It turns out that there is indeed a use for those old, quirky T-shirts taking up precious closet space.
They can be cut into equally sized squares and turned into a quilt, seamstress and recycling guru Marci Macfarlane told an inquisitive crowd Sunday afternoon at the Vancouver Community Library. She even sat down at a sewing machine in the library’s Columbia Room to show them how.
Her demonstration was part of the library’s Treasure-Re educational series. The series is all about recycling and finding new uses for old items, and on Sunday in particular, old fashions.
Unwanted jeans and other fabric can be turned into tote bags, vintage dresses can become modern skirts, and baggy men’s T-shirts can be altered to better fit a woman’s shape, Macfarlane told library visitors. She also showed them how to crochet round rugs out of fuzzy wool-salvage strands, which she gets from Pendleton Woolen Mills.
If you go
• What: Vancouver Community Library’s Treasure-Re series
• Where: Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver
• When: All events are 3 to 5 p.m.
• Events: Seed swap for gardeners is Sept. 27; a moneysaving seminar for urban living is Oct. 11; a workshop about creating unique costumes is Oct 18; and a clothing swap is Oct. 25
• Cost: Free
• Information: Call 360-906-5000 or www.fvrl.org
“When you wash these, they just (become felt),” Macfarlane said. “You won’t see the (crochet) knots. … They just disappear.”
Altering men’s shirts was of interest to north Portland resident Sam Scott.
“It’s hard to find women’s shirts that fit me correctly,” Scott said, and when she buys men’s shirts, they tend to hang off of her in an unflattering way.
Macfarlane supplied a website with free patterns for altering T-shirts. Scott said she was grateful to learn about a way to make clothing “that actually compliments my figure.”
For Sundance Wilson Henry of Vancouver, attending Macfarlane’s talk served two purposes. The sewer and crafter said she was on the hunt for fresh ideas.
“It’s good to recycle and keep stuff out of the landfill, and it looks cool,” she said.
In a volunteer capacity, Wilson Henry also makes set designs and costumes for Battle Ground High School’s drama club and was looking for ways to save the club money.
“We always have to do things on the cheap,” she said. “I think it’s super awesome that the library is hosting this, and that it’s free.”
In addition to Macfarlane providing how-to demonstrations, she fielded numerous sewing questions. One woman appeared to be recording one demonstration with her smartphone.
By about 5 p.m., about 130 guests had stopped by to hear Macfarlane’s advice, said Derya Ruggles, a senior library assistant who organized the event.
“I am thrilled that people are showing up,” Ruggles said, adding that the event fits “an interest as well as a need.”
Treasure-Re runs 3 to 5 p.m. most Sundays at the library through Oct. 25.
