Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Not too long ago recycling was a patriotic activity.  No one was paid to recycle.  Everyone participated by recycling their waste metal, rubber, paper, and even fats.  Besides the usual glass, plastic bottles and aluminum cans; tools, clothing, toys and even clothing can be recycled.  Sending your unwanted items to a charity shop is a good way to recycle items.  But how about clothing that you have loved into a sad state?  How about mending those items or even up-cycling them to be loved again?  It's not hard to do but it does take a bit of time.  Be creative or traditional with your repairs.  Bold or subtle.  There is no right or wrong way, just be you.  Here are some samples of my mending and a couple of books to get you going.

Over view of three of my mending projects.

I loved the jacket with the fall theme, but found it a bit short in length and the sleeve.  So I added some lace to it.

My favorite pair of capris got a bit thin.  I added a bright patch with a bit of stitching over the top.

Typical spot for clothing to wear.  I added these elbow patches from my stash of fabric before they developed holes.  It looks good too!

Roberts favorite work pants. Patriotic theme patched up the rip and he's back to work.

Two of the books I keep on my self.  I also use the internet a lot as well.  "Make Do and Mend"  is a series of pamphlets  published by the British government during WWII when new clothing was in short supply.   "Mend it Better" is a much newer book devoted to interesting ideas for mending.

Have fun and happy mending.