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October 30, 2014

8 Ways to Re-Use an Old Sweater.

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Cooler weather always provokes my crafting addiction.

Accompanying chillier temps, I just want to cozy up by the fire, wrap myself in a blanket, sip hot tea and read a good book with my dog on my lap. So, in anticipation of maximum coziness, I mustered the energy to purge my closet in search of the perfect sacrificial sweater. I carefully selected my favorite wool sweaters from the herd, and placed them lovingly on the top shelf. I hauled the second-string tier of sweaters to a clothing swap with yoga friends. Finally, the remaining unwanted sweaters went to a local women’s shelter.

And then just one perfectly imperfect, ill-fitting sweater remained for my upcycle project.

First, I chopped off the arms to give life to new boot cuffs.

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Not surprisingly, the boot cuffs made excellent leg warmers when turned upside down.

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Cute, text-friendly arm warmers with thumb holes.

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Gift bag! I used to buy these all the time for $9.99, but free and upcycled is cheaper and better.

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Mason jar cozy. It’s not as awesome as a hand-knitted cozy, but it’s still pretty killer. Put a tea light in there, or some Reese’s Pieces.

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My personal favorite: dog scarf. For as long as dogs have been around, they have been wearing stylish neck wraps. Not really, but my dog knows how dapper he is right now.

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Headband. This will take me all the way through autumn into skiing season.

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Throw pillow. Don’t worry if it doesn’t match; it’s eclectic and therefore, chic.

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I may be obsessed, but who doesn’t want to wear comfortable sweaters all the time? Here’s to reusing, reducing and recycling!

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Special thanks to my crafting friend, Abi, who not only made this project possible, but whose presence demonstrates that sometimes all you need is a little time with your friend to realize that life is indeed good. 

 

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Author: Rebecca Lynch

Apprentice Editor: Alicia Wozniak / Editor: Travis May

Photos: Author provided

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Rebecca Lynch