How-To: Portfolio, a Project Excerpt From Reinvention by Maya Donenfeld, Plus a Book Giveaway

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By rachelhobson
Posted May 2nd, 2012
Category Craft, Home

Maya Donenfeld of Maya*Made is well know in the craft community for her simple and beautiful projects celebrate sustainable resources. Her new book, Reinvention from Wiley, is not just about making cute and useful projects, but also about creating with purpose and attention to meaningful materials.

Advancements in technology have increased the pace of our lives. As a response, a vibrant Do It Yourself movement has risen to reclaim age old traditions that reconnect us to slower and simpler times. A sewing renaissance has been set in motion at a time in history when economic instability and an awareness of the importance of using sustainable resources is peaking.
With this in mind, I created a guide to working with my favorite recycled materials. You’ll find linen, burlap, wool and more with details on their history, deconstruction techniques, sewing tips, and information about their environmental impact.
Reinventing everyday materials into items of beauty and utility for the modern home and family will excite new and experienced sewers alike. To add an element of personalization, I drew upon my experience leading print workshops to share easy methods for transforming gently-used fabric with paint and ink. Stenciling templates and thorough instructions are provided, as well as encouragement to invent your own designs. Stories, a favorite recipe, and nature activity are tucked between and around the projects to offer you, the reader and maker, an invitation to slow down, and create with intention.

We’re thrilled to be part of Maya’s Reinvention book blog tour, and are excited to share a great project from the book. To make your own awesome envelope portfolio, just download the project PDF below.

Download the Instructions for making a portfolio, by Maya Donenfeld (excerpted from Reinvention)
Right click to save the PDF to your desktop. Directions on downloading PDFs.

Giveaway time! One lucky Craft reader will win a copy of Reinvention. Just leave a comment below, telling us what your favorite kinds of materials to reuse are. Please be sure to leave your email address so we can get in touch. US Residents only. Comments will close at 4PM PST on Sunday, May 6th. Good luck!
Follow along with the rest of the Reinvention tour below!
Week One
5/1- sew liberated
5/2- Craft
5/3- Resurrection Fern
5/4- Apartment Therapy
Week Two
5/7 Whip Up
5/8 elsie marley
5/9 Poppytalk
5/10 Annekata
5/11 Pink Coyote
Week Three
5/14 Betz White
5/15 Etsy
5/16 Sew, Mama, Sew!
5/17 Made
5/18 Wiley Craft

In the Maker Shed

198 Responses to How-To: Portfolio, a Project Excerpt From Reinvention by Maya Donenfeld, Plus a Book Giveaway

Rebecca on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:06 pm said:

I love reusing and refashioning old clothes. In particular, old dresses of my moms make great skirts!
Melissa R on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:17 pm said:

Favorite reusable is cardboard from various products including my boxes of can food cans. Also plastic hotel key cards make great notebook covers.
Ziona Bates on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:19 pm said:

My favorite materials to reuse would have to be clothes and any kind of string. Also cardboard. I LOVE cardboard.
~Heather on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm said:

I love to re-use felted wool (winter) and linen (summer).
juliet on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:36 pm said:

i love making things out of recycled materials. i make large tote bags out of capri sun pouches, bracelets out of bicycle innertubes, bags out of old men’s suits and the list can go on and on!
Joanne on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:39 pm said:

Looks like a wonderful book. Will check out Maya’s blog.
Men’s cashmere sweaters for the yarn.
Paint sample cards for book marks, love all the colors.
amy on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:39 pm said:

I am constantly making patches for my boys’ pants out of old pants too ripped up to patch. And when I needed something just right to back some embroidery, I used an old, soft shirt that I’d cut into pieces already. I love the gift boxes I made for Christmas presents, using cereal boxes turned outside in–I have a bin of cardboard boxes in my studio area. And that’s all I can think of right now.
Joanne on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:40 pm said:

Looks like a wonderful book. Will check out Maya’s blog.
Men’s cashmere sweaters for the yarn.
Paint sample cards for book marks, love all the colors.
Erin B on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:50 pm said:

I love the look of reused coffee, flour, or feed bags.
Suzan on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:55 pm said:

The fabric I most often reuse is wool from wool sweaters/skirts/blazers/etc. The most often used craft item is wire… we’ve been remodeling our house and can’t reuse the old wiring because of codes so it sneaks into all sorts of craft projects.
Joanne on May 2nd, 2012 at 12:55 pm said:

Looks like a wonderful book. Will check out Maya’s blog.
Men’s cashmere sweaters for the yarn.
Paint sample cards for book marks, love all the colors.
Joanna Lynne Smith on May 2nd, 2012 at 1:15 pm said:

I love reusing thrift store finds: sweaters, old curtains, etc. I am so excited for Maya’s book!
Joanna Lynne Smith on May 2nd, 2012 at 1:17 pm said:

I love reusing thrift store finds: sweaters, old curtains, etc. I am so excited for Maya’s book!
avital on May 2nd, 2012 at 1:32 pm said:

I love using rescued wool…sweaters and blankets that I felt – or not – and turn into diaper covers, baby toys, tea cozies…I also do lots of things with old t-shirts. Dye them, cut them into strips and make rugs, baby clothes etc. I am crossing my fingers, I would love to win this book!
Karen Ringen on May 2nd, 2012 at 1:38 pm said:

I love reusing paper and old books. I do handmade journals using old hardcovers and collages using magazines, catalogs, book pages, and other scraps.
mori on May 2nd, 2012 at 1:41 pm said:

i love reusing wool and linen pants and skirts.. as well as burlap coffee sacks, and vintage doilies and trims. i make messenger bags and other fun little things.
Katherine on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:13 pm said:

I love to weave and knit with material that has cultural meaning for me. Audio tape from cassettes is great for this, especially if the artist is relevant to my experience and I can incorporate the case. I made a series of baskets out of discarded microfilm about 15 years ago that have aged in a really interesting way. As many have said, old garments are a good source of both material and content. And…I’m always on the lookout for cashmere sweaters at the thrift store for yarn. The yarn usually dyes beautifully and is a great bargain.
Quynh on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:31 pm said:

I like to reuse old clothes and jewelry to make new things out of. I also reuse paper bags to make sewing patterns.
JulieH on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:31 pm said:

I re-use so many things. Some are sweaters for yarn or to felt and make blankets, t-shirts to cut down for my grandsons, old jeans for patches or other items. I also “re-use” thrifted sewing machines. I have gotten five and given one to each of my daughters.
Elisa B on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:36 pm said:

I always save cardboard boxes and bits of ribbon whenever I find it. Sooner or later I get around to using it.
Joanna Lynne Smith on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:40 pm said:

i love thrift store reusing: old sweaters, curtains, etc. And I am so excited for Maya’s book!!!
Joanna Lynne Smith on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:52 pm said:

Sorry mine posted so many times. :/ I’m unsure of how to delete them
Katie on May 2nd, 2012 at 2:59 pm said:

Those portfolios look lovely. I would love to see more of this book!
Cinnamon on May 2nd, 2012 at 3:31 pm said:

I am constantly re-using my husbands old t-shirts. They are such a versatile source of fabric! My daughter needed to wear white to school on Tuesday for May Day and I took two of my husbands old undershirts and made her a skirt with ruffles. It was so quick and easy even with both of my kids running around trying to distract me.
Bettina Groh on May 2nd, 2012 at 3:36 pm said:

I use all sorts of recycled fabrics… today I picked up a coffee bean bag while we were on tour at the Kansas City Roasterie ( GREAT tour BTW!) I think I will make a bag from that! I look for old mohair lap rugs to turn into artist bears. I look for wool garments to wetfelt and turn into bags, hats and bear clothing!
CC on May 2nd, 2012 at 3:46 pm said:

When we lived on Kaua’i, my DH & I would use the vines of invasive species to make baskets! Also the bark of invasive species to make more baskets! We also used pruned palm vines to make ornaments & necklaces. And my DH used everything from dryer lint to the comics to make handmade paper! Now that we’ve moved back to the mainland, we use anything & everything. Clothing for fabric, RAAKs from pals, chicken wire for mixed media art, leftover yarn scraps for rug hooking & looming, cardboard boxes for patterns, old buttons & laces gifted to us & used in projects, leftover used & torn Christmas paper for cards or stuffing in packaging, and……whatever we find that will fit a purpose. Altoid tins, leftover candle wax to make new ones, old credit cards to spread glue, seeds for necklaces & bracelets…just looking at this, I’m beginning to think we may be hoarders! ☺ But everyone loves our handmade gifts. Now we just need to find out about the invasive species here so we can make more things! LOL! Hope this wasn’t too long!
Jane on May 2nd, 2012 at 4:16 pm said:

I love to reclaim, reuse, and reinvent fabrics, clothing, any textile really that I might be able to cut, mark with a sharpie pen, and quickly sew.
I would LOVE to read Maya’s book. It looks so inspiring.
And just in time for long summer days!
Thank you!
Jane on May 2nd, 2012 at 4:19 pm said:

I would love to read this book!
Thanks so much for the give away!
I love using sharpies on fabric, old clothing and wool… anything with texture and color inspiration!
Jane on May 2nd, 2012 at 4:20 pm said:

I would love to read this book!
Thanks so much for the give away!
I love using sharpies on fabric, old clothing and wool… anything with texture and color inspiration!
mary on May 2nd, 2012 at 4:31 pm said:

My favorite fabric to reuse is linen and cotton drapery fabric from the 70′s with big, bright, bold prints.
adriane on May 2nd, 2012 at 4:37 pm said:

Hello, thanks for this wonderful giveaway! My favorite things to reuse are items from the thrift store, more often extra large mens wool sweaters (all that fabric!) and vintage sheets (I love all the different sometimes funky fabrics).
Thanks again!
Shelly on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:11 pm said:

I love to use fabric from thrifted clothing. I reuse t-shirts, wool pants and cotton blouses. I then make them into anything really – hats, little pouches, clothes, slippers, just to name a few.
Bree on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:13 pm said:

I love to re-use Tyvek race numbers and bicycle tubes!
Bree on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:16 pm said:

I love to re-use Tyvek race numbers and bicycle tubes!
Sara on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:24 pm said:

Linen is my favorite. I took Maya’s class at SQUAM last year and it made me fall in love with sewing with linen.
Joshua on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:34 pm said:

My favorite thing to reuse is old bed sheets from thrift stores. You can get lots of fabric for very little money, and I love to find the ones that have really bold and graphic prints on them.
Robin on May 2nd, 2012 at 5:50 pm said:

We reuse all kinds of stuff around here, my boys are really into it. Right now my favorites are old sheets, (great for laundry bags, pj pants and dresses for my girlie) and t-shirts into kids and doll clothes and even clothes for me. This book looks great!
Robin on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:06 pm said:

We reuse all kinds of stuff around here, my boys are really into it. Right now my favorites are old sheets, (great for laundry bags, pj pants and dresses for my girlie) and t-shirts into kids and doll clothes and even clothes for me. This book looks great!
Chanelle on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:10 pm said:

I am a huge fan of recycling fabric from common household things (clothing, sheets, etc) by cutting them to crochet new decor items, but recently my recycling has been much more focused on organization. I’ve been using coffee containers with holes poked in the top to keep my yarn off the floor while making, old jam jars make the perfect containers to hold my crochet hooks and colored pencils, and secondhand suitcases now hold a large portion of my supplies. It’s hard to make things when you can’t find your supplies, and using recycled objects from around the home makes the process of organization that much easier.
Thanks for this phenomenal give away. Best of luck everyone!
karen on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:10 pm said:

Love the portfolio pattern. Thanks!! I rescue old clothing fabric of all kinds for sewing and crocheting. I also like to use tea bag paper sleeves for paper crafts– because I drink A lot of tea.. and recycled cardboard boxes for weaving and packaging. Great stuff!
Chanelle on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:12 pm said:

I am a huge fan of recycling fabric from common household things (clothing, sheets, etc) by cutting them to crochet new decor items, but recently my recycling has been much more focused on organization. I’ve been using coffee containers with holes poked in the top to keep my yarn off the floor while making, old jam jars make the perfect containers to hold my crochet hooks and colored pencils, and secondhand suitcases now hold a large portion of my supplies. It’s hard to make things when you can’t find your supplies, and using recycled objects from around the home makes the process of organization that much easier.
Thanks for this phenomenal give away. Best of luck everyone!
Chanelle on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:19 pm said:

I am a huge fan of recycling fabric from common household things (clothing, sheets, etc) by cutting them to crochet new decor items, but recently my recycling has been much more focused on organization. I’ve been using coffee containers with holes poked in the top to keep my yarn off the floor while making, old jam jars make the perfect containers to hold my crochet hooks and colored pencils, and secondhand suitcases now hold a large portion of my supplies. It’s hard to make things when you can’t find your supplies, and using recycled objects from around the home makes the process of organization that much easier.
Thanks for this phenomenal give away. Best of luck everyone!
karen on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:

Love the portfolio pattern. Thanks!! I rescue old clothing fabric of all kinds for sewing and crocheting. I also like to use tea bag paper sleeves for paper crafts– because I drink A lot of tea.. and recycled cardboard boxes for weaving and packaging. Great stuff!
Dorothy Hall on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:53 pm said:

I love finding buttery soft knits to remake into clothes for my kids.
mountain girl on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:57 pm said:

This book looks great! We reuse all kinds of cardboard things around our house to make into projects…we just made a little octopus from a toilet paper tube!
Stephenie from Decorating Addiction on May 2nd, 2012 at 6:57 pm said:

Thanks for the giveaway. I love to reuse wool sweaters to felt and make into flowers. I also reuse old junk in interesting ways – to decorate – to plant etc.
Tammy Olson on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:19 pm said:

I LOVE to use recycled tea bags in my collages.
Tammy Olson on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm said:

I LOVE to use recycled tea bags in my collages!
Tammy Olson on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:24 pm said:

I LOVE to use recycled tea bags in my collages!
bladerunner5 on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm said:

I love Goodwill, thrift stores and garage sales in general, for craft supplies. I’ve found all sorts of fabric in both clothing and fabric panels (usually found in a separate section on pants or clip hangers), sewing notions, embroidery floss and Aida cloth, notebooks, all sorts of wacky stuff. One of my favorite finds is a couple of mesh metal desk accessories – a paperclip box and a letter sorter – that I wired up to my fence and use for feeding peanuts to the squirrels and jays in the yard.
heather on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:45 pm said:

I love reusing clothing for sewing projects. I especially love wool and linen.
Heather A on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:48 pm said:

I love reusing clothing for sewing projects, I especially love wool and clothing.
bladerunner5 on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:53 pm said:

I love Goodwill, thrift stores and garage sales in general, for craft supplies. I’ve found all sorts of fabric in both clothing and fabric panels (usually found in a separate section on pants or clip hangers), sewing notions, embroidery floss and Aida cloth, notebooks, all sorts of wacky stuff. One of my favorite finds is a couple of mesh metal desk accessories – a paperclip box and a letter sorter – that I wired up to my fence and use for feeding peanuts to the squirrels and jays in the yard.
Bree on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:54 pm said:

I love to reuse tyvek race numbers and bicycle tubes!
bladerunner5 on May 2nd, 2012 at 8:57 pm said:

I love Goodwill, thrift stores and garage sales in general, for craft supplies. I’ve found all sorts of fabric in both clothing and fabric panels (usually found in a separate section on pants or clip hangers), sewing notions, embroidery floss and Aida cloth, notebooks, all sorts of wacky stuff. One of my favorite finds is a couple of mesh metal desk accessories – a paperclip box and a letter sorter – that I wired up to my fence and use for feeding peanuts to the squirrels and jays in the yard.
Stargirl on May 2nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm said:

I don’t know what my favorite material is yet! I’ve just started looking into using found materials. I use all sorts of found objects in my collages. I love maya’s blog, and this book is beautiful.
Marcela : Naturally Fun Days on May 2nd, 2012 at 9:35 pm said:

Mt favorite fabrics to repurpose are clothes. Mostly linen and cotton in natural colors, or flowery bright prints.
Myriam on May 2nd, 2012 at 9:36 pm said:

Thank you for sharing this pattern! I love to use old paper products in cards and artwork.
Marcela : Naturally Fun Days on May 2nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm said:

My favorite fabrics to repurpose are clothes. Mostly linen and cotton in natural colors, or flowery bright prints.
Joann on May 2nd, 2012 at 10:07 pm said:

I love collecting security envelopes with their beautiful patterns in blues, grays and sometimes greens. I collage them into paper quilts or make mini patterned envelopes.
My second favorite thing to collect and craft with is packaging/shipping material, especially the paper with lots of tiny slits often used to wrapped around dishes. It can be sewn together and holds lovely forms.
MelodyJ on May 2nd, 2012 at 10:57 pm said:

I like bottle caps and plastic bags with interesting prints on them.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
de on May 2nd, 2012 at 11:01 pm said:

I’ve been reusing for 40 years. I use everything, but worn out jeans are my favorite material.
shiela on May 2nd, 2012 at 11:26 pm said:

I love repurposing old jeans. Have made things such as purses, bedspreads, shower curtains (with pockets to store shampoo etc) The ideas are endless!
shiela on May 2nd, 2012 at 11:27 pm said:

I love repurposing old jeans. Have made things such as purses, bedspreads, shower curtains (with pockets to store shampoo etc) The ideas are endless!
shiela on May 2nd, 2012 at 11:44 pm said:

I love repurposing old jeans. Have made purses, beadspreads, shower curtains ( pockets make wonderful places for shampoo etc)
Julie on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:20 am said:

I would love to wi this book! I am way into reuse/repurpose/recycle and love the thought of more inspiration on it! I would love to have/win this book!
Julie on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:27 am said:

I would love to wi this book! I am way into reuse/repurpose/recycle and love the thought of more inspiration on it! I would love to have/win this book!
Audrey on May 3rd, 2012 at 2:21 am said:

I use old clothes and sheets to make quilted things, and I find that shoeboxes have endless possibilities!
JaanL on May 3rd, 2012 at 2:38 am said:

I love using clothing, old furniture, glass and cd’s. I am new to your blog, so I am really looking forward to see what you make.
Rachel on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:51 am said:

I’m so excited about this book and the chance to win! I love repurposing beautiful wrapping paper and fabric scraps.
samantha on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:53 am said:

I love to repurpose fabric. It’s already so soft and you can clearly see the drape.
Darcell on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:59 am said:

I rug hook and I shop thrift stores for wool
Shirts, pants, skirts and then tear them into strips and use for rug hooking projects.
Ellen M. on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:01 am said:

I’ve been felting and recycling old wool sweaters into purses, afghans, etc. I would love to win this – thanks for the chance!
Darcell on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:11 am said:

I rug hook and I shop thrift stores for wool
Shirts, pants, skirts and then tear them into strips and use for rug hooking projects.
Stephanie on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:25 am said:

My favorite material to use is old army blankets. I love the heavy wool fabric and the colors they come in: navy, olive green, and grey. I’ve made ponchos, pillows, even a “tent” for my dog’s crate! It’s a wonderful material that is very easy to come by at Army Navy stores!
Connie on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:25 am said:

I love repurposing old sweaters! I have a huge pile of them.
Stephanie on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:39 am said:

My favorite material to use is old army blankets. I love the heavy wool fabric and the colors they come in: navy, olive green, and grey. I’ve made ponchos, pillows, even a “tent” for my dog’s crate! It’s a wonderful material that is very easy to come by at Army Navy stores!
Andrea W on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:06 am said:

I love using old sheets for making picnic blankets.
Terry Kessinger on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:10 am said:

I love using used canvas sofa slipcovers. I’ve reupholstered chairs, pillow covers, etc. The ties are awesome to use for ties and straps for bags, napkin rings, curtains, etc. I love reusing and repurposing things. It’s storage space issue that I struggle with…
loura on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:13 am said:

I love making something new out of something old!
Laura G on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 am said:

I love to visit the resale shops. I head straight for anything wool…clothing, sweaters, blankets. Lately I have found some lovely linen which is wonderful to stitch on. I also like finding neat things to use as shelves, or for storage of craft items. Thx for the chance to win.
Sharon on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:28 am said:

I love to reuse denim, wool skirts, wool sweaters, t-shirts, men’s dress shirts, etc. I plan to try to reuse an old leather skirt very soon. I would love a copy of this book!
Tamara on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:39 am said:

Nothing is safe from repurposing in my house.
Lori on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:39 am said:

I try to find a re-use for most things I come across (my husband now asks if I can use things before getting rid of anything!). Wool sweaters or clothing, blankets, sheets, t-shirts, buttons, zippers, bottles, jars, corks, paper, cardboard–you name it, I love it! It’s an obsession. My favorite thing to re-use would be whatever I happen to be working with at the moment.
Pascale on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:40 am said:

One word: bravo!
Betty Maple on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:40 am said:

My fav material to rework are old holey cashmere sweaters, so soft!
Lori on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:42 am said:

I try to find a re-use for most things I come across (my husband now asks if I can use things before getting rid of anything!). Wool sweaters or clothing, blankets, sheets, t-shirts, buttons, zippers, bottles, jars, corks, paper, cardboard–you name it, I love it! It’s an obsession. My favorite thing to re-use would be whatever I happen to be working with at the moment.
Tracy Cornell on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:43 am said:

I love using old linens and hankies to create new items with a vintage flair!
briana on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:49 am said:

Old clothing probably. Linen being my fave but really anything I can get my hands on. lol. I love a project that is almost free!
Kathy Roberts on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:53 am said:

My absolute favorite thing to do is go to resell stores–Goodwill, Salvation Army places like. I walk around and think of other things I can make out of whats there. A long blue jean dress into 4 or 5 purses, end table into wall shelf. I haven’t bought anything “new” in 10 years. OH PLEASE, it looks like this book would be AWESOME to learn even more uses for reuses!!
kat on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:18 am said:

I like to use older clothes I’ve either outgrown or worn out. Sometimes I fashion patches for repair, sometimes use them to line other creations (flannel lining a bag). I also like to use pretty glass jars to store beads and ribbons. They make a decorative accent, as well as storage.
Kathy Roberts on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:21 am said:

My absolute favorite thing to do is go to resell stores–Goodwill, Salvation Army places like. I walk around and think of other things I can make out of whats there. A long blue jean dress into 4 or 5 purses, end table into wall shelf. I haven’t bought anything “new” in 10 years. OH PLEASE, it looks like this book would be AWESOME to learn even more uses for reuses!!
Brittany on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:22 am said:

I reuse any and every container that is available to me!
I repurpose coke bottles, jars, lotion bottles…etc!
Brittany on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:24 am said:

Love to reuse old bottles and cloth napkins!
wendy on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:39 am said:

why only US residents??
Mary on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:49 am said:

I am an amateur at this, I have made a tote bag out of old khaki pants with mixed results. I would love this book!
Gil Crews on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:49 am said:

I love all types of fabric…well, maybe not the really slippery ones. lol
Donna B. on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:50 am said:

I love to use linen………..at all times for any reason……
Gil Crews on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:54 am said:

I love all different kinds of fabric…unless it’s slippery.
Shari J. on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:56 am said:

I tend to repurpose anything that can be stitched down on a crazy quilt or alter art piece…fabrics of all sorts, lengths of trim or cording, lace, beads, buttons, charms, ribbons from dresses to candy boxes, plastic/acrylic washers/rings, dominoes, wooden tiles from Scrabble sets, porcelin cabs from jewelry, etc. I really appreciate the chance to win this book.
Mary Anne on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:00 am said:

I have been creatively reUsing and recycling since the late 1960s. My favorite items in the 21st century have been post consumer packaging , plastic bags, and aluminum cans. I make moveable playful doll figures from grocery and household cardboard packaging, Wearable Art fashions and accessories outof plastic bags and bottles, and every part of the aluminum can is utilized in creative ways for garments, costumes, accessories, and jewelry.
I also adore old textiles, feed bags, vintage sewing notions, and have amassed a huge collection of old doilies…just waiting for something special to create with them.
This book would make my day!
Shari J. on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:03 am said:

I tend to repurpose anything that can be stitched down on a crazy quilt or alter art piece…fabrics of all sorts, lengths of trim or cording, lace, beads, buttons, charms, ribbons from dresses to candy boxes, plastic/acrylic washers/rings, dominoes, wooden tiles from Scrabble sets, porcelin cabs from jewelry, etc. I really appreciate the chance to win this book.
Donna B. on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:06 am said:

I love to use linen………..at all times for any reason……
Lin Shultz on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:07 am said:

I love reusing anything…I am 65 yrs. old and have been recycling, reusing since I was a little girl. I hate to see anything useful thrown away. Love old wool sweaters!
Julie on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:12 am said:

So far my most successful reuse projects have been from old t-shirts and a lovely old French grain sack my mother gave me.
amie plumley on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:22 am said:

My favorite is old sheets. There’s so much you can make with them!
mary Anne on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:25 am said:

I have be creatively “re-inventing” since the late 1960s. I have collected vintage sewing notions, old buttons and fabrics, ephemera, old books and tins.
In the 21st century I am enamored of all things post consumer …be it aluminum cans (made into jewelry and fashion accessories, or sculptures), plastic bags (made into fine art fashions, accessories, or giant trash filled fish), cardboard grocery boxes (made into whimsical movable paper dolls). I embroider on old window screens, and make enormous sculptural art rings out of plastic bottles!
I would thoroughly enjoy this book. I have a pile of old feed bags, and bags of ancient doilies just waiting for inspirations.
Marilyn Forsyth on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:32 am said:

I love taking old material and make things from it. I used to take remnants from a dollar store and make little dishwashing liquid bottle aprons. They were so cute. I made a little money selling them while I was waiting for my disability to start. It sure helped with the little things my husband’s check would not take care of. Also, I like to take old pillow cases to make cafe curtains and sheets for shower curtains.
jessie hansen on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:40 am said:

I like reusing old clothes. Not only is fabric super great for anything you can make with fabric, but sweaters make great yarn.
jessie hansen on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:43 am said:

I like reusing old clothes. Not only is fabric super great for anything you can make with fabric, but sweaters make great yarn.
linda vaught on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:52 am said:

textiles, wood almost any thing that i can see a future in
linda on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:54 am said:

anything i can get my hands on but especially textile & wood
Martha on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:57 am said:

Hard to say since I see potential in too many things and save them all. But I think things from nature, like nuts, stones, and shells because the act of collecting is such a fun experience.
Kristie on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:03 am said:

I reuse clothing and thrifted fabric to make my kids clothes and various accessories. I love seeing my kids dressed in pants made from their dad’s old pants and skirts pieced from relative’s t-shirts. They have lots of unique clothes with history. Thanks! kristie_keely(at)yahoo(d0t)com
Homesteadcat on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:35 am said:

This looks like a great book! Lately I have been reusing the bags birdfeed comes in- sort of heavy reinforced plastic that is a beautiful red with pictures of wild birds and words. I just sewed a traveling iPod case that is indistructable because of the make up of the rip-proof material. Nothing pleases me more than to create utillitarian beauty out of something that would end up in the trash. I also love using zippers that still have lots of life in them which were salvaged from old clothes; card board from Costco bulk canned food cases to make my sewing patterns; and card stock from shareholders annual reports (stocks) which have beautiful photos and colored graphics.
Homesteadcat on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:40 am said:

This looks like a great book! Lately I have been reusing the bags birdfeed comes in- sort of heavy reinforced plastic that is a beautiful red with pictures of wild birds and words. I just sewed a traveling iPod case that is indistructable because of the make up of the rip-proof material. Nothing pleases me more than to create utillitarian beauty out of something that would end up in the trash. I also love using zippers that still have lots of life in them which were salvaged from old clothes; card board from Costco bulk canned food cases to make my sewing patterns; and card stock from shareholders annual reports (stocks) which have beautiful photos and colored graphics.
Homesteadcat on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:48 am said:

This looks like a great book! Lately I have been reusing the bags birdfeed comes in- sort of heavy reinforced plastic that is a beautiful red with pictures of wild birds and words. I just sewed a traveling iPod case that is indistructable because of the make up of the rip-proof material. Nothing pleases me more than to create utillitarian beauty out of something that would end up in the trash. I also love using zippers that still have lots of life in them which were salvaged from old clothes; card board from Costco bulk canned food cases to make my sewing patterns; and card stock from shareholders annual reports (stocks) which have beautiful photos and colored graphics.
Homesteadcat on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:55 am said:

This looks like a great book! Lately I have been reusing the bags birdfeed comes in- sort of heavy reinforced plastic that is a beautiful red with pictures of wild birds and words. I just sewed a traveling iPod case that is indistructable because of the make up of the rip-proof material. Nothing pleases me more than to create utillitarian beauty out of something that would end up in the trash. I also love using zippers that still have lots of life in them which were salvaged from old clothes; card board from Costco bulk canned food cases to make my sewing patterns; and card stock from shareholders annual reports (stocks) which have beautiful photos and colored graphics.
jessie hansen on May 3rd, 2012 at 9:10 am said:

Clothes! Sweaters make great yarn. Hurray yarn ramen!
Shelley on May 3rd, 2012 at 9:30 am said:

I re-use all kinds of things: from broken bits of jewelry, thrift store finds & old clothes to things that I have found on the ground. It would be great to win this book!
Jill B on May 3rd, 2012 at 9:41 am said:

I’ve only been experimenting with re-crafting for the last couple years… I started out with T-shirt bags. Anytime I have to make baby gifts (T-shirts again), everyone gets their gifts in a T-shirt bag! I’ve vowed to never again spend money on any kind of gift wrapping items – bags, tissue, paper, ribbons – none of it! All will be recycled items! )
I would love a copy of this book for inspiration to expand my re-crafting skills.
Shelley on May 3rd, 2012 at 9:46 am said:

I re-use all kinds of things: from broken bits of jewelry, thrift store finds & old clothes to things that I have found on the ground. It would be great to win this book!
Shelley on May 3rd, 2012 at 9:50 am said:

I re-use all kinds of things: from broken bits of jewelry, thrift store finds & old clothes to things that I have found on the ground. It would be great to win this book!
Mary Mac on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:02 am said:

I make cards and photojournals. I reuse every piece of scrap paper, lace and fabric I have.
Rose on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:23 am said:

I love using woolen sweaters for felt, and old sheets and blankets for anything cause they are so big. ambrerose at(aol) dot(com)
Mary Collier on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:24 am said:

Love your ideas. I just made a wall hanging, using those slick coffee bags that are so colorful. I needle felted coffee cup shapes and appliqued them to the top of the quilt. I think my 6 month old grandson will love it because the bags make a crinkly sound and are smooth to touch while the coffee cups are fuzzy.
Jeanne from Missouri on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:27 am said:

I love to find old wool suits and 30′s fabric items in the Thrift Shops, they all have so much potential . Thank you for a chance to win this awesome book.
Tiffany on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:37 am said:

I like to reuse old clothes!!!
amy on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:43 am said:

I enjoy using old home dec fabric that used to be a sample sale.
amy on May 3rd, 2012 at 10:45 am said:

I enjoy using old home dec fabric that used to be a sample sale.
Cindy S on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:12 am said:

I’ve been re-using plastic folders to make templates.
Cindy S on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:14 am said:

I’ve been re-using plastic folders to make templates.
julie on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:35 am said:

I like to use old linens and embroiderer my own designs on them.
SueBE on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:43 am said:

Right now, my focus is upcycling my husband’s ruined dress shirts. I’ve also used table clothes and sheets.
Rebecca M on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:53 am said:

I’m in the midst of making a bunch of hats (cycling caps, roomier newsboy caps) using remnants of slips I’ve shortened as linings, pants legs (from worn or shortened pants), and kids’ belts as hatbands.
Meghan Thimjon on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:59 am said:

I have been using brown paper bags a lot lately in my crafting! This book looks awesome!
Amanda on May 3rd, 2012 at 12:09 pm said:

I like to hunt for thrifted sheets. You can find all kinds of cool patterns and there is lots of fabric to be used. My favorite is making pajamas for my two little ones! This book looks awesome!
Rachel S on May 3rd, 2012 at 12:15 pm said:

I turn t-shirts into kimonos, jeans into bags and I particularly like working with old-man golf sweaters… I turn those into girly shrugs and scarves. Oh, and books!
Judy S on May 3rd, 2012 at 12:28 pm said:

I love reusing jeans; they are so tough that even when reused they last forever and can be used for multiple things!
Judy S on May 3rd, 2012 at 12:41 pm said:

I love reusing jeans; they are so tough that even when reused they last forever and can be used for multiple things!
Jenny Rae on May 3rd, 2012 at 12:55 pm said:

Burlap is one of my favorite materials to reuse! And feed bags!
Jennifer on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:10 pm said:

I love re-using old jeans! Also burlap and old feed sacks or flour sacks! Oh, and also love using old scarves!!
Jenny on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:17 pm said:

Burlap bags and feed sacks are my favorites to re-purpose!
Anne Louise on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:20 pm said:

I enjoy recycling linen and my husband’s cotton work shirts.
Connie on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:23 pm said:

I think my favorite things to reuse are blue jeans. The top part makes great purses, the legs make fabric for crocheting or pillows, and the cut off hems (when rolled) make great coasters.
Jayme L on May 3rd, 2012 at 1:34 pm said:

I love the prints used for infant clothing, so I use lots of thrifted baby/kids clothes to make other things. This book looks really interesting!
lyn lewis on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:08 pm said:

I use the metal circles from old lampshades for unusual hangings, cotton clothing for patchwork and all manner of things for mixed media ‘whatevers’.
This book looks SO interesting!
Sara Lynott on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:22 pm said:

This totally inspires me so much. I have lots of old fabric lying around that I could reuse.
Nancy on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:25 pm said:

Lately I’ve been recycling everything I can get my hands on. Plastic water bottles, cans, old books. So much fun!
Marlene on May 3rd, 2012 at 3:35 pm said:

I reuse old clothing, jewelry, ribbons, plastics, china, old silverware. You name it and I will find a use for it. The book sounds wonderful I would love to win a copy.
sunny on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:41 pm said:

I love using old jeans and old sheets. I don’t think I could decide between them.
smfsprout on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:46 pm said:

I reuse and recycle just about anything I can get my hands on. I repurpose baby clothes for dolls, empty containers for multiple purpose and once a garment is headed to the recycle pile, it is anybody’s guess as to how it will end up.
sunny on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:46 pm said:

I love using old jeans and old sheets. I don’t think I could decide between them. I am interested in making t-shirt yarn, too. It would make the best little crocheted rugs!
Melissa on May 3rd, 2012 at 4:58 pm said:

Clothing. I am currently taking apart a Lilly Pulitzer patchwork dress to make it into a bag for myself.
Melissa on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:00 pm said:

Clothing. I am currently taking apart a Lilly Pulitzer patchwork dress to make it into a bag for myself.
KimW on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:05 pm said:

Now that I have re-discovered my love of sewing, I am saving every scrap of fabric. My daughter used some of them to cover a simple cork board – so easy but really cute!
Melissa on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:11 pm said:

Clothing. I am currently taking apart a Lilly Pulitzer patchwork dress to make it into a bag for myself.
KimW on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:13 pm said:

Now that I have re-discovered my love of sewing, I am saving every little scrap of fabric. My daughter used some of them to cover a simple cork board. So easy but really cute!
Melissa on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:21 pm said:

Clothing. I am currently taking apart a Lilly Pulitzer patchwork dress to make it into a bag for myself.
Gigi on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:42 pm said:

I love upcycling my kids’ old clothes. It brings back lots of good baby memories when I use their baby stuff somehow in the clothes they can wear now.
Abby on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:43 pm said:

I love upcycling old and forgotten jeans into bags and jewelry. Yes, jewelry! Hope I win…
Marie on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:45 pm said:

My favorites are vintage sheets/pillowcases and tableclothes. The fabric is super soft and the colors lovely. I can make clothes, shopping bags, or just about anything else.
Gigi on May 3rd, 2012 at 5:47 pm said:

I love upcycling my kids’ old clothes. I use the fabric to enhance their clothes now so there’s a bit of nostalgia in it for me.
Melissa Thomson on May 3rd, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:

I have found so many new ways to use scraps. They all tell a story of their own.
Martha on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:13 pm said:

My favorite materials to reuse are old magazines. They can be used for so many projects.Also when gluing you can glue on the pages and just throw them away if any excess spills out.
Nancy on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:36 pm said:

I’ve made a few items of clothing for my son out of my husband’s old clothes and my husband made a fantastic rocket ship out of cardboard boxes for my son to play in. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
Nancy on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:44 pm said:

I’ve made a couple of items of clothing out of my husband’s old clothes and my husband made a fun rocketship out of cardboard for my son to play in. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
Dana TM on May 3rd, 2012 at 7:48 pm said:

Clothes and fabric into other things. I have made Maya’s buckets before, so now periodically I grab a burlap bag from our coffee company if an empty one is available.
Dana TM on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:02 pm said:

Clothes and fabric into other things. I have made Maya’s buckets before, so now periodically I grab a burlap bag from our coffee company if an empty one is available.
Julie Henderson on May 3rd, 2012 at 8:05 pm said:

This is a delightful-sounding book, that totally would speak to my inner reusing self! I grew up poor but with a beautifully creative mother who could remake, reuse, & turn out marvels from castoffs. I have taken up the mantle & am carrying on. My wackiest reuse being a (really pretty)topiary centerpiece at a wedding shower, made from a plunger (clean, of course). Oh how I would be blessed to win this. Many thanks – Julie H.
Heather on May 3rd, 2012 at 11:26 pm said:

I like to repurpose vintage linens and clothes into blankets and toys. My current project is taking a set of California King sheets of ours that have a stain and making them into matching pajama bottoms for my husband, son and I. My 2.5 year old is going to LOVE it!
Heather on May 4th, 2012 at 12:03 am said:

I like to repurpose vintage linens and clothes into blankets and toys. My current project is taking a set of California King sheets of ours that have a stain and making them into matching pajama bottoms for my husband, son and I. My 2.5 year old is going to LOVE it!
Debbi on May 4th, 2012 at 4:25 am said:

My best upcycled fabric project was making numbered bean bags from an old denim dress (who wears those any more?). My granddaughter loved them! I’ve also used old clothing for new toddler dresses and to make toss pillows (a suede shirt was especially luxe!).
Heather on May 4th, 2012 at 6:10 am said:

I like to repurpose vintage linens and clothes into blankets and toys. My current project is taking a set of California King sheets of ours that have a stain and making them into matching pajama bottoms for my husband, son and I. My 2.5 year old is going to LOVE it!
Heather on May 4th, 2012 at 6:12 am said:

I like to repurpose vintage linens and clothes into blankets and toys. My current project is taking a set of California King sheets of ours that have a stain and making them into matching pajama bottoms for my husband, son and I. My 2.5 year old is going to LOVE it!
Dlgoodwin on May 4th, 2012 at 7:20 am said:

I love to reimagine old men’s suits into purses, using the buttons and plackets for texture and the pockets for… Pockets! Ties make great handles.
Dakota Gal on May 4th, 2012 at 9:56 am said:

I love to turn adult t-shirts into skirts for my daughter. It is one of the quickest and most satisfying reinventions I know!
Jusa on May 4th, 2012 at 10:26 am said:

One of the fastest decorating projects I know is to turn fabric placemats (bonus if from a yard sale or thrift shop) into covers for sofa pillows. I’ve used old bed pillows, cut to size, for the filling. I’ve also used dishtowels in pleasing designs for pillow covers. A couple of seams and a finished edge for a “envelope” makes it easy to slip off and replace with a new set every so often. Slightly more ambitious style is to reuse a zipper from another household item or piece of clothing.
Jusa on May 4th, 2012 at 10:43 am said:

One of the fastest decorating projects I know is to turn fabric placemats (bonus if from a yard sale or thrift shop) into covers for sofa pillows. I’ve used old bed pillows, cut to size, for the filling. I’ve also used dishtowels in pleasing designs for pillow covers. A couple of seams and a finished edge for a “envelope” makes it easy to slip off and replace with a new set every so often. Slightly more ambitious style is to reuse a zipper from another household item or piece of clothing.
Samantha on May 4th, 2012 at 11:04 am said:

The materials I like to reuse are containers (boxes, jars, bags); boards (foam core, chip board); and thrift store clothes :].
Margot on May 4th, 2012 at 11:21 am said:

I live on a farm, so everything is fair game for reuse. I’m most fond of textile reuse: worn out sweaters for felting, t-shirts for rags and denim for patches, bags, etc.
Margot on May 4th, 2012 at 11:42 am said:

I live on a farm, so everything is fair game for reuse. I’m most fond of textile reuse: worn out sweaters for felting, t-shirts for rags and denim for patches, bags, etc.
Elizabeth on May 4th, 2012 at 4:43 pm said:

Oh I love to use old sheets, table clothes and drapes for large projects. Old clothes, dish towels, doilies, pillow cases for smaller projects. The book looks amazing! Thanks for the chance.
Elizabeth on May 4th, 2012 at 4:51 pm said:

Oh I love to use old sheets, table clothes and drapes for large projects. Old clothes, dish towels, doilies, pillow cases for smaller projects. The book looks amazing! Thanks for the chance.
Kathy H on May 5th, 2012 at 5:26 am said:

My favorite thing is to shop resale shops such as Goodwill to find anything wool. I love making penny rugs and little doo-dads from old jackets or skirts. There’s always a wide color selection and patterns to choose from for such a reasonable cost. I also collect the buttons and any trim used. Have a very blessed day, Kathy
Francine on May 5th, 2012 at 8:36 am said:

I am just back from the farmer’s market with old burlap coffee bag from our local fair-trade coffee business. This will be my next recycle-reuse project Cardboard is a favorite too, with children we can make so many use of it!
Ginkgo Girls on May 5th, 2012 at 9:50 am said:

Jeans! Definitely jeans! Have made totes for absolutely everything including my daughter’s flute. Would LOVE to win the book- fingers crossed.
Ginkgo Girls on May 5th, 2012 at 10:08 am said:

Jeans! Definitely jeans! Have made totes for absolutely everything including my daughter’s flute. Would LOVE to win the book- fingers crossed.
LeahW on May 5th, 2012 at 3:34 pm said:

I’m currently obsessed with finding ways to reuse plastic bottle caps — by making them into kids’ games and other fun stuff.
LeahW on May 5th, 2012 at 3:43 pm said:

My current obsession is finding ways to reuse plastic bottle caps to make children’s games and other projects.
LeahW on May 5th, 2012 at 3:59 pm said:

My current obsession is finding ways to reuse plastic bottle caps to make children’s games and other projects.
LeahW on May 5th, 2012 at 4:01 pm said:

I currently enjoy finding ways to reuse plastic bottle caps to make children’s games (tic tac toe, memory, etc) and other projects.
Carmen on May 5th, 2012 at 7:24 pm said:

My favorites are sheets – cotton and flannel. I’ve found quite a few at rummage sales and resale shops to reuse into curtains, pajamas, and other crafts.
Cassie on May 5th, 2012 at 11:05 pm said:

love upholstery fabric bc its so sturdy. what an awesome book!
Cassie on May 5th, 2012 at 11:21 pm said:

love upholstery fabric bc its so sturdy. what an awesome book!
Monika on May 6th, 2012 at 1:06 am said:

I love to reuse all kinds of stuff for years now … the old, too small kids jeans, old linen, bedsheets, curtains, all kind of paper – books, magazines, comics, bubble mailer ….
Donna B. on May 6th, 2012 at 7:25 am said:

I can’t turn around at my university workplace without somebody offering me a t-shirt. So I love to cut them into strips and make yarn out of them for crocheting and knitting. Actually,I make a lot more of the yarn than I use — the process of getting rid of the t-shirts is just so satisfying!
Ayelet D on May 6th, 2012 at 1:41 pm said:

I love reusing old T-shirts to kids clothes