While the coronavirus has many people stuck at home to quarantine, these days can be a great opportunity to clean and declutter different parts of your house. Sometimes the old clothes you have just need to be tossed or donated, but even your worn-out clothes deserve a chance for revival.
For the past two weeks, not only have I painted five canvases and hiked three times but found the art in deep cleaning. Though during this time in my deep cleaning stage, I found the habit of looking out for everything that could have a fresh start.
Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of changing something you already own into better quality or more valuable to your liking.
With a new upcycling clothing boutique called NeoThread in NobHill, Albuquerque, people can now shop for new upcycled styles in real life. Owner Sarah Holly is a creative seamstress “who found purpose in transforming misfit garments into one of a kind, fresh styles” according to her online bio.
Her upcycled clothing ranges up to $100 but can inspire many people to recreate their own clothes to their liking.
Looking for clothes to either donate or toss can be difficult. But once you start to look around your space, thinking of upcycling similar to Holly’s, you can start to imagine waste materials, old clothes or unwanted products as new materials.
I purchased “Famous Mom Jeans” from Urban Outfitters a year ago, and at the time they were enough. This year I was looking for something to spruce up my fashion, and a pair of old jeans was the perfect idea to upcycle and recreate.
I first started with the cliche cut right above the knee on the left leg and a cut at the knee on the right leg. To start off a cut, pinch a piece of fabric at the place you want to cut with it looking horizontal (straight down your leg), then make your scission depending on how big you want your cut, it is all up to you.
If you are wanting to go fancy with your recreation in your pants, interacting with people at the store might be a possibility. When going to either Hobby Lobby or Micheals always be prepared and avoid touching things like carts.
Remember the code, “stay three to five feet apart from the rest of the customers,” this is plastered at the cash registers in every store now. You can add additional decoration in small or large detail by painting designs on the denim or attaching gem pieces to the material.
Decor like such can be purchased for under $20, at craft stores. Sometimes all we need is a little addition to our wardrobe, and this upcycle can be the perfect creation during your quarantine.
These days can feel like the movie Five Feet Apart and can be draining sometimes but with this simple DIY, it can add a little excitement and new challenge in your life. Next time you think of the virus, remember not to give it the energy it’s wanting. Hopefully, soon this all will go away and next time you try this DIY you will be able to share the experience!
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Cameron Ward is a culture twitter for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @xx_cameo_xx
