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Unique Doll Clothing Created With Recycled Fabric by JoAnn Gagnon
Put to use recycled textiles and other mediums when sewing for dolls.
Going green is all the "in" thing these days. If you grew up when I did you would be remembering more along the lines of Jim Hansen's Kermit the Frog and talking in a funny voice. In fact the term "going green" has everything to do with doing our part to not put junk back into the Earth, but find creative uses for things that we might otherwise throw away. This is also called "recycling". That's another word you hear frequently, but I question whether most of you have considered using it when sewing for dolls.
I would like to encourage you to look creatively about your house and collect items that you would otherwise throw away, but that will make fun accessories and clothes for Dolly. Here are just a couple items I've used:
...Stretch gloves- Do you have singles laying around? Me too! Cut off the ends of the fingers and make mittens for Dolly. Take the finger part and pull them out to create leg or arm warmers.
...Tube socks- I know my dryer has eaten up my husband's socks so instead of tossing the lonely survivor, I cut them up to work as headbands, scarves, or even hats (by cutting off closer to the heel).
...Stretched out head bands- Ideal for a belt, necklace, or multiple bracelets.
...Handkerchiefs- A couple pins or Velcro will create a pretty summer sarong or country skirt.
...Hand towels or washcloths- What about a vest to wear? Or create a beach towel or colorful blanket.
...A colorful paper bowl or cup- Enlist the help of kiddos and utilize fabric, feathers, and paint left overs to decorate a plucky hat for Dolly's costume party. With great care, they can even make it into a striking accessory for her coming grand occasion.
The plan is to not take up an excess amount of your day, but give you a some ideas and how they can be used. As you start searching your house, I bet you will find numerous functional uses for items that might otherwise meet a untimely end.
One last concern: Use this as a educational opportunity to sew and create with the kiddos in your home. For the littlest, glue, Velcro, or paint is appropriate and with a bit of well-placed newspaper and supervision, they're great helpers for those final touches. As they advance in skill, have them cut and begin teaching them to hand stitch. I have wonderful recollections of sewing buttons on old washcloths. I felt very adult. It is unnecessary to teach kids to be creative. They have creativeness that will run circles around most adults. As they watch the detailed labor you put into sewing for dolls, they will increase in interest and it is an ideal instructing moment.
Using articles you have around the house and utilizing teachable moments makes sewing with recycled textiles and other materials lots of fun. The sky is the limit to what you can make. With a some preparation on your part, you can have a child "sewing" beside as you put together a blouse on your machine. Look through the left overs in your fabric collection and see what you can make out of what you might have tossed out!
JoAnn developed her love for sewing as a child. 40 years later she is a sewing enthusiast who enjoys sharing her passion for sewing with all ages. Author of seven books and multiple e-books that explore many sewing applications, JoAnn seeks to encourage you on your sewing journey and instill in you a love for sewing. Visit her at http://www.sewingfordolls.net
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