re-use, re-create

tie baby tank top
in addition to buying ethically, i am also trying to buy vintage and simply re-using as many items as possible.

i am the first to admit that i cannot sew worth shit. i failed one of my first assignments in 8th grade sewing, because i couldn't put together my pin cushion correctly. and let me add, it was only two tiny rectangles of fabric and a bit of stuffing.

having said that, i can use a pair of scissors to cut almost straight lines and i can thread a needle. hopefully, that's all the skill i need to re-work my closet waste, you know, the stuff (usually in the form of ugly over-sized t-shirts) that hangs in your closet forlornly as they wait to be binned. But it is possible to make such items wearable, and there are a few books to help us along the way!

• generation t is packed with interesting ideas about how to breathe life into old t-shirts.
  
  
• 99 ways to cut, sew, trim, and tie your t-shirt into something special also offers tips on making those natty t-shirts wearable.
  
  
• tease: 50 inspired t-shirt transformations by superstars of art, craft & design features a star-studded lineup of contributors, including patricia field and todd oldham.
  
  
• sew subversive would be handy for re-working thrift store finds.
  
  
• rip it! has ideas for creating new (from old) clothing and accessories.