Wooly Goodness Everywhere
I have declared Fridays “Fiber Fridays,” and in keeping with that theme I wish to point you in the direction of this lady, who is a master at finding great sweaters to use for all kinds of projects. I am envious of her scavenging abilities, but it seems she lives in a bigger area than I so maybe it’s easier. Her blog includes adorable projects she’s made for herself and her family, and my hat is off to her. She hand sews some of them!
I have been in a sewing frenzy, and I can’t seem to keep things in my shop (actually, shops) very long. The more I search etsy, the more ideas I get and the more strongly I believe we should not be making very many “new” things when there is so much incredible fabric languishing in thrift stores. Last night I walked away with five, FIVE cashmere sweaters and one gorgeous silk blouse destined for I-don’t-know-what yet.
This time of year, when the catalogs start pouring in, I start to feel even more disgust for our throw-away culture. It’s not that I don’t ever buy new. I am known to attack Old Navy to buy $1.49 shirts for my kids. But that’s just it – they can really sell those things for $1.49? What are they made of, that cornstarch stuff like packing peanuts? Will they dissolve in water?
(stepping down from soapbox)
Anyway, I would just encourage you to think outside the box store this year. Think a whole sweater’s worth of incredibly scrumptious yarn that costs $3.50 because it’s from a Goodwill sweater. Think decadent pillows made from silk blouses. Think sweet stuffed toys that don’t contain phthalates or lead paint.
I’m no enviro-freak. I like to think I’m practical and logical (when it comes to this, anyway). And this year, I am keeping it simple. I’m keeping it handmade.
Disclaimer: Yes, I understand that we need to pump money into our economy right now more than ever. I am, after all, a capitalist at heart. That discussion, however, is beyond the scope of this blog, although that might not keep me from posting about it later anyway.
She gave you a nice little spot on her site! It took me a minute realize it, and then of course I recognized your shawl model. Good job lately of getting yourself out there. I put a few more cards on Etsy today, just for the hell of it.
are you into felted wool at all? I am learning…
Indeed, I am into felt! I use discarded sweaters, thrift store sweaters and other stuff to make things, plus I have been making nuno or laminated felt lately. Fun fun and oh so addictive.