Green Options

After I saw this I decided there is no way I am letting my husband donate his old dress shirts to Goodwill ever again.  At least not until I have made a dress shirt quilt for my son.  How endearing for a son to have a quilt made from his father’s dress shirt?  Repurposed denim quilts always seemed a little too country for my tastes, but a dress shirt quilt can be as modern as the shirts used to make it.

Sewing Green (STC Craft | Melanie Falick Books) will be released March, 2009.

Here’s a sneak preview and a little bit more about the author.

White is not new to the craft scene.  Her first book, Warm Fuzzies — 30 Sweet Felted Projects was published in 2007.  Betz has a passion for wool felting and walks us step-by-step (patterns included in the back of book) on how to transform second-hand sweaters into some unique craft items.  Projects include a bonbon journal, messenger bag, scarves, a hand-puppet, and some delicious felted cupcake pin cushions.

White’s newest book, Sewing Green — 25 Projects Made With Repurposed & Organic Materials , is all about taking an existing item (think cashmere sweater found in a thrift-shop, or a dress shirt that’s been hanging in the back of a closet forever) and turning it into something ‘new’ and functional.  White will show us twenty-five projects that all start with re-purposed materials.  Cashmere sweaters are deconstructed, then re-constructed to become a warm and cozy blanket.  Men’s dress shirts are transformed into an apron AND a wallet.

If the snow never fell and the temperature never dropped below forty in New England, I could happily wear ballet flats every work day and flip-flops every day between. But inevitably the first snowy morning arrives to find me ankle-deep in powder, melted ice trickling down my arches as I attempt to clear the snow from my windshield. I realize if I’m going to make it to May pneumonia-free I’m going to need something a lot more substantial–some winter boots.

A slick pair of boots looks current with a knee length a-line skirt, smart under dress pants and fierce over your dark wash skinny jeans. They’re the ticket to keeping your feet warm and protected without looking unprofessional or, worse, like you’ve given up. But who makes a cool-looking, leather-free sustainable pair?

“Oooh… Another floral print diaper bag… with matching pastel changing pad. Just what I wanted!”

Parents need gear.

Diapers, food, toys, changes of clothing, water, wipes - it’s all got to go with you.

Everywhere.

Most baby gear and diaper bags are styled with a mom’s taste in mind, not a dad’s. After recently witnessing some new dads sheepishly carrying cutesy baby bags, I thought I’d share a selection of cool green bags with you. Every one of these is stylish and eco-friendly, made from either repurposed or recycled materials.

Alchemy Goods messenger bag, at right, is made from recycled inner tubes, and features a heavy-duty strap made from recycled seatbelts. Internal pockets abound, and a key clip and zippered pocket keep your valuables safe. Did I mention it’s waterproof as well? An awesome bag from a conscious company. Priced at $168.

The Fellini Pannolini messenger bag is produced in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in a fair-trade partnership with Three Stone Steps. They are made from repurposed outdoor mosquito netting, and are lined with repurposed industrial waterproof tarp. Pannolini means diaper, and this earth-friendly satchel could be your next hip diaper bag for only $75.