Recycling Fabrics

European Pillow Sham

Materials:

discarded button-up shirt
marker
ruler
pillow forms
sewing machine

Steps:

1. On a flat surface, spread out the old shirt and draw a straight line (use a ruler) across the shirt from directly underneath the arm seams (figure A). This is the line that is to be cut.

2. Cut straight across the line and discard the top half of the shirt. You may choose to save the buttons for use on other projects or as spares.

1. Remove the bottom of the pant leg (around eight inches across).

2. Turn the material around and fold the bottom of the material up and the top of the material down to form a trifold look.

3. Sew up the side seams and make a slit for the purse button. The seams can be frayed or flattened out and turned under for a smooth seam. Extra fabric can be used to attach a handle.

1. Remove the side portions (thigh areas) of the jeans and unfold. The two pieces will be rectangular in shape.

2. Cut the side trimming off and fold the top edges under to create smooth lines.

3. Sew the hip pockets onto the mat to create napkin holders. Glue decorative ribbon on to make them fancier. You can even cut the stitching off to create napkin ties.

1. With the top section, you'll want to cut along the inseam and the entire waistband (figure D), then the center of the waistband, essentially removing the entire back portion of the jean.

2. The center cut designates the two ties that the waistband will form for the apron. Use the extra material in the seat to form extensions on the ties. Simply remove the material and cut to the same dimensions as the waistband and sew the fabric onto the two ties. Make sure that there is at least six inches of extra fabric for each tie.