recycled » by elke

Army Tarp Travel Tote

When I found this old canvas jeep cover, I couldn’t yet imagine what it would turn into. The more I paired it with the bright warm colors like yellow, orange & sometimes, clean, white stripes the more versatile it became. The options & combinations were limitless. All colors seem to compliment this neutral tan fabric. I made shortish handles using leather bridle reigns, popped the inside in bright contrast canvas colors & the patch pocket on the front is perfect for holding plane tickets. When I came up with this long rectangular shape I was picturing it used to hold a computer & essentials while running through an airport. It feels & is a sturdy bag that is fully machine washable when the straps are removed. (*if your trying to guess what those bright straps are that hold the body together, you’ve guessed correctly if you said , Martial arts belts!)

Once I Was A Tent

…Now I’m a big beach tote! I know that I posted a version of this a couple of weeks ago but after making 3 more (numbered 2,3 & 4 as hand stenciled on the outside) I have refined the design slightly by adding nylon webbing to the handle tips, leather trim to the eyelets & a double stitch to the patch pockets. I’ve started numbering them so if you ever end up with one you’ll know that it was a limited batch & you have one! These big slouchy totes are a true carry-all. I picture lugging it to the beach filled with towels, magazines & water bottles. The fabric is recycled hunting tents from the 1950′s & 60′s & the straps are a quilted contrast cotton. The leather cording can either fall to the sides or can be used to tie the opening closed. They can be thrown in the wash for easy care (just make sure they go in a low heat dryer) I enjoy making each one different & truly unique.

Recycled Quilt

This vey simple quilt sits at the end of our bed & is pulled up at night for extra warmth. This was primarily made out of recycled pillow cases that were too warn for use. The squares are various shades of white with slightly different textures. The crosses are red check & solid red linen fabric that I had on hand. The quilt was backed with an 11 wale corduroy to give it a little bit of weight. Before we moved here, our previous beds were always white, white, white. This funky house has made me want to incorporate more textures & patterns than before or maybe it was just time for a change. The antique quilt above our bed was made by my great, great, great grandmother. What an amazing piece to have. The small sofa at the end of our bed holds more vintage ski sweater pillows along with one cashmere navy & white one.

The Bike Clutch

Here is a wool clutch bag that I converted into a bike bag. The straps are held on by my favorite antique shirt studs & can be left on the handlebars for easy attachment. I added 2 leather straps with d-rings to the bag. When removed, you can carry the bag folded in half & you don’t even see the hardware, just a cute accessory to ride into town with.

Cashmere Baby Hats

Here are the first trials of making a baby hat from the top part of a cashmere turtleneck. After making some of the animals, I have kept all the extra pieces just knowing that they were good for something. The more I looked at those neck pieces the more that started looking like baby hats. I finally just did it! Below is a visual tutorial- It couldn’t have been easier & they look so cute & boy, trust me, they are super soft. Now I just have to find a baby to try them on…..

It definitely pays to invest in these beautiful sweaters as it’s a quality of knit that you never get tired of touching.