Ok, I was going back and forth with categories for my Tens, and y’all ALMOST had a list of some of the best snacks ever! But, as Memphis’ own self-proclaimed “Stitch B*tch in Charge”, I figured it would be a HUGE disservice to not give you my favorite (and fairly simple) DIY upcycling ideas! We all know those clothes in your closet will probably end up in a landfill when you’re done with them, contributing to our massive issue with pollution, global warming, carbon emissions, etc. So, I’m gonna give you a couple of techniques on how YOU can slow fashion down, starting with pieces in your own closet! Disclaimer: I haven’t done all of these, but they ARE on my to-do list ;)

1. Embroidery: Coming in strong at number one is…..ME! I’m Whitney (am I just now introducing myself?! My bad.) I own a sustainable embroidery brand here in Memphis called Pile of Threads. I offer old-school, hand-cranked chainstitch embroidery, sewn on a 100 year old embroidery machine, to bring your threads back to life! People bring me denim jackets, jeans, sweatshirts, varsity jackets, kids clothes, bags– basically their whole closet to customize. We decide on a design whether it’s a logo, a jacket to commemorate a wedding  or even a pet’s furry face! Then I get to work, sewing the design directly onto the garment. It’s like a tattoo for your clothes! Got a piece you want to revive with embroidery? I’m your girl! Find me on IG @pile.of.threads, visit my website www.pileofthreads.com and last– shameless plug alert! I’m dropping some “I Love Memphis” themed recycled, hand dyed, neon embroidered totes today to commemorate 901 Day! Each one is a unique 1of1 tote (with pockets!), so you’re guaranteed to have the coolest tote this Fall! 
2. Menswear Fashion Flip: I have found some amazing Upcyclers on YouTube over the years, but Blueprint DIY is hands-down my favorite! Re-imagining men’s wear has been trending for the last few years, and this channel offers easy tips on how to revamp your hubby or dad’s clothes into a chic dress, halter, or so many other ways! The one thing I’ve personally tried is the oversized shirt turned into a sleek “Rhianna dress”, as Angelina calls it on the channel. By adding a few seams around the shirt, you can have a sexy yet sophisticated look in about an hour!
3. Tee Crop: Ok, everybody needs to know how to crop a tee. And there are a few tricks to getting the perfect crop every time! 
   • Sharp fabric scissors (which are just scissors reserved for fabric cutting. Using fabric shears on paper and vice versa will dull your blades)
   • Try the shirt on FIRST and pin in up to where you’d like to crop it
   • Take the shirt off and mark your crop line with pins or a washable marker
   • Fold shirt IN HALF & cut along the crop line that you’ve marked off
   • You can hem the shirt or if it’s a tee, just stretch the fabric a little and the hem will naturally roll up. That’s it! Try not to crop your whole closet lol 
4. Hem Your Jeans: Another upcycling staple we should know is how to hem jeans while keeping the original hem. The original hem is also called a “European hem” where you shorten jeans, but don’t lose the original, manufactured hem. Here’s a little tutorial to use if you have a favorite pair of jeans that are a little too long— no sewing machine necessary!
5. Ice Dye: Ok, you’ve all heard of tie-dying of course, and you’ve definitely seen people wrap fabric in rubber bands and intricate ties to make elaborate designs. I have 2 alternative, kid-friendly dying techniques that you’re definitely gonna wanna try on those dingy white garments that you want to make cute again! The first is ice dying which uses ice and dye powder to create a gorgeous ethereal water color effect. Marble Dye-ing: My runner up dye-in technique uses shaving cream to create a marbled effect on your fabric. Think granite countertops with colorful swirls on a tee! Another fun activity that the kiddos can enjoy, marble dye with shaving cream is an enjoyable process with an equally enjoyable result!
6. T-shirt Tote: Is it just me or do we all have a drawer stuffed with t-shirts we’ve collected over the years? Some are cute, but most, we wear when we are cleaning the house. Let’s make them cute and functional with these t-shirt totes!
7. Skinnies to Widelegs: I’ve been a wide leg pant girlie for a minute, but I do still own some skinnies. Every time I put them on, I want to peel them off immediately. IDK about y’all, but I’m sick of my clothes clinging to me. So here’s a DIY solution– widen the legs! My girl Angelina with Blueprint DIY shows us yet again an easy way to upcycle!
8. Scarf Tying: Here are some ingenious ways to tie scarves. The big ones, not the lil ones. With a large scarves, you can make whole dresses, skirts, or tops. Check out the ways here!
9. Denim Aprons: Take an old pair of jeans and save the most functional part— the pockets! Make the perfect apron or toolbelt you can wear while working or even to accessorize your fit! 
10. DIY Cup Cozy: OK, hear me out. These are kinda crazy, but cute, and Fall is approaching! All you need are scissors and an XL flannel or other button down shirt! Just chop off the cuff and, voila! Cutest coffee mug coozie for your pumpkin spice mornings! *Do not microwave* Oh! And now that you’re an Upcycling *Queen*, refer back to #2 and flip the rest of that flannel into a cute dress or somethin’!

I want to thank you all for making it this far, and thank you Mimi for your patience with me AND for asking me to share!

Lastly, I’d like to encourage y’all to check out some of the cool vintage stores we have right at our fingertips in Memphis! A couple of my favorites are: Blue Suede Vintage, Blues City Thrift, or Retro Grade. Also! Saturday morning estate sales can land you some amazing clothes, scarves and jewelry! Follow @steveandfriendsestatesales or www.estatesales.net to find upcoming estate sales in Memphis!

Happy Upcycling!