Repurposing Tin Cans

Wasting stuff sorta' bugs me sometimes, and I have recently discovered a way to repurpose tin cans. Keeping this sort of waste from the landfill is a good thing, wouldn't you agree?

Since I've been teaching some sewing and quilting classes these few months, I have needed something for students to use for threads and bits of fabric, etc. when sewing. I was using plain tin cans, but decided that it'd be a lot more fun if they were given the glam treatment. Take a look at my pretty results.

These are whopper cans - those big ones that hold institutional-size products. I believe these held baked beans used back in July when we had the fraternity reunion.

The supplies needed besides the can, are fabric and spray adhesive.

Here is how I did it. I measured the circumference and the height. These cans are 7" tall, and I can't remember what the circumference is. But I added about an inch, so that I could fold under the raw edge and have a slight overlap.

I ironed under a quarter-inch hem on the top and two short sides. Then I wrapped it around the can and finger-pressed a crease around the base of the can. This created enough of an indentation that I could return the fabric to the ironing board and see my marks easily to iron the bottom to the correct size. Then I went to a makeshift gluing station. I spread paper out on the floor and used a piece of cardboard to protect spray from going every which way. (Yes, I know this spray is supposed to be used in well-ventilated spaces; my spraying was so minimal that I knew I could handle it. And I did. No ill effects.)

After a thorough spray, I applied it to the can. I was careful to get it straight. This took some time, but it wasn't hard.

I just love them!Waste cans don't have to be boring. These look like jewels sitting on the tables. Everything is prettier with a bit of Westminster Fabrics. I liked these so much that I have covered two more - shorter ones and of course they are just as colorful.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Repurposing

A big trend the past few years has been to repurpose rather than discard old or unused items. I see lots of fun and intriguing ideas on Pinterest, and on other sites across the World Wide Web. I'm sure you've seen them, too.

While cleaning out a pile of "stuff," I came across this old sweater, and decided to repurpose it rather than throw it in the garbage can.

This was purchased for either Erin or Emma as a Christmas gift from Maurice's about 10 years ago, I would guess. Whichever one it was, she wore it once, maybe twice. Once it found it's way into the laundry, that was the end. It was 'dry clean only,' and I never followed through.

Yesterday, I made it into 3 new items which I think will be used.

 A pair of mittens was my first effort. These are by no means perfect, but they will be toasty when the winter winds begin blowing.

From the sleeves, I made these leg warmers/boot socks which will go to DD Emma. She gave me the thumbs up when I asked her if she was interested. Since she isn't here to try them on, I will probably have to do a bit more adjusting - i.e. cutting down. I erred on the side of being too big, just in case.

The neckline was just too appealing to discard, so I cut below the button and rounded up to the seam that joined the neckline. I will wear this with my winter coat as a scarf/neck warmer. I zigzagged around the raw edges, and while they aren't pretty, they will be hidden inside the coat; only the nice collar will be showing.

This scrap is all that's left of the sweater. I am going to hang on to it for awhile, as it seems like I ought to be able to use it for something. Any ideas, anyone??

Happy Quilting, Friends!