Recycling Fabric To Make Doll Clothing

Using recycled textiles and other mediums when sewing for dolls.

Going green is all the 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 new uses for things that we would otherwise throw away. This is also called "recycling". That's another word you hear frequently, but I question whether most of you have thought about using it with sewing for dolls.

I want to challenge you to look creatively around your house and gather together things that you would otherwise throw away, but that will create great accessories and clothing for Dolly. Here are just a few items I've put to use:

...Stretch gloves- Who has singles laying about? I do too! Snip off the ends of the fingers and create mittens for Dolly. Take the finger part and pull them out to create leg or arm warmers.

...Tube socks- I know my dryer has injested my husband's socks so instead of throwing out the single survivor, I cut them apart to work as headbands, scarves, or even hats (by cutting off closer to the heel).

...Stretched out hair bands- Ideal for a belt, necklace, or lots of bracelets.

...Handkerchiefs- A few pins or Velcro will make a stunning summer sarong or country skirt.

...Hand towels or washcloths- What about a vest to wear? Or create a beach towel or cuddly blanket.

...A dusty paper bowl or cup- Engage the help of children and use fabric, feathers, and paint remnants to decorate a dashing hat for Dolly's costume party. With Care, they can even make it into a striking accessory for her coming grand celebration.

The plan is to not take up an excess amount of your day, but give you a few ideas and how they can be made to work. As you start searching your house, I bet you will find numerous functional uses for items that could otherwise meet an early end.

One final consideration: Use this as a educational opportunity to sew and create with the youngsters in your life. For the littlest, glue, Velcro, or paint is appropriate and with a bit of well-placed newspaper and supervision, they are perfect assitants for those finishing touches. As they advance in skill, have them cut and start teaching them to hand stitch. I have wonderful recollections of sewing buttons on old washcloths. I felt very adult. It is not necessary to teach children to be creative. They have creativeness that will run circles around most adults. As they observe the intricate work you put into sewing for dolls, they will gain interest and it is the perfect instructing moment.

Utilizing articles you have about the house and finding teachable moments makes sewing with recycled fabrics and other materials so much fun. There is no limit to what you can make. With a bit of preparation on your part, you can have a child "sewing" next to you as you piece together a skirt on your machine. Look through the left overs in your sewing stash and see what you can make out of what you might have otherwise tossed out!