What to do with clothes you've outgrown

So I was going through my wardrobe and have found loads of short camis I've outgrown. The material's not that stretchy on most of them and I have a lot of black ones. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or favorite projects on what a beginner like me could use all this extra fabric for!! Happy

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19 replies since 4th May 2010 • Last reply 4th May 2010

are you good with a sewing machine?

I usally remake into a skirt, or shorts

or a new scarf, mitts or even a bag

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If you like the cami's then you could cut at the seams and insert some print/pattern fabric to make them a bit bigger and the same material an the bottom. I've done it with tops I've outgrown and tops that just need a bit of a re-fashion! Might sound complicated, but is rather simple. One of the things I first started doing when I was starting out.

Bags and skirts, shorts etc. like Michelle said above is also a good idea!

Maybe a patchwork apron if you like cooking? Ooo I like this idea myself Happy

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Turn them in to a patchwork quilt! I did that with a bunch of mine and fabric things I had collected (napkins from weddings etc) and it gives the quilt a really nice feel, because all the squares have more meaning and they bring back memories.

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Thank you guys for the ideas. I think I'm going to try lengthening some of them. And maybe make a bag out of one!! Haha Happy

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If some of them are just too tight now, You can make long & close together horizontal slashes in the backs or sides, and stretch out the inbetween material. This usually, after a few washes, loosens & stretches them out to a size bigger.
If your okay with showing some skin. Happy

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Yeah I agree with Cat. I had a whole lota clothing left over from my fiance and his daughters clothing so I made a quilt and it is the most favorite quilt ever.

It was easy easy easy. you can see it here http://www.make-digital.com/craft/vol09/?pg=14#pg14

here is another version you could do which is really interesting: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/06/how_to_make_a_foundation_piece.html

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quilts are fun

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Have you considered a clothes swapping party? xxx

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I make wall hangings and everything else you can imagine.You can make pillows house stuff.Sandwich old t-shirts with felted sweaters to make great coasters and place mats.Pockets make great handbags.I'm about to change a pair of linen trousers that I wore the tail end through cycling into the sleeves of a jacket.The main body will be a piece of fabric that i recieved as a swap for a pin.
I'm about to plant my sons dead trainers with hummingbird friendly flowers

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I like the clothes swapping party idea! haha

I save everything. all my brother's and mother's and father's old clothes as fabric. The design may look disgusting, but once you make it into a pillow, or wallet, or purse, it gives it a POW factor.

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I dig the scarf idea. and bag one too. you can use them to refashion another top, use them to make ruffles, or a headband with flowers on the side.

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Well, lately I've been finding a lot of my old clothes from last summer that are too small, so if ther like jean capris I make it a bag, or it its an olddress I would turn it into a skirt. I word of advice though, when you cut , cut more then the seam alllowence just incase you might need that extra fabric later. Trust me, I know from experience.

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if you crochet, or knit you could cut the fabric into thin strips...... and use as you would a bulky yarn for purses, rugs, etc. also, you can use bits and pieces for appliques.. they are simple and can be quite cute!

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You could turn them into maybe some household items such a cushion/pillow covers? patchwork quilts? soft toys/plushies? Bags?

You could also refashion them, try maybe you see alot of tops these days with a black top round the bust and the rest of it is a different material, so you could make a top or depending on how long the material is or whatever you could turn it into a dress with a black bit at the top.

Sorry the description isn't that clear. I've got some links showing my examples
Dress - http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/inspire-to-plus-sizes/animal-print-maxi-dress_197407409
I can't find an example of the top but you get what I mean (I hope :S)

Either that or refashion it normally. Or make a skirt? Or you could use the fabric from you old tops to refahsion any other tops you want to make more exciting.

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