Recycle Fashion
Legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland famously advised women to turn wornout overcoats into robes in the 1930s. When people ask if I incorporate used or vintage items into my projects, I tell them it’s not too often. My creative eye doesn’t see the the robe in the overcoat. Over at BurdaStyle there’s a handy blog post about using some of the free and downloadable patterns to make recycled creations.
I have some striped Tod Oldham for Target sheets that would do nicely for the Charlie bag pattern. Using a broken umbrella for lining fabric is an interesting trick and the ruffly sweatshirt-oven mitts are adorable.
More recycle crafting: a how-to video featuring Amy Sedaris & Todd Oldham decoupaging tiny tables with old giftwrap. My friend Polly uses vintage porn to cover stuff (tables, chairs, clocks) but you can decoupage anything. Use ModPodge!
This was obviously big during World War II, both in the US and UK, as rationing meant fabrics went to parachutes and uniforms, not dresses and such. Might be able to find some nice patterns and inspiration from the period in the library.