Sunday, April 25, 2010

Upcycled / Recycled T-Shirt Bangles (Tutorial) and Weekend Stuff.....


I've got a LOT of scraps. So I'm always trying to come up with a way to use them. I made a few fabric bangles. For the larger bangles, I used Vanessa's (from V&Co) tutorial (which you can find here). I used a bunch of different weight knits for a "wonky" effect. The braided bangle I made with the steps outlined below.


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I used spandex knit leftovers that would curl and cut three long pieces:

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Since I didn't have a clipboard (like we used in high school to make friendship bracelets), I attached the three pieces to my shoe using a safety pin. Then I braided all three together:

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I created a loop large enough for wrist to fit into (the spandex will stretch) and sewed the two pieces together making sure to sew through each strand. Then I cut off the excess.

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Lastly I took a contrasting piece of knit and tied it around to hide the stitching.

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Mix-matched upcycled / recycled t-shirt bangles!

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Wear one at a time or wear a few at a time like I did below:

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P.S. It is really hard to get a photo of a bracelet with a pile of laundry on the floor.....my camera kept focusing on the pile, not the bangle. Keeping it real.....yes, my bathroom is a mess.

Hope you are having a great weekend! I had two Lil Blue Boo Studio "drop ins" today for some custom clothes. My customer/designer Mia combined three shirts and some trim to make a custom, upcycled tank. I LOVE "drop ins" to my studio. Look how proud she looks! I made zero design choices.....she picked out everything.



Also....I have a 3-day listing up: LOVE HOO YOU ARE! 100% of net proceeds go to the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware as part of Team Anna's Bananas goal! The shirt was donated by a customer Julie (picked out by her daughters). Anna is one of my favorite (out of many....ok, all are my favorite) little fashionista's and since I can't make it to Delaware to walk:




Hope you had a great weekend!

24 comments:

  1. Great stuff! What a great way to use the last bits and pieces !Great tank top too! And a dress for such a great cause!

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  2. These bracelets look great. What a cool idea.

    Carolyn

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  3. Thanks for sharing!! I bet my girls will love making these for themselves and their friends!!!

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  4. love how they turned out in recycled tees! awesome ash!!!

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  5. Thanks for the tip...I've got tons of stash too. Always great to find ways to use it!

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  6. I LOVE these bangles. So cute and easy. The best kind of craft, haha. Going on my mile long to do list. . .

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  7. The safety pin on the shoe made me laugh. That was the EXACT way we used to make friendship bracelets back in the day. Right after we got back from the math contest. LOL.

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  8. I am addicted to Vanessa's fabric bracelets! I blogged about it few days ago :)
    I love your braided version too! Will give it a try.

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  9. Yes, so great! I LOVE the bracelets. I've been dreaming of braided straps for a sundress. I'd been picturing all-the-same-color braids, but I really love the mix of colors. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  10. I LOVE these and must feature now! I think t-shirt crafts are so much fun!

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  11. how did you do the ones that aren't braided? They look wrapped but I don't see how they keep from untwisting. Is there a braid under there?

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  12. I love these! I've done headbands and necklaces, but not bracelets yet! That will be next, for sure!!!

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  13. This is such a great summer craft idea! Great tutorial! :)

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  14. This such a great idea. My 13 yo daughter has been making friendship bracelets lately but this would notch it up a bit. I make t-shirt quilts so I have tons of scraps. I'm always trying to find new uses for them. I've tried making necklaces and that's fun. I've also made yarn. The problem is that you can quickly get overrun by scraps in the craft room because you can't bear to throw anything away when there's so many cute things to make! Thanks again.

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  15. THAT is such an awesome idea I love it!!

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  16. I just linked up this project and your graffiti shoes on my blog. Thank you!

    delia

    deliacreates.blogspot.com

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  17. such cute bracelets! i'll be linking :)

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  18. Thank you for the GREAT idea!

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  19. I liked this Bangle jewelry and good use of T-shirts

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  20. ♥ it! I do weekly activities with 12 and 13 year old girls and they will love this! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. The bracelets are very nice and eco friendly and must be light and easy to wear.They look trendy and smart.
    Charm Bracelets

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  22. I just linked your project on my blog. Thanks!

    http://compartetusecoideas.blogspot.com/2010/10/joyeria-de-camisetas.html

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  23. These are great tees! I love T-Shirts. The first one on the list seems like it works only with a specific look but very creative anyway.I love all of them, I laughed quite a bit reading them.

    design t shirts

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  24. Thank you so much! This looks so fun and yes, I will make some!
    Michele

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