Upcycling

According to Wikipedia, “Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.” Last weekend I “upcycled” a pair of D’s old boxers into a sleeping mask. D was quite hesitant about the whole thing. While I was sewing, he asked if it was some sort of cruel joke. Nope, I was serious (even though I was laughing during the whole process!)

It all started several months ago when D somehow managed to get a big rip in his boxers. He wanted to throw them away, but I saw potential in the fabric so I saved them (after washing them a final time, of course). It’s hard to find fabrics that are guy-friendly at the fabric store. Anyway, I made a checkbook cover out of part of it, but there was still a lot left over, so back in my fabric stash it went.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, when I noticed that D started to cover his face with a blanket or pillow so he could go to sleep while I was still reading in bed. I told him he needed a sleep mask, and surprisingly, he agreed. I thought I could make him one, but out of what kind of fabric? It had to be manly enough, as manly as a sleep mask could be, that is. Then it hit me…his leftover boxer fabric! Yes!

I lined the backside with some scrap fleece that I had left over from my mom. I even used the elastic from the waistband of the boxers for the headband part, so I didn’t have to buy any new materials. Upcycling at its finest. 🙂