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There was a time when people owned only a few outfits. But in today’s economy, we live in a system of fast fashion where clothing can be very inexpensive. The result? Many people have too much clothes, and especially t-shirts.

From 1994 to 2014, garment production increased by 400 percent, and now fashion is the second largest polluter after oil. Clothing production accounts for 10 percent of carbon emissions – and that doesn’t even include the energy needed to clean clothing.

Source:

Customizing Your Own T-Shirts

In the podcast, I mention the following resources:

• Kris Bergstrom’s essay on taiko costuming
• Nen Daiko – my taiko performance group in the Washington DC area
• Crafty Planner podcast with Sonya Philip
• Crafty Planner podcast with Meg McElwee

My Creative Reuse Projects with T-Shirts

Tapestry made from recycled t-shirt yarn and beads sewn on upholstery sample

Valentine’s broach made from recycled t-shirt yarn and beads

“Medallion” embroidery made from recycled t-shirt yarn and beads

Weaving made with tie-dyed t-shirts – Be Who You Are

Weaving made with tie-dyed t-shirts

Recycled t-shirt mug rug

Completed woven mask from recycled t-shirts

“Earthworms” rug made from recycled t-shirts

Project Ideas for Creative Reuse of T-Shirts

Stop buying new t-shirts and get inspired to use your existing collection with these project ideas – all collected on the Trashmagination Pinterest board for creative reuse of t-shirts.

Clothing for all ages

• Washable Diapers
• Skirts
• Toddler Lounge Pants
• Headbands
• Dress that looks like swirling roses
• Alisa Burke’s tutorial on roses
• Drawstring Backpack

Housewares

• Shag Rug
• Woven circular rug on a hula hoop
• Crochet rug
• Coiled basket
• Knot pillows

Fun Seasonal Crafts

• Bunny Craft for Kids
• Giant Pompoms
• Christmas tree ornaments
• Halloween spider web

Personal Care

• Tissues – including little boxes called “hanky hampers” where people can put tissues after use
• Face Wipes
• Reusable Dryer Sheets
• Feminine Hygiene Products

Hot and cold packs or hand warmers

I also saw a video showing how someone insulated a tiny home with t-shirts.

Crafters who Transform T-shirts into Awesome Items

• Rethreaded – check out their Grace Scarf
• One Woman Studio
• Joyaltee – Kids lounge pants from recycled t-shirts
• Adelaide Hills Yarn Company – recycled t-shirt yarn

Show Details

• Script for this podcast episode about creatively reusing t-shirts (not a transcript but gives the main ideas)
• The Trashmagination podcast theme music is Kitchen from the Marian Circle Drum Brigade.