Talk me out of this if you think I'll turn in to a hoarder!!!!!

**momof2boys2005** · 12-02-2010, 02:07 PM

I have a HUGE garbage bag full of old clothes (mine and DS's) that have been sitting in storage for over a year (soem in really good shape and other stuff is ummm well loved)...I had intentions of donating but never seem to bring it to a depot!
Now that I have been setting myself up a crafting area I've been eyeballing that bag of clothes wondering what sorts of crafts I could be making with all the fabric, buttons, zippers etc.
Should I keep the clothes to use for crafts or am I fooling myself as to the reality of how useful the clothes would be for crafting?

**Neeley** · 12-02-2010, 02:14 PM

Well, here is how I handle clothes...

First, if it is good shape, still in style (no leisure suits or poodle skirts) then I donate it.

Second, if it has some stains, out of style or otherwise undesirable, then I salvage usable parts. I take off buttons, zippers, ribbons, blue jean pockets, etc...I do lots of scrap booking and other crafts. These pieces do come in handy when my creative, crafty bug hits.

Also, I keep a couple of nasty shirts for DD to wear when we color her hair, we paint or do other messy tasks.

Depending on how my rag supply is I may rip up a few t-shirts for rags.

The rest goes in the trash.

As long as you keep it all in moderation and don't go nuts over every single button, then I think it's OK.

**Darlene** · 12-02-2010, 02:45 PM

You know yourself better than we do. Will you really use them or just like the idea that you might? My guess is that it's a nice thought but others will get more use out of them.

**nuisance26** · 12-02-2010, 02:48 PM

~I sort like Neeley. Everything in excellent shape gets donated.
Out of what's left I immediately toss everything that isn't nylon, fleece or 90% or more cotton. I have little use for synthetics.
I try to only cut up what I don't think people will buy. I've made a few exceptions with clothing items that had awesome applique or fabulous buttons and trim.
Sort through the bag. Notions and fabric are expensive!~

**momof2boys2005** · 12-02-2010, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Darlene

You know yourself better than we do. Will you really use them or just like the idea that you might? My guess is that it's a nice thought but others will get more use out of them.

LOL see this is my problem I have no idea what I would actually use and what I wouldn't...I'm totally new to crafts that involve fabric- I'm just learning how to sew, knit and crochet etc!

**momof2boys2005** · 12-02-2010, 02:59 PM

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I need to yank the bag out and actually go through it again. You're all very right and I need to see what would be an absolute shame to keep and cut up instead of giving to someone in need.

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-02-2010, 03:05 PM

I did that and never used most of it, but once the idea was in my head I had trouble letting go of it. I would recommend you think of a specific project you want to do (or two or three, depending on how fast you do projects - how fast you really do them not how fast you wish you did them) then dig through and find the supplies for those. Then donate anything decent, salvage the buttons and rags from the rest and throw whatever's left in the garbage.

**Judi Dial** · 12-02-2010, 03:11 PM

I have specific crafts I save things for: misc. knits for draft dodgers, jeans for rugs, old napkins for flags/banners. Aside from that, I almost always do NOT save clothes, stained or good, I give them away. I figure the thrift shops have a way they sell the cloth for salvage, so even if the piece is stained it does them some good.

There's also an organic farm near here that's run by vets to support themselves. If I have good shape men's clothes that DH will not/cannot wear and are appropriate, that's where I donate them.

Judi

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-02-2010, 04:21 PM

Im a crafter and I once hoarded things that i thought I might make something with one day. 9 times out of 10 you won't have what it is that you need. I no longer keep anything that is not specific to my project and am much happier for it. The clutter just isnt' worth it in my opinion. Not frugal I know.

**dcompton** · 12-02-2010, 06:13 PM

If you have room, I would suggest saving at least some of it for a while, since you don't know right now what you might want. If any of it is worthy of the trash, as least save the buttons, zippers, and any fancy trims - they don't take up much space, can come in handy, and aren't cheap.

If it hasn't been in the way in the garage, you could make a list of what is out there so it isn't cluttering up your immediate space. But anything that is good enough to donate, I would go on and send to someone who might be able to use it.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-02-2010, 06:14 PM

I am a crafter and a quilter and I find that MOST of the time old clothing isn't suitable for crafting. A lot of buttons really are very plain, zippers are a pain to recycle, and a lot of the time the fabric just isn't right for the project I have in mind. People who don't quilt often think that any old leftover fabric can go into a quilt, but the reality is that it should all be non-stretch and about the same weight, which is pretty hard to get out of most modern clothing. Also, by the time you've cut it up, around the pockets and seams and cuffs there's usually a lot less fabric than what you thought you'd get out of it.

I'm not saying it's not possible to use old clothes in crafts, some really creative stuff has been done, but it usually more trouble than it's worth.

Go through it and see if there's anything really special or unusual that you'd like to keep, like pretty buttons, laces, embroideries or patches. Donate the rest.

**frugalfranny** · 12-03-2010, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by momof2boys2005

..I'm totally new to crafts that involve fabric- I'm just learning how to sew, knit and crochet etc!

Then on top of all the other good info that was given let me just say that it would be awhile before you would be ready to 'tear up' and re-build some of the items anyway so...........

If you are going to toss (as opposed to donate) some things I would save the buttons.........they are getting much more expensive and you can always use them. If it is a 'coat' zipper then I might save it as they are expensive but the others............nope......I can find them at thrift shops new and hate ripping them out.

**erinalexmom** · 12-12-2010, 09:58 PM

I make rag rugs so I actually use things like this but if I didnt make the rugs then I probably wouldnt save it

**Jeanna** · 12-13-2010, 12:52 PM

I agree with Neely on this one. Just take the time and deal with them once and for all. I am getting ready, as soon as christmas is over, to deal with my utility room. I have put stuff in there and it just keeps piling up because I have not taken the time to deal with it.
Good luck.

**pinetree** · 12-13-2010, 01:38 PM

I just made my first rug, from T shirts.( it is really easy) You might try cutting some up for rugs, but if you dont think you are going to use them, I would donate them, you dont need the pile setting around and cluttering things up.