Shelbee on the Rags: “Saved from the Landfill” Rag Curtain
I have decided to share a dedicated post for each new large rag project that I complete. If you have been following along, I recently began these raggery adventures in an effort to save unwanted textiles from overwhelming our already overwhelmed landfills by creating functional pieces of art.
Saved from the Landfill was born out of a bag of old kids’ clothing that had been sitting in a closet waiting to be dropped off at a clothing donation bin until I rescued it from a landfill fate. The bag consisted mostly of old tee shirts and sweatpants with a few pairs of jeans that were all worn beyond function anyway so I dumped the bag into the washer, freshened it all up, and started cutting. For a detailed process of my rag curtain art, check out this post.
For this curtain, I made simple rag ropes in single strands with no extra strands added in for fullness. Since all of the clothing in the bag was in this blue, black, gray, and white color palette, I thought a patchwork effect would look kind of cool. So I kept the fabrics strips from each garment grouped together.
This curtain would be perfect for a bedroom, a dorm room, or even a den. It is assembled on a tree branch from my back yard and fits a standard sized door frame (approximately 34″ x 84″). But it can also just be hung on a wall as decoration. It is for sale for $150 plus shipping (unless I can hand deliver it myself). Also for sale is In the Garden (click link for details).
I am trying to figure out the best way to market the rag curtains that are for sale. For now, I guess I will just share them here. If you want one, let me know!
If you are interested in my other raggery creations, click here for the full list.
Keeping it on the rags,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
12 Comments
April
I applaud the use of resources! Genius. I used to read these historical fiction novels where the ladies would do this to make rugs for the floor. No idea how, but I always thought that sounded so cool.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, April! Oh, yes, rag rugs are so adorable, too! I have a few in my living room right now, but they were store bought. I would love to learn how to make rugs, too. Maybe that will be my next upcycling adventure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Ah fantastic that you decided to sell them! Good luck!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Shelbee, I love the patchwork effect with these colors. Who would have thought used and worn out kids’ clothing could be so beautiful! Fabulous!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so, so much, Marsha! I am really enjoying making these curtains. A friend just donated 6 bags of clothing to me to turn into rags! Now I am in a marathon of cutting fabrics.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This is so cool!!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I am really enjoying making these curtains!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
What a different look using these solid, muted colors. I love this one too! It’s cool that such a wide diversity of fabric types can be used to make these curtains. It seems that almost anything can be saved from the landfill. So awesome!
Michelle
mybijoulife@pm.me
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, Michelle, I am loving the print mix curtains and the solid colored ones and just all of it. The inspiration is pouring in so fast and the creative limits are endless! I am taking this curtain along with “In the Garden” to our awesome local flea market, State Street Market, on Monday where they will be displayed for sale!
This curtain has been hanging on the attic door in the boys’ game room and Ralph just got really upset when I told him I am taking it to the flea market next week. He said it makes him feel safe! What am I to do with that??? Just like that…a fabulous idea came straight out of the heavens for a special curtain made specifically for the attic door to keep Ralph “Safe from Harm”! It’s already named and I can picture it clearly in my head. I can’t wait to get to work on it.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
I was going to suggest a business. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I just ordered business cards for Shelbee on the Rags so I guess it is officially a business now! Hahaha.
xoxo
Shelbee