I have a box of silk scarves I used to wear with suits when I was working. Are there any ideas on how I can "repurpose" them? Perhaps craft usages.
By Geri Garnet Unrue from Orlando, FL
I'm not sure what your background is, but some people use scarves during praise and worship. I'm not sure exactly how you would go about it (if you were to go this route that is). I think you basically need a hot-glue gun, a wooden circular rod, and you glue the scarf on the rod by placing a line of hot glue and attaching the scarf. You may be able to find better information as to how to do this. I just speculate that this is how to do so. The scarves are then waved in the air during praise and worship. It is really beautiful to see. :)
I still use some of mine. When it's cold weather, I put one around my neck. It helps keep wind out. I go walking every day, even when it's cold and windy.
Silk scarves can be made in to a wonderful hair ornaments like flowers, hair bows or even a scrunchie or silk "hat" or turban. The flowers are super easy to make. Scarves can also be tied around your waist or made into a halter to tube top. Se below for even more ideas:
Directions to make a Silk Rose:
*these look best when made in a solid color or a tiny pattern
Simply fold the scarf in half (if you like, you can iron a crisp fold line) & cut this folded section off of the scarf so the folded piece now measures about 2 or 3 inches wide. Next, take a needle & thread & along the raw edge sew a simple "in & out" running stitch along the bottom so you can easily pull on the thread to gather -up the fabric... Now pull in the thread to gather the raw edge of the fabric then simply roll up the gathered edge like you would a jelly roll while stitching the bottom (the gathered edge) to itself so it stays put. Now simply sew or glue on a pin back, barrette or small hair clip & you can wear this silk rose in your hair or as a brooch. I like to pin a black rose to a black fabric headband. It looks nice on me (when I'm wearing a simply black outfit) even though I am in my mid 50's.
* You can use the extra fabric left-over from making the flower to make a matching headband by just folding the fabric over so you can't see the the raw edges because they are on the bottom, then tying it behind & under your hair in the back of your neck. Now clip the flower to the head band.
Making Fabric Flowers:
www.google.com/
Some other ideas:
You can also make a fabric basket out of scarves or use them as a fancy way to wrap a special present, or make lavender-filled sachets. You can also use old scarves to wrap around clothes hangers to protect your special garments. You can even cut the scarves into strips then knit or crochet another scarf with the strips! Scarves make wonderful linings for handmade purses. Never throw them away, if you place knots at the ends, they even make great cat or dog toys.
Different Ways to Wear a Head Scarf: (scarves aren't just for your neck)
* click on the photo for directions
www.tznius.com/
Square Scarves as trendy Hair Pieces:
www.scarvesandshawlsblog.com/
--->You Tube:
10 ways to wear scarf:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Iunk1gN1h8
5 ways to tie scarf:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xch4ADSlK4
Ssarf gift wrapping how to:
weheartthis.com/
If some of them have pretty or interesting prints on them you could get a piece of wood the appropriate size and use a piece of quilt batting the appropriate size, then lay the scarf face side down, put the quilt batting on top of that, then place the wood on top of those items. Fold one edge over the wood and use a staple gun to fasten it.
You could sew the scarves together to make a large scarf like a shawl. Or you could tie them around the band of a hat to decorate it. But actually scarves are terribly fashionable these days- I wear them to spiff up my t-shirts or sweat shirts! See if you can utilize them in your wardrobe. It's amazing how pulled together you can look wearing a scarf.
Google fabric flower crafts and see what comes up. I know I've seen satin and silk flowers and cotton quilted flowers. They'd be good on a hat or as headbands or ?
You could weave them in large canvas like a rug for a purse. Braid them for a belt or braid enough then sew them together for another bag. Use a braided length for a handle on a bag or fabric bowl. Brighten up a lamp shade by draping several over an existing lamp shade, the light coming through would be wonderful. Good luck. Remember fashion never "dyes" it just takes a rest for a term.
I've seen them tied about hardware on nice purses.
I used some of my old vintage silk scarves as curtains for odd-sized windows. You'll need a tension rod and ring clips from Ikea.
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My mother left me with about 25 or so silk and like silk square scarves. Any ideas what I should do with them. I can't throw them out.
