Earth Day Projects 2024

 

Celebrate Earth Day April 22 by making some Earth-friendly projects! These projects are easy to make and can be sewn using upcycled materials like denim or flour sack towels. 

 

For the Upcycled Jeans Tote Bag you can use this tutorial here.

While many of us have plenty of reusable shopping bags what about reusable produce bags? I didn't like how many plastic bags I was using to fill up and separate my produce with so I made some out of recycled flour sacks I had been using for dish towels. These are the best, light weight but sturdy, and EASY to make

How about a Reversible Shoppers bag with knot closure. The pattern for the bag is here.

If you're like me and have plenty of old jeans I've been saving over the years with 3 boys, remake them into a denim jacket. It's a bit of a process but worth it in the end. I like mixing the denim colors to create a patch work effect. 

Earth Day doesn't have to always be practical, try some eco-friendly refashions to spice up your wardrobe like this stylish little dress made from a repurposed mens shirt here. 

Repair some torn jeans with Sashiko embroidery and pat work fabric here. 

DIY: Sew A Tulip Wrap Skirt

Celebrate Spring by sewing a “tulip wrap skirt.” This skirt is easy to make and can be customized with all different fabrics and prints. This can work as a beach cover-up or use it to dress up any occasion. I drafted the pattern so you'll learn a bit of pattern making skills as well. Get the tutorial below on how to sew a wrap skirt. 

Supplies: 

• Brother SE1900 Sewing Machine(Opens in a new tab)
• 1-2 yards of fabric (most fabrics will work – I’m using a gauze fabric) 
• Curved ruler 
• Fabric marking tool 

Sew a Sea Shell Collecting Mesh Bag

 

We love going to the beach, and go often in the summer. The kids enjoy searching for seashells and cool rocks. I thought it would be fun to make a DIY beach bag for shell collecting with mesh fabric that could shake out the sand in the process. I also like to use this handy bag for sunscreen and other beach essentials. You can personalize these with embroidery for gifts as well. Get the tutorial below on how to sew your own Mesh Shell Collecting Beach Bag.

DIY: How to Sew an Outdoor Beach Mat

With Summer upon us and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. I found it useful to create an outdoor mat that is simple to carry around and clean up as well. The key is using an outdoor material for the top and bottom layer. Add some batting in between for some additional padding and you will be packing a picnic or heading to the beach in no time. Get the DIY tutorial below on how to sew an Outdoor Round Beach Mat. 

Give this a try for your next outdoor adventure.

DIY: How to Sew A Long Duster

 

With warmer temperatures around the corner and hopefully some fun in the sun soon, I thought it would be fun to create a DIY Duster. This can be worn as a swimsuit cover up or even a part of your look. You can alter the length as you’d like and make in several fabrics. Get the details below and on how to sew a long duster or shrug.

DIY: How to Sew a Simple Japanese Knot Bag

I wanted to try a unique style bag and have been seeing the Japanese Knot bags around. The Japanese Knot bag is simple to make and can be made in all kinds of fabrics. One handle is about 2” longer than the other so you slide the longer side through the shorter side to create the “knot” closure. I had some Shibori fabric pieces I patch worked together to make the bag with. You can watch the video of how to do these shibori hand dying techniques here. This bag can also be made reversible too! Get the details below on how to sew a Japanese Knot Bag.

How To Sew a Fabric Easter Basket

 With Spring just around the corner, I thought I’d share how to sew a fabric Easter basket. These homemade Easter baskets aren’t just for Easter though - they make great gifts for all different occasions, holidays, and themes! I sew these DIY fabric baskets for everything from baby showers to teachers' gifts and more. Add machine embroidery for a nice custom touch. Use these homemade fabric baskets for custom storage bins as well! Get the tutorial below on how to sew your very own fabric Easter basket.