recycled fabric and wool needlebook

As a fundraiser for the community sewing studio at Grow Benzie, we made these little needlebooks. They are made from recycled upholstery fabric samples, felted wool sweater pieces and leftover ribbon from a wedding (thank you, Taryn!).

Several were sold at the Bioneers conference for $5 donations, at the "sew a button, revamp your clothes" workshop. Participants sewed their own button on the front and then took the needle home in this handy little book. I'm hoping to post some on my etsy site soon. Would you be open to any fabric combo, or perhaps a whimsical or traditional choice? Perhaps a tutorial is in order.

bioneers conference booth

This vintage suitcase was a great thrifting find. It's lined with a gorgeous aqua blue silk and it's in really nice shape. I filled it with lots of recycled goodies - headbands made from t-shirts, baby hats, mittens, birthday crowns and sleep masks from wool sweaters. I love old suitcases and now I love them even more, b/c they were so easy to open, set up and then close when the show was over!

For this show, I was inspired to make a new sign. I cut the letters from an old book and stuck them to a brown grocery sack. I thought I was covering it with clear contact paper, but it turned out to be heat-n-bond vinyl, so I had to iron the whole thing. I love how it turned out! Then I ordered more business cards from moo.com, so I'd have them for the next show at the Children's House show in November.

Here's Britany, wearing her new recycled belt!

Here are some of the people who came to learn to sew on buttons! Special thanks to my models, Kate and Nadia from the Books for Walls Project.

{this moment}

One beautiful moment from the week to remember, savor and share, inspired by Amanda at soulemama and all the other sweet mamas who share there.

recycled patchwork kid's clothes

How could you resist? Shari at SorenLorensen Design makes the cutest patchwork from recycled clothing! And this picture is so cute it's not even funny. Wouldn't little guys look good in this hoodie?

So you can order the size you need, along with any other specs and she'll whip it up for you!
There's a blog too, which has some fun creative tidbits!

how to sew a button workshop at Great Lakes Bioneers Conference

Yes, it's true! I'll be teaching a workshop this Sunday about sewing buttons and revamping clothes. For those of you in the TC area, bring extra clothes for the swap, and a sweater or pants that need repair. The workshop is on Sunday, at 10ish and then another one around 2 or so. Check your official schedule when you arrive!

Here's a little reminder for those who might need it when sewing on buttons at home...

There's also a fun website and book with a title of the same name!

testing, testing...

here's a swatch from a project.... I'll show you how it looked in the restaurant next week! It was one of the images on the new computer I'm using to see if I can blog with photos again!
There's not too much recycled about this project, just local and creative. Which brings me to the next thought about my blog. Since this little computer glitch, I've been away and thinking about whether the title is accurate or appropriate, or if there is something better. Which is your favorite?

revive
a lucky life
the lucky ranch
alchemy
lucky studio