Wooly Warmth
These two cowls will be donated to a group collecting items for the homeless in Minneapolis, MN. The cowls are knit (double stranded) from yarn reclaimed from a thrift shop sweater.
I raveled several wool sweaters in 2007 and have used the yarn for many donated items. One of the posts I wrote on the process can be seen here, but all the posts on the reclaimed yarn can be found by clicking on the "reclaimed wool" label in the list of posted topics to the right or by clicking here.
I find it very satisfying to repurpose or "upcycle" items from thrift shops. Many items can be used directly, but others can be "reclaimed" with a little effort and ingenuity.
Do you visit and/or shop at thrift stores?
That yarn is lovely and the cowls will be appreciated for the warmth they provide. I doubt I'd come across wool sweaters in our thrift shops, considering the climate in our area, but I haven't looked. You never know...
ReplyDeleteThrift stores are my favorite places to shop, and now I'll have something else to watch for--sweaters to repurpose!
ReplyDeleteno one would ever guess this was reclaimed yarn from an un-wanted sweater. these are lovely and what a great project. Combining the reuse of something with donation to a needy cause.
ReplyDeleteWool sweaters are hard to find up here, I think people hang onto them forever. Those are some warm looking cowls and I am sure they will be appreciated in the cold winter wind:)
ReplyDeleteLove this! Nancy, you have such a good heart~
ReplyDeleteDon't you love thrift shop reclaimed yarn? I was able to score a cashmere sweater once for about $5 and made socks, mitts, and a hat from the yarn. I still wear the hat but sadly the socks are long gone and DD claimed the mitts as her own. You have such great ideas Nancy!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Always knitting and creating for good causes. I used to go to thrift shops more, but lately I am just trying to be selective about what I bring in and where I'm going to put it for what. The last thing purchased was a blue and white Spode plate. love it.
ReplyDeleteThose cowls will really be appreciated in those icy cold MN winters! Good job on the reclaimed yarn! You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI do, but I rarely buy. Not much useful wools at our shops.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of pre-loved wool. Yes, love op shops, we certainly see lots of nice woolen garments that could be repurposed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful re-purposing! I have some thrifted sweaters a friend sent for me to practice pillow-making on... maybe I can do that after the Wine Gala is behind me?
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