What can you do when an old favourite jumper is just not wearable anymore? I may have a few little holes in it (dang moths) or have got a bit bobbly. Even if you can't use it as a jumper anymore you can use the fabric still.
Have you ever accidentally put a jumper in the washing machine? The detergent, heat and friction of the machine will matt the fabric together and felt the fabric, ruining it for wearing, but creating a whole new fabric; thicker, stronger and it won't unravel.
To purposely felt a jumper, put it and one or two others (but not too many) into the washing machine with a couple of tennis balls for extra friction. Run it with detergent at 60 degrees but no fabric softener. If you want you can use a spoon full of bicarbonate soda in the detergent drawer and a shot of vinegar in the softener drawer.
Your jumper may not felt on the first time through, it may need a second go. You can tell that the fabric has felted properly when the stitches disappear and the fabric shrinks and thickens. not all jumpers will felt. Yarn manufacturers can treat the fibres so that the garment can be washed safely, and it will not felt.
Once you have the new, felted fabric, you can make any number of things.
1) Hat.
Cut a rectangle of fabric, better to use the bottom torso of the jumper including the ribbed bottom cuff, 30 cm wide and as long as your head circumference.
with right sides together, sew up the short edge, then gather the top together. Turn the whole thing right side out and decorate.
2) Wrist warmers
Using the sleeves, with the cuffs at the elbow end, cut 20 cm lengths. Cut thumb holes in the seams 5cm long and tighten the seams if necessary to fit snugly to the wrist.
3) Cup Cosy
Cut a rectangle 23 cm long and 5-6cm wide. Sew up a new cuff 22cm round. Embroidering it as you wish.
4) Purse / Device cover.
Cut a rectangle the length of the device and 2.5 times the width of the device, plus 2cm each length. Fold over to create a pocket with a flap and sew up the sides on the outside. Cut the flap to an interesting angle and decorate.
5) Patchwork bags
Sew lots of little bits together to create a patchwork fabric and then create whatever you will. This bag shows a lovely way of using up all the little scraps. You could make a coat too.
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