Creating my way to Success: November 2014

Sock Lion - more clothes upcycling

After my success a couple of weeks ago making my first sock monkey, I was keen to have a go at another sock upcycle.

This time I tried a sock lion. I followed this pattern which was nice and easy to follow.

These are the socks I used.

I didn't use the whole length - so I still have a section from both socks around 20cm (8") long left over, which I'm sure can be used in another future project!

The sock lion was a little more complicated than the basic sock monkey I made - just for the extra features on the face, and of course the mane!

Before I put the mane on - I was a bit worried. the pattern said that it should now look like a lioness...

I wasn't convinced!

But now that he has his gorgeous pink and purple mane,

He definitely looks more lion-like don't you think?

And I'm sure he and the sock monkey will get along very well!

So which sock upcycle do you think I should try next?

Take a look at my sock upcycling pinterest board for the ideas I've collected so far. Or if you have any other suggestions or links please leave me a comment!

If you're interested in upcycling and sewing - please do take a look at my new e-book too - just released this week, it's great value with 5 detailed patterns for a complete set of eco-friendly shopping bags, including a designer handbag made from jeans to carry them all in!

Thank you! and happy upcycling!

Jill

Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags - My New E-book

Too many plastic bags are used in the world today.

While they may be convenient to use, their toll on the environment can be devastating.

Although some are recycled, most end up in landfill - where they will remain for many years - or being light, they can easily blow away and end up in the oceans, forests and rivers.

To try and reduce my personal use of plastic bags, I have made my own reusable shopping bags - from bedding, curtains and old jeans. An eco-friendly solution to a problem that affects us all.

This is a problem that I believe we can all take a step towards reducing. To help people take this step, I have written and produced this e-book showing how to make your own Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags.

This book provides you with

5 sewing tutorials and patterns

to make your own Eco-friendly reusable shopping bags.

All of my tutorials are full of clear photos and instructions and can be attempted by even a confident beginner sewer.

The first tutorial is for a simple pillowcase bag that folds into it's own pocket and can be carried in your handbag;

Next, I show you how to make strong reusable tote shopping bags from old bedding,

and produce bags from old net curtains

Then finally, the ultimate 'Eco-Friendly Handbag Shopping Bag'.

A handbag that contains a whole set of reusable shopping bags in a special hidden bag in the base of your handbag; for your weekly grocery shop.

You'll never have to worry about forgetting your shopping bags, or leaving them in the car again!

By making and using your own set of these Eco-friendly reusable shopping bags, you could stop literally hundreds of plastic bags from going to landfill every year.

So why not download my free E-book:

Take positive action today, for all of our tomorrows.

Thank you!

----------------------------------------------------

I have to send out a huge thank you to the lovely ladies who were my pattern testers for this handbag pattern. Take a look at the gorgeous bags they made:

Lorena

Alison

Judith

Michelle

and Niki

Just gorgeous aren't they?

My blog now has over 100 of my own free sewing tutorials.

I try to make them as simple and clear as possible with plenty of photos.

My new e-book is no exception to this, and all the tutorials contained within it can be tried by a confident beginner sewer.

Since the patterns largely use upcycled and recycled fabrics such as old sheets and jeans, they are the perfect projects to have a go at, even if you don't have much sewing experience. What have you got to lose?

So why not download my free e-book today, and make yourself your own set of eco-friendly shopping bags.

I would love it if you shared this with your friends, family and followers; on your blogs and social media.

To download this free e-book simply click on the following link:

Eco-Friendly Handbag Shopping Bags E-Book

Thank you for your support.

Upcycled tote bag from clothes

After my successful sock monkey earlier this week, I couldn't resist playing around with some more of the clothes from my upcycle stash.

This time I grabbed a small pair of red jeans, a pair of black trousers and a black and white top.

I used one leg from the red jeans and the waistband for the strap; one leg from the black trousers and most of the top for the lining and made a simple patchwork tote bag.

I tried to incorporate some pockets and seams into the patchwork, but I have to say I'm not really that impressed with the result.

Of course, I learnt when I had a market stall for a while, that sometimes things I made that I really didn't like, sold very quickly to someone who did like them!

Hopefully this design will appeal to someone.

So this bag will go together with the sock monkey and a small tissue holder that I made...

..into the start of my upcycled clothes stall for next year's school carnival.

I've got a year to make things for the stall so plenty of time to play around and come up with some new designs.

Not a bad start though!

Do you ever not like things that you make?

I don't like this feeling - it's like something is out of place and I know I'll feel unsettled until I make something else I'm proud of!

Hmpf!

Jill

My first ever sock monkey - another great clothes upcycle idea!

I've wanted to try making a sock monkey for a while now, but since we live in the tropics, we don't wear socks very much and I haven't really had any 'spare' to use!

So when I collected my pile of clothing from the school carnival with the intention of upcycling them all to sell at next year's carnival, I made sure to include some socks in what I collected.