for fun, we've included a decorative graphic. Yes, you'll need to sew this apron yourself, but our Clean Sweep Apron requires minimal sewing skill. You won't need a full-featured sewing room for this project; you can make the Clean Sweep Apron with nothing more than a straight-stitch sewing machine, an iron and a few pins. Ready? Materials: 1 1/2 yard cotton fabric (select medium-weight, tightly-woven, 100% cotton fabric for best washability and wear)1 1/2 yard waistband interfacing3 inches Velcro brand hook-and-loop fastenerthread Tools:
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