I mentioned in a previous post that I’m now upcycling glassware by painting charity shops finds. As a keen recycler I also try to reuse other items that would otherwise end up in landfill. My latest is making a bag and insoles from a battered sheepskin coat!
Painting charity shop glassware has gone well and I’ve sold most of the pieces, that I put into Makermart shop. So thank you to my customers, who have not only supported me but have also helped the charity shops I buy from.
With regards to the sheepskin coat, it was my mum’s but had seen better days with many holes! It was therefore unsuitable to wear and past repairing as a coat. I started by cutting off the arms to make insoles and then the buttoned side to make a bag.
I washed the arm sections in a cool, short wash and they came up really well. The insoles were easy to make by using an old insole as a template and I cut the sheepskin with a stanley knife and then scissors. The result is 4 pairs of lovely warm insoles 😀
The bag wasn’t too difficult either. I folded over the length of sheepskin and sewed up the sides using an embroidery needle and strong embroidery wool. I’ve kept the coat button in place as I think it adds a lovely bit if decoration. The bag isn’t quite finished. I also need to wash it and add a button clasp.
I hope this inspires you to create something new from something old and save it from landfill.