DIY Life

Bandanas: they may keep the sweat off your forehead and look darned cute around your dog's neck, but they can actually be useful with a little creativity.

Anna has posted about bandana projects before, including no-sew window valances, toddler clothing, and pillows. If you are looking for a few more creative projects that use bandanas, here are some that might interest you:

Using two bandanas and some fabric scissors, you can create a bandana tote bag that requires no sewing.

Some canvas strapping and four bandanas are all you need to sew this star-spangled bandana tote.

If you can fold a bandana, then you can make this unique bandana visor.

Ten bandanas, some denim scrap fabric, eyelet lace, and two yards more fabric will get you a bandana baby blanket, something not every baby on the block will be sporting.

Bella Online has more ideas for bandana sewing projects: another tote, small appliance covers, and a ragdoll bear or kitty, just to name a few.

With all of these bandana ideas, you've got to have a favorite project that you are going to start working on -- this very minute. Which is your favorite?

I've written about furoshiki here several times in the last few months. How can you not love them? They bring traditional Japanese style into the 21st century with an eco-friendly bonus: you can avoid using throwaways like paper gift wrap or plastic carrying bags by wrapping something beautifully in a versatile, re-usable cloth. Recently, I came across a furoshiki bag style I've never seen before. I think it's so nifty that I have to share it!

Watch the video above to see what I'm talking about. It involves two cloths that have been stacked as two layers, then sewn together with stitches in the shape of a plus sign. Each row of stitches is halfway across one side, so the lines of stitches intersect at the center of the cloths and divide the stack into quadrants. Each quadrant is a small pocket, formed by the two layers of cloth, with open outer edges and a free corner point.

This furoshiki style is simple to tie: you can see it in the video, but I'll also describe it after the break. However, to get it to look just like the video's results, you need a cloth that has been dyed in a specific way, and if you're going to create your own cloth that isn't dyed that way or stitch together two existing furoshiki, scarves, or bandannas, there are some points to consider. Please continue reading if you'd like more details and ideas.

Have you heard of furoshiki? These traditional Japanese square cloths are getting a lot of attention lately, as a "green" alternative to wrapping paper and plastic shopping bags. Furoshiki means "bath spread" -- in feudal Japan, they were used to bundle and protect people's clothing at public bath houses, but over the years, their standard use has been to tie up any bundle you can imagine (they've even been used as baby carriers). The word is pronounced something like "f'-ROHSH-kee".

The term is a general one, not referring to any particular size or pattern, though most are around one-and-a-half to a little over two feet on a side. They usually have a printed pattern and a stitched hem around the edges. Unlike wrapping paper, which is often too creased and weak to effectively reuse, furoshiki can be part of a gift, and can be used again and again. They can also be tied up in various ways to make an "instant bag."

See much more about furoshiki, including diagrams, videos, alternatives, and places to shop, after the break!

The cost of curtains and valances can be very expensive these days. Thrift stores, white sales, flea markets, and remnant bins are perfect places to find inexpensive window treatments that don't require any sewing.

Here are some fun and easy ideas to make your own window valances: