1. Sweaters
Search for sweaters with interesting colors and textures. Then, take them home, and transform them into colorful tote bags, mittens, throw pillows and other accessories; or unravel them for their yarn, and knit something new.
- How to Make a Sweater Bag
- How to Make Sweater Mittens
- From Neauveau Fiber Arts: How to Unravel a Sweater
2. Shirts
Sift through all those racks of second-hand clothes for shirts that you can deconstruct for their fabric, buttons and other finer points; or that you can refashion into something more you.
3. Jeans
Denim can be used to make so many things – skirts, quilts, purses – you name it. Dig through the piles of discarded jeans for a pair (or a bunch of pairs) to get you started on a project.
4. Beaded Jewelry
Look for necklaces and bracelets with interesting beads that you can take apart and use in your own jewelry creations.
5. Books
Peruse the book section for old hardbacks that you can make into altered books.
6. Table Clothes, Curtains and Sheets
Need fabric for a project? Dig through the stacks of old table clothes, curtains and sheets; and see if you can find something that meets your needs.
Also worth digging for: interesting fringe, tassles and embellishments that can be removed, and added to your projects.
7. Candles
Snatch up partially-used candles (you know the one's nobody else wants); melt them down; and use them to make your own candles.
