Recycling--It Ain't Just for Bottles and Cans

A recent article spoke about the way people have given up the sewing and repair of clothes. For most, it is easier to buy a new shirt than it is to replace a button on a shirt. We can't really be blamed when stores are selling clothing so cheaply. It is almost foolish to pay full price for any article of clothing--wait a week and it'll be on sale--or better yet, on clearance.

The article mentioned above tells of a woman who teaches others to reuse clothes to make fashionable wearables.

"Customising your own clothes is creative and satisfying, as you feel you've produced something that is completely yours. Consuming is dull," says Wicks.

Being creative is a nice idea. And what's the worse that can happen? If your efforts aren't wearable, you can throw the created item away--that's where it was headed anyway, wasn't it? If you want to give recycling garments a go, look for these fun books:

Meyrich. Elissa. Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams. [YA 646.404 MEY]

Nicolay, Megan. Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt. [YA 646.404 NIC]

Rannels, Melissa. Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture. [YA 646.404 RAN]

Webber, Carmen. Denim Mania: 25 Stylish Ways to Transform Your Jeans. [YA 687.1 WEB]

If you'd like to see some restyled garments, take a look at this website.