DIY Duvet Cover

This is where the quilting began.  I had been looking for the perfect duvet cover for years.  But, I could never find anything I liked, for a good price.  I wanted something red and black, with a bit of asian influence.  The pillow on top served as my inspiration - something I bought from a trip to Thailand.  After years of looking for a duvet cover in the stores, I decided to try and make my own.  Then I found this beautiful, red curtain fabric on sale!  What's interesting about it is that it has dimension - the ripples are actually indentations.  I also purchased black fabric for the border and buttons to close it (I left an buttoned opening, so that the duvet cover can be taken off for washing). 

SF Giants T-Shirt Quilt

I can show it now! . . . here is the completed Giants Quilt!  Again, I wish I could have kept it for myself! 

The back is made up of the back of the Giants shirts and extra fabric (as the SF Giants border was quite expensive).

And this is the front!

GOOOOO  GIANTS!!!

Recycled T-Shirt Bags

I went to visit my best friend this weekend and she was knitting recycled bags!  It reminded me of some projects I had finished over the summer . . .

I had been trying to think of other ways to recycle old shirts that I don't want to get rid of (because they have my name on them, they are funny, or because they have a special memory tied to them).  As much as I enjoy making T-shirt quilts - I wanted something different . . . I already have enough blankets as it is.

So, I searched online, and found this http://www.instructables.com/id/FASTEST-RECYCLED-T-SHIRT-TOTE-BAG/?ALLSTEPS


It is super easy!  You basically cut off the sleeves (leaving the seam), then cut the middle/neck (size depending on how big you want the opening to be), and sew the bottom!

I also started using 2 shirts in order to make thicker, more heavy duty, recycled bags - one for the outside of the bag, and one for the inner lining.  

For this particular bag (above), I sewed the straps on (also made from the same T-shirt).  Then I realized it might be easier if the straps were sewn so that one strap is sewn in a U-shape to one side of the bag, and the other strap is sewn in a U-shape to the other side of the bag - Making it easier for loading and carrying (as seen below).

Recycled bags are perfect, too - great for the environment, washable, and many stores are now requiring you to bring your own bag.

(Apologies for the bags looking wrinkled in the photos - I carry/leave them in my car).