Hey, recycling – and being frugal – is in. If you’re handy with a needle, it’s just another way to help the environment and your wallet, by reusing clothes that you may be tired of or are ill fitting. The “99 Ways” book series, which focuses on reusing fabric items, is moving on from T-shirts and denim to the versatile scarf in “99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie & Rock Your Scarf” (Potter Craft, $19.95) by Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney and Ellen Schultz.

More than just an accessory for your handbag, you can actually create an entire handbag out of a scarf. OK, technically, two scarves, like in No. 36, Farrah, a daytime bag, and No. 58, Noemi, a satchel. Both require a square scarf and an oblong scarf (sizes differ), but the book says that in under an hour, presuming you have some previous sewing knowledge, you can stitch your way to a new bag. The book also features patterns for numerous shirts, dresses, skirts and accessories (some seem successful, others are a little iffy unless you’re super skinny). But with such a large number of ideas, there’s something that would appeal to anyone – and not all items involve sewing. So as long as you can tie a knot, there’s a project for you.

One word of caution, as mentioned in the “Attention!” section: Do take into consideration the material of your scarf – such as durability and, even more importantly, transparency, if you’re planning on making an item of clothing. It can save you from having a “wardrobe malfunction” of your own doing.

Find “99 Ways” in bookstores now.


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