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Repurposing Household Items

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-908 -- More Projects »
Author Angie Zalewski explains how to repurpose old household items.

Sweatshirt Mittens

Turn an old sweatshirt into mittens with the easy steps below.

Materials:

old sweatshirt
heavy paper
pencil
scissors
needle and thread or sewing machine

Steps:


  1. Make a pattern by tracing around your hand on heavy paper.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Place the cuff of the template on the cuff of the sleeve of the sweatshirt (figure A), which makes a natural cuff for the mitten.

  • Cut out the template on a double layer of fabric, twice, for two mittens.

  • Stitch around the outside edge of a double layer by hand or on the machine. Turn right side out.

    Here are a variety of ideas for repurposing old socks:

    • PHOTO

    Figure B

    • Cut up an old sock to use as a water-bottle cozy (figure B).

    • Use an old soccer sock to cushion a seat belt by snipping off the toe end and slipping it over the seat belt.
    PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Make a dishrag by cutting the cuff off an old sock and cut the remaining portion of the sock open so it lays flat. Take the cuff that is leftover from the dishrag and cut it into rings about a half inch wide and use the rings to make a potholder (figure C). Alternate colors for more pizzazz.

    Other Ideas


    • Make your own weaving frame for the potholder with an old picture frame. Drive nails in just until they don't wobble at half-inch intervals. Use an even number on each side.

    • Recycle old T-shirts into baby wipes. Just cut the shirt into little squares, wet them with water and use.
    • PHOTO

    Figure D
  • Make a chew toy for teething puppies by slitting an old sheet into three strips and braiding the strips (figure D). The sheets are soft on the puppy's mouth and gums.
    • Resources
    Cheap Talk with the Frugal Friends: Over 600 Tips, Tricks, and Creative Ideas for Saving Money
    by Angie Zalewski, Deana Ricks
    Starburst Publishers, 2001
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-908
    •Repurposing Household Items
    •Creating Tablescapes
    •Balanced Workout
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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