Turn those sweaters you’ve been meaning to drop off at the fabric recycling bin into functional and fashionable items using these repurposing ideas.

We’ve all felt that sinking feeling when something happens to make our most comfiest of sweaters unwearable. Whether its a hole developing in a super noticeable spot (I am not above mending a hole in the armpit) or whether its a stain that didn’t come out from that super stain-y yellow curry (true story), the fact of the matter is that stuff happens. Comfy sweaters are unfortunately an ephemeral  phenomenon, and every good thing must come to an end. Don’t despair though, your sweater can live on. All it takes is a little inspiration, creativity and some clever repurposing ideas to transform your favorite sweater into a useful upcycled diy project.

From hot water bottle covers to arm warmers and everything else in between, here some ingenious repurposing ideas for reusing your favorite (or not so favorite) sweaters.

9 Repurposing Ideas for Old Sweaters

1. Sweater Patchwork Blanket – Cuddle up under a super warm and cozy blanket you make from repurposed sweaters. Collect sweaters from the thrift store or ask family and friends for contributions.
2. Hot Water Bottle Cover – Whether you hurt your back or need to warm up the bed sheets, a hot water bottle is a useful thing. Add a cover using made from and old sweater to make it more presentable.
3. Cool Bangle Bag – Turn a frumpy sweater into a chic bag using this easy project.
4. DIY Sweater Pillows – Who doesn’t need a few more cozy pillows on the sofa? Make some up from those older sweaters.
5. Sweater Mittens – You won’t have to mourn the loss of your favorite sweater, instead you can turn them into your favorite mittens.
6. Boot Cuffs – Boot cuffs are a great way to add some texture and color without adding bulk by actually wearing bulky socks.
7. Asymmetrical Sweater Wrap – Turning a sweater into a fashionable wrap is a super clever repurposing idea.
8. Arm Warmers – Turn sweater arms into practical arm warmers.
9. Lampshade Redo – Add some texture and color to a boring lampshade with this project idea.

Related on EcoSalon:

Laundry Tip of a Lifetime: How to Unshrink a Wool Sweater

4 DIY Projects Channeling the Patchwork Sweater Trend…Just in Time for Winter

11 DIY Jewelry Projects for $20 or (Way) Less

Top Image: South Granville Live

The post 9 of the Best Sweater Repurposing Ideas Just in Time for Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

Despite the tragedy of shrinking a wool sweater, the deed is reversible. Here is the best laundry tip; an easy step by step tutorial on how to unshrink a wool sweater.

Have you committed the laundry sin of [gasp] shrinking a wool sweater? In the name of absent mindedness, daydreaming or just a simple mistake — I know I have! And every time I pull out that miniature version of what used to be, like some magician’s bunny hat trick, an unpleasant emotion — somewhere between stubbing my toe and obligatory laughter — wells up inside me.

But despite the initial sorrow, all is not lost for you or that sweater. Here is an easy and fast way to unshrink a wool sweater. Try it out right now or bookmark this How To, and next time you find yourself needing to unshrink a wool sweater, we’ve got you covered.

1. First, fill a sink or bucket with warm water and dissolve a quarter-size amount of both shampoo and conditioner in the water.

2. Soak the wool sweater in the mixture for about twenty minutes. Move around at first so your sweater really absorbs the shampoo and conditioner.

3. After about twenty minutes, remove sweater and lightly ring the moisture out.

4. Next, stretch the sweater, pulling on all angles to loosen the fibers. (For true precision, but a bit of uncomfortableness, you can wear the sweater while stretching it. This will help mold the shape back to your size and fit.)

5. After the sweater is stretched about 2/3 it’s original size, lay it flat or hang over a chair to dry.

6. Lastly, once the sweater is dry, put on and lightly stretch out one final time.

Voila! Enjoy many more cozy days to come with that sweater!

Want more How To tips? Related on EcoSalon:

Ditch The Washing Machine: How To Hand Wash Clothes

How To Make Pillows: A DIY Pep Talk For The Pillow Lover

How To Declutter Your Desk and Increase Productivity

image: jenny

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Take the animal-print sweater look from runway to real life, in a conscious way.

Shirts and sweaters emblazoned with the faces of various animals are seen everywhere in Fashionville these days – from the runways of design houses like Kenzo and Givenchy to the backs of street style stars and pop singers like Rihanna and Pink. It’s a great look, but we know how to achieve it in a better way.

Rapanui’s Wolfpack Sweat features not a rottweiler or tiger but a wolf, an animal that has went from being nearly eradicated in the U.S. in the 20th century to making a remarkable recovery in many parts of the country to once again facing serious danger.

Made in a windpowered, Fair Wear Foundation audited factory using 100% organic cotton, the Wolfpack Sweat is also printed with phthalate-free inks and hand-finished in the UK. To cut down carbon emissions, it’s transported by boat, not air freight.

So you can be trendy without compromising on your ethics. If you would also like to help wolves, support the Defenders of Wildlife’s Campaign to Save America’s Wolves.

Street style images: 1 & 2

The post Runway to Real Life: The Animal-Face Statement Shirt appeared first on EcoSalon.

As the clocks get turned back for another winter, getting dressed in the morning can be a chore. Now is the time you can be forgiven for not wanting to trade your nice warm blanket for clothes. Luckily, fashion has cozied up to the idea of chunky knits this season, so you can keep your blanket and wear it too.

Cable-knit sweaters, floor-scraping hand-knitted scarves, thickly woven skirts and woolly tights. Before telling you how to put this unlikely lot together, think back to the last time you wore any of these things. Unless you grew up in Greenland, you were probably in pre-school. Thus hinting at both fashion’s emerging nostalgia for all things seventies, and the synonymous bohemian, gypsy attitude you’ll need to channel to pull the look off. Referencing the relaxed, folksy style that emerged from the disco and hippie era is the best route to styling this season’s handcrafted and patterned knits.

You can get on board with this look easily from low-impact sources such as thrift and vintage. Look for anything that looks graphic and hand-knitted. If you’re looking online, include the search terms Fair Isle, Peruvian or Aran to find traditional patterns and motifs. A pair of rosy cheeks is all you’ll need to accessorize.

Prints and heavier knits can be tricky, because they make such a bold statement. If you’re afraid of looking too wild and woolly, there are some tips to keep the look modern and streamlined. While the models at Prada showed chunky-knit sweaters paired with woolly skirts and tights, it’s one of those many runway examples that miss the mark with regular bodies. I think it’s nice to contrast the bohemian style of your chunky knit with something that has structure – a tailored pant, classic blazer or crisp denim – no fading, holes or fraying. Pair your knit with neutral basics in shades of black, winter white, gray or brown. A turtleneck is the perfect retro underpinning. Wear a substantial shoe to balance the bulk of the wool. If you are confused about what shoe color show to wear, pick any color that is in the print and it will probably work. Adding a narrow belt to give you a waist defines a too loose silhouette.

I don’t need to tell you to steer away from anything that looks like it belongs on a Christmas card, but if you don’t have the time to rummage and want to buy new – here are some good eco options.

Opening Ceremony Pendleton Military Coat in Red from Creatures of Comfort.

Granted Knit Cardigan in Blue from Beklina.

Julie Park Batwing from Beklina.

Image: Neiman Marcus

The post Baby, It’s Cold Outside: The Chunky Knit Is a Winter Classic appeared first on EcoSalon.

I don’t know how to knit, but if I did, these would both be born (by way of knitting needles) in my living room. Until the unlikely event that I take up knitting and knotting, I will capitalize on the good fortune that I can purchase these gorgeous confections of yarn. On the left, the Six Cord Knitted Necklace by A Alicia is a “messy plait” of yarn braided into the perfect winter statement necklace. On the right, the Knitted Pouf by CB2 is hand knit and versatile – think ottoman, coffee table, casual seating, winter snuggle, etc.

Craving more cable knit? If you simply cannot get enough cable knit delights, cozy up with this throw from VivaTerra.  And if you already have too much cable knit in your closet, use this simple tutorial to upcycle a sweater and whip up a scarf.

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