Thursday, November 4, 2010

my creative space - wardrobe archaeology

One thing my husband and I have in common is a love of "old stuff". Our first big trip together was to Italy and Greece, where we revelled in ancient treasures.

Our love of "old stuff" is evident in every room of our house - filled with things we have had since childhood, or "old stuff" we have found and re-homed. You might call us hoarders... I prefer to say "we just like old stuff."


When we last tried a little wardrobe clear out, my husband sadly pulled this rumpled, yellowing, almost threadbare Astroboy t-shirt out. He sadly said "I guess this should go." I knew it was hard for him. This t-shirt has a history. I decided to find a way to stop it becoming a rag.


I roughly cut out the design, and the same size from the back of the tshirt, then sandwiched them together with fusible webbing. I then carefully cut out the design and ironed it (with another layer of webbing) onto an old calico bag from a conference (with a logo that needed two layers of fabric to obscure).


I did a bit of hand stitching around the edge, and quickly tacked on the original t-shirt tag (perhaps I should have tidied up the original stitching on the bag first?),

and it was done.


A bag just perfect for dad and daughter trips to the library or cafe, and a bag that I hope holds onto the meanings and memories of that old t-shirt.

For more creative spaces, visit Kirsty.

23 comments:

Renee said...

What a great idea! I'm sure he'll love it! We have lots of old stuff too.Lots of sentimental clothing!

Makeminemidcentury said...

That's brilliant!

Does the webbing give the t-shirt cotton some strength? I need to look into that.

So glad Astro Boy didn't get thrown away ... I understand your need to hang onto things.

Clever mother and wife lady!

Teresa said...

What a fantastic idea. I don't think I will look at t-shirts the same way again.

LeelaBijou said...

Fantastic! Great job :)

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Excellent idea. It looks great.

Unknown said...

Nice save, it will be loved for sure.

Cath @ chunkychooky said...

Even better than hinted at. So thoughtful i love it.

Rie said...

Awesome idea & it looks great!

Aussie-waffler said...

Fantastic idea, I just love that your new bag has old sentimental value and looks groovy to boot.

teddybearswednesday said...

What a fabulous, sweet and thoughtful idea. And such a great way to honor a beloved tee ( and super hero)
I love old stuff too xo

another donkey design by kate said...

What a great idea - i thought you were going to frame it - but this is a much more useful use!

Jessi said...

that is a totally rad idea!

Naturally Carol said...

Astroboy brings back memories for me too, only it was not me watching him but my eldest who used to pretend to be him all the time when he was four years old. He is now 32! That makes me old. Love the bag.

Photography said...

Oh good idea!!

Alison said...

That's so nice that you were able to upcycle Astro Boy. Reading this I actually thought he was going to end up as a cushion, the bags a great idea.

Maxabella said...

Magic! What a thoughtful thing to do. I couldn't part with that vintage, obviously very well-loved Astro Boy either, so I'll be he's pleased as punch!! x

seabreezequilts said...

Recycle reuse that's what they say, and astro boy lives to fight another day.

becclebee said...

love it! so well done. simple things are always fun and what a great way to hold onto those old memories.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful idea! We (I) can't also throw away anything...and if I do I need it after a while!
If you have more t-shirts you like to use they are great for crochet carpet or potholder!
Wishes from Crete! Teje

Anonymous said...

Wonderful idea! We (I) can't also throw away anything...and if I do I need it after a while!
If you have more t-shirts you like to use they are great for crochet carpet or potholder!
Wishes from Crete! Teje

midge said...

i love this. love the bag but mostly love the sentiment. you are a thoughtful lovely wife and mummy

Kylie said...

will done - what a great idea - go astroboy:)

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

That is such a great idea! I've got a few t-shirts in my "to be remade into something one day" box that I just can't bear to throw away. This is great inspiration!