How do you recycle old clothing?

**perSue** · 08-26-2009, 11:22 AM

Every few months or so I end up with a big ol' bag of clothes to donate. In a way I hate doing that, as I see it as 'scrap' cloth I could use... but I can't justify having hoards of clothing waiting for "something, someday."

What do you turn your old clothes into?

Most of the clothes I have are too small and mostly ds' (teen). Not all of his "fabric" is something "I" would like per se, but I could definitely have re-used some of it, but couldn't think of anything.

Any/all ideas welcome!

TIA

**Incognito** · 08-26-2009, 11:33 AM

Bring them to "Our Thrift Shop Sewing Circle" here on FV, and we'll help you to utilize them. LOL.

**nuisance26** · 08-26-2009, 12:10 PM

~Something that has helped me not keep everything is to only keep things that are 100% cotton. When you've reconstructed a bag or two of clothes you'll understand why.
100% cotton makes great drying and cleaning towels, aprons, quilts, and handkerchiefs. It generally won't stretch and bunch when sewing it to another piece of cotton. It won't dull your sewing needles as fast as polyester, nylon and spandex blends will. It generally doesn't pill.
I suggest you first weed out all the blends. With the remaining cotton, cut out as many squares of the same size as you can( 8x8 inches, 12X 12 inches). Toss the scraps.
It's much less overwhelming to see a small basket of neatly cut squares than bags of clothes.
Definitely come and join the Thrift Shop Sewing Circle!~

**sunshine** · 08-26-2009, 07:29 PM

What I make , depends on what fabric types I have on hand. . .I make lots of puppets for gifting to little kids. . . so wild lames', colorful prints, etc. are great choices for me.

I also do the circle blue jeans quilts -- so the fabric squares can be just about anything that is washable.

And the double knits, I cut into squares, crochet around them, and make into lap throws for nursing homes, homeless shelters. etc.