Crafts From Clothes

• To salvage denim from old jeans, cut off the legs and remove the seam with welting* (figure A). Spread the fabric open--it will have the other seam running through it--and cut out desired shape. Save the welting.

• Cut denim into a rectangle or wedge shapes to make place mats (figure B). Finish the edges by folding under and stitching down, or use fusible webbing.

• Add a pocket to hold the napkin.

• Try adding trim around the edge for a more detailed look (figure C).

• Make a tea cozy by sewing together two place mats that have been lined with padding and contrasting fabric. Add trim if desired.

• Adult bibs can be made from the denim (figure D) by making a paper pattern in the desired length and width of the bib and cutting the denim. Add buttons and the corner of a bandana around the neck for a snazzy finish.

• Turn a tie into a snake (figure E). Cut a diamond shape from felt for the mouth by tracing the wide end for the bottom half of the diamond (figure F). Add a red tongue and position felt in the wide end of the tie. Stuff the body of the tie with polyester fiberfill or pantyhose. Sand can also be used, but the short end of the tie must be fused shut. Add a pipe cleaner at the head of the snake so it can be positioned. Push in after stuffing and before adding the mouth.

* welting--a tape or covered cord sewn into a seam as reinforcement or trimming