Use for old clothes

I was wondering how to use old clothes that are not torn but you are not going to wear them. Kids clothes I give away to my maid but she doesn't wear Salwar Kameez so what to do with them?? I have used some in making pillow/cousin covers . I have also used old Jeans to make handbags but what else???

Hi,

Try to use old salwar, kameez, dupatte etc for quilting. Old jeans can be used to make quilted bed spreads, they are light and warm. If u have dupattas in good condition, either sew new born clothes or just give them to charity hospitals to wrap new borns.

I am doing a quilting course and everyone is using old clothes. In India, we also make razais.

rgds
Vidya

Hi vidya,
I would like to know more about quilting. Can we study online? I have seen some sites while searching but couldn't understand from them.

Hi
The best thing to do with still usable clothes is to give them away to charity. Destitute homes, NGOs and churches usually accept if the clothes are in good condition.

If the fabric of the Kameez is still attractive, and not faded, you can make "throws", to place on teapoys, side tables etc. or cover for the Microwave, Mixie. Just cut out largish squares of required size , line with a sturdy plain cloth ( maybe from the salwar) give all round piping for the four edges with any old zari border or lace.
I have seen a friend using patterned silk cloth from old salwar kameez to make pretty photo frames for her child's drawings.
You can also make letter-holders.

Manjula

hi,
u can do some embrod'y works in the old clothes if ur interested,so that it'll improves ur talent morre.also any beeds or some design works in salwar means u can take it out from the the old clothes & stich to other dress.

Safa,

I am sorry, but have no idea abt online resources to learn quilting. I did a one on one course, and personally would have found it difficult to teach myself from the net.

hi,
what is meant by razai's ? i couldn't follow

Razai is a thick,layered blanket. It is similar to comforter or duvet. Is pretty eco friendly and economical since one can pack off old sarees into the layers.

There is the concpt of buying utensils by giving old clothes...these "utensil seller" roam in the steet carrying utensils in the head basket....in my mother's place ( new delhi ) I have seen them .

Pl try to check up wht Redcross ppl they collect used clothes clean them and make them ready for distribution in times of natural calamities .