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reasonsforhope · 1 month ago

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"According to National Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of the country’s homeless youth population is comprised of LGTBQ+ teens.

When New York native Austin Rivers took up knitting during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was this staggering figure that drove him towards action.

“I don’t have the capacity to build a shelter, the network or the connections to help in that way, but what I can do is knit,” Rivers told NBC News.

“And I know that New York City is cold, so I decided I would start knitting and create this nonprofit.”

That’s when he founded Knit the Rainbow, an organization that distributes free handmade garments to those in need.

And nearly five years after it was first created, Rivers’ knitting collective isn’t just serving the queer community in New York City.

Their nationwide network links local yarn stores and local nonprofits with over 550 volunteers from 45 states.

As of 2024, they have collected and distributed over 25,000 winter garments — including sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and socks — throughout homeless communities in New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit, and beyond.

Once clothing items are shipped to Rivers’ apartment, he works with volunteers to unpack boxes, tag and sort donations, and pack and deliver them to local shelters that provide housing to LGBTQ+ and HIV+ homeless youth.

Although the organization’s impact is wider, and the piles of mail have grown higher, Rivers still has a hand in day-to-day deliveries.

“We’re going to do it whether it’s rain, or snow, or shine,” Rivers said in his NBC News interview, pulling a handcart topped with boxes.

Those clothes could be the difference between frostbite and hospitalization, especially in cities that often drop below freezing in the wintertime.

But Rivers also noted that every handmade item — knitted, crocheted, or stitched — has a dual impact, because every piece of clothing is made with love.

“A lot of the times, the reason that they’re unhoused is because they were kicked out by their families,” Rivers said.

“We’re not just providing warmth, but we’re also providing that love and that compassion that they so often don’t have.”

To the members of the community Knit The Rainbow served, he had a clear message.

“There are thousands of people out here that are constantly thinking of you and using their hands to make things for you,” Rivers emphasized. “So don’t give up. Keep going.”

To download free knitting [and crochet] patterns, donate a garment, or sign up to volunteer, you can visit the organization's website to get started."

‍-via GoodGoodGood, December 23, 2024

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orbit-creative · 2 years ago

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Discover 10 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Turn Old Clothes into New Crafts

Are you looking for new crafts to make with the clothes that have been sitting in your closet for years? If so, you're in luck! There are plenty of creative and surprisingly easy ways to turn old clothes into new crafts. From turning a pair of jeans into a stylish handbag to transforming a t-shirt into a cozy pillow, you'll be amazed at the projects you can create with upcycled clothing. Discover 10 fun and unique ways to give your old clothes a new life with these creative upcycling ideas.

Refashion an old t-shirt into a cute tank top

Looking for creative ways to transform your old t-shirts into something new? Why not try refashioning them into a cute tank top? It's a fun and easy DIY project that requires minimal sewing skills and materials. All you need is an old t-shirt, some scissors, and a sewing machine or needle and thread.

To begin, lay your t-shirt flat and cut off the sleeves and neckline. Then, fold the shirt in half vertically and cut off the bottom hem, creating a straight edge. Next, measure the width of your shoulders and cut two strips of fabric from the sleeves, making sure they are the same length.

Attach the strips of fabric to the top corners of the shirt, creating straps for the tank top. You can either sew them on with a sewing machine or hand stitch them in place. If you want to add some extra flair to your tank top, try tying a knot in each strap or braiding them together.

Finally, hem the bottom of the tank top to your desired length and you're done! You now have a cute and trendy tank top that you can wear out and about or to your next workout class.

So next time you're cleaning out your closet, don't toss those old t-shirts just yet. Try your hand at this fun and creative upcycling project and give them a new life as a cute tank top.

Make a no-sew skirt from an old button-down shirt

One of the most creative ways to upcycle an old button-down shirt is to turn it into a no-sew skirt. This is an incredibly easy craft project that requires no sewing skills whatsoever.

To get started, you'll need an old button-down shirt, a pair of scissors, and some elastic. Begin by laying the shirt out flat and cutting off the sleeves and collar. Then, cut along the bottom hem of the shirt to create a straight line.

Next, fold the shirt in half so that the front buttons are lined up with the back. Cut a small slit on both sides of the shirt, about 2-3 inches from the top, and insert the elastic through each slit. Tie the ends of the elastic together to create a waistband.

Finally, adjust the skirt to your desired length by trimming the bottom hem if necessary. And voila! You now have a stylish and unique skirt that didn't cost you a penny.

This no-sew skirt project is not only a great way to breathe new life into old clothing, but it's also a sustainable alternative to buying new clothes. Plus, it's a fun and easy project to do with kids or friends.

So the next time you're cleaning out your closet and come across an old button-down shirt, don't toss it in the donation bin just yet. Get creative and turn it into a fashionable new piece for your wardrobe!

Transform an old sweater into a comfy pair of slipper socks

If you have an old sweater that is too small or out of style, don't throw it away! Instead, try transforming it into a cosy and comfy pair of slipper socks. This is an excellent way to breathe new life into an old piece of clothing and create new crafts that are useful and unique.

To get started, cut off the sleeves of the sweater and then cut off the top part of the sweater to create two rectangles of fabric. Turn the rectangles inside out and sew them together, leaving an opening for your foot. Sew the edges together, and you've got yourself a pair of slipper socks!

These new crafts are perfect for lounging around the house on a chilly day, or for wearing to bed at night to keep your feet warm. You can also customise your slipper socks by adding buttons, pom-poms, or other embellishments.

Upcycling old clothing is not only eco-friendly, but it's also a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wardrobe. Try these ten easy upcycling ideas to turn your old clothes into new crafts that you'll love.

Turn an old pair of jeans into a trendy pair of cut-offs

When it comes to creative ways to upcycle old clothes, turning a pair of jeans into trendy cut-offs is a classic DIY project that is both easy and stylish. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a pair of outdated jeans into a cool and comfortable summer staple that you can wear again and again.

To get started, gather your supplies. You'll need a pair of jeans, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and a pencil or marker. Begin by trying on your jeans and deciding how long you want your cut-offs to be. Mark the length with your pencil or marker, then use your ruler to draw a straight line across both legs of your jeans.

Once you've marked your line, it's time to start cutting. Use your scissors to carefully cut along the line you drew, being sure to cut through both layers of fabric evenly. If you want a frayed edge, you can use your scissors to distress the hem by snipping small cuts into it. Alternatively, you can leave the hem as-is for a clean look.

After you've finished cutting, it's important to wash and dry your new cut-offs to help them settle into their new shape. From there, you can add your own personal touch with fun embellishments like embroidery, patches, or studs.

By turning an old pair of jeans into a trendy pair of cut-offs, you not only save money but also breathe new life into an old garment that may have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Plus, you get to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you created something new and stylish with your own two hands. So grab a pair of scissors and get cutting!

Make a purse out of an old t-shirt

If you have a pile of old t-shirts that you never wear anymore, why not turn them into something useful? One of the most creative ways to upcycle old clothes is by turning an old t-shirt into a cute purse.

Here's how to do it:

1. Choose a t-shirt that you no longer want to wear but still love the design or color.Create a tote bag from an old pair of jeans

3. Turn the shirt inside out and sew the bottom closed. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine.

4. Turn the shirt right-side-out again and cut off any excess fabric.

5. Cut two strips from the sleeves of the shirt, each about 2 inches wide.

6. Tie each strip into a knot, then attach one to each side of the bag as a handle.

Voila! You now have a cute and practical purse made from an old t-shirt. This is a great project for those who are new to sewing and want to try something simple and fun. Plus, it's a great way to give new life to old clothes and reduce your carbon footprint. So get creative and try this upcycling project today!

Create a tote bag from an old pair of jeans

Another one of the creative ways to upcycle old clothes into new crafts is by turning an old pair of jeans into a tote bag. This project is perfect for those who have worn out or outdated denim jeans lying around their closet. It's a practical and eco-friendly solution to repurpose something that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

To make this tote bag, you'll need a pair of old jeans, a sewing machine, scissors, and thread. First, cut the legs off the jeans, leaving about an inch of seam allowance. Turn the jeans inside out and sew the bottom together, making sure to reinforce the seam. Then, fold the top edge over twice and sew it down to create a sturdy hem for the handles. Cut two long strips from the remaining jean legs, fold them in half, and sew them to the inside of the bag to create handles.

You can get even more creative with this project by adding pockets to the inside or outside of the tote bag. You can also decorate it with patches, beads, or embroidery. The possibilities are endless!

Not only is this a fun and easy DIY project, but it's also a practical accessory that you can use for grocery shopping, carrying books, or even as a beach bag. Plus, it's a great conversation starter when someone compliments your unique tote bag and you get to share your creative upcycling idea. Give it a try and see how you can transform an old pair of jeans into a trendy and functional tote bag.

Repurpose an old sweater into a cozy scarf

Looking for creative ways to repurpose old sweaters? Why not turn them into a cosy scarf that will keep you warm all winter long? This is a great project for those who love knitting or crocheting, as it requires minimal effort and can be completed in just a few hours.

To get started, simply cut your old sweater into long strips, ensuring that they are all of equal length and width. Then, using a crochet hook or knitting needles, begin to stitch the strips together, creating a long scarf. You can add additional strips as needed to make the scarf as long as you want.

For an added touch of style, consider adding some decorative elements, such as tassels or buttons. This will give your new scarf a unique look that is all your own.

Not only is repurposing an old sweater into a scarf a great way to reduce waste and save money, it also gives you a chance to get creative and make something truly unique. So why not give it a try today and see what you can come up with?

Make a headband out of an old t-shirt

One of the most creative ways to upcycle old clothes is to make a headband out of an old t-shirt. This is a fun and easy project that can be completed in just a few minutes, and the results are both stylish and practical.

To get started, all you need is an old t-shirt that you no longer wear. Cut a strip of fabric from the bottom of the shirt, about two inches wide. Then, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and sew the two ends together to create a loop.

Next, turn the loop right side out and twist it a few times to create a twisted knot in the middle. This will give your headband a unique and stylish look.

Finally, place the headband around your head and adjust it to fit. You can wear it as is or decorate it with beads, sequins, or other embellishments to make it even more special.

Making a headband out of an old t-shirt is a great way to upcycle your old clothes and create something new and fashionable. So next time you're cleaning out your closet, don't throw away those old t-shirts – turn them into something beautiful and functional instead.

Transform an old dress into a cute top

If you have an old dress in your closet that you no longer wear, consider upcycling it into a new craft project by turning it into a cute top! This DIY project is surprisingly easy to do and requires only a few basic sewing skills.

First, lay the dress flat and cut off the bottom hemline, making sure to cut straight across. Next, fold the dress in half vertically so that the sides line up. Cut off the sleeves at the shoulder seams, being careful not to cut through both layers of fabric.

Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the side seams of the dress closed, leaving about an inch or two open at the bottom on each side to create armholes. Then, fold the top of the dress down about an inch and sew a straight seam across the folded fabric to create a casing for elastic.

Measure a length of elastic that fits comfortably around your upper torso, and insert it into the casing using a safety pin. Once the elastic is threaded through the casing, sew the ends of the elastic together to create a loop.

Finally, try on your new top and adjust the elastic if necessary to achieve the desired fit. With a little creativity, you can even add some decorative touches like lace or buttons to personalise your new creation!

Transforming an old dress into a cute top is just one of many creative ways to upcycle old clothes into new crafts. So, why not give it a try and see what you can create?

#art and craft #arts #paper crafts #new crafts

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