It’s the last Tuesday of the month, so that means it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! I’m not one to stick to one craft over and over, so my blog totally suits my creative juices. Not only do I love to build, craft, and cook, but also sew (or at least create with fabric). Today, I’m showing you how these clothing items become upcycled bowl filler for farmhouse decor. Let’s get our craft on! (giveaway alert!)
Now, what you are looking at is a too small long-sleeve shirt, and a pair of black jeans that are too big. While I could donate them to the local ministry, I wanted to show you what you could do with them if they have too many stains/holes to donate.
I mentioned making bowl filler, but maybe you’re like…what is that? Well, many of us love to decorate with family heirloom bowls, dough bowls, enamel basins and the like. Here’s my little cluck checkin’ you out. Meanwhile, in the background, we have more fun for you.
DIY TIME
Ready to make your own? Here’s what you’ll need:
TERMS OF USE: If you want to create these bowl fillers, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
Tools & Materials:
- shirt, pants, skirt…whatever you want to refashion (cotton is preferred)
- sewing scissors
- sewing machine or needle and thread
- fabric pen or pencil
- stuffing
- template (animal or whatever shape you want to use)
- twine, buttons, tags, etc. for accessorizing (the fun!)
STEP 1
First, let’s begin by creating a template to use to trace to make our filler. I wanted a farmhouse theme, so I went with farm animals and the like. I have always adored all farm animals. This cow is my first drawing. I was born on a small farm, but we moved to an even better place where I grew up.
However, my parent’s didn’t have as many animals as before. One year, they decided to raise two heads of beef. I was there when they unloaded the bulls (as calves), and fell in love. One was a red Hereford I quickly named Norman. Meanwhile, the black Angus, would love to stand and rock. I named him Rocky. This is for you Rocky!
Now, if you’re not an artist with drawings, per se, just trace a picture out of a coloring book, etc. In addition, you can find many images for free online. Just don’t take without asking!
As you can see I’m starting on the jeans that I cut open along the inseam. To begin, I trace with chalk with seam allowance shown. I will say, if you’re just beginning to learn to sew, don’t start with denim. It’s heavy and harder to use. Maybe begin with a pair of slacks or a cotton shirt first.
Then, when you cut your shapes, make sure you make two cuts mirrored of each other. In this instance below, I’m making hens out of the shirt.
If you want to add anything to your pieces, now is the time to do it. I could add wings, print on text, or whatever suits my fancy.
STEP 2
Next, it’s time to assemble. Put right side facing together. Now, it’s at this point you want to tuck in things like the chicken comb. I made it out of a scrap piece of fleece. You leave the bottom end of it sticking out so that when turned right side out the top is on top, where it should be.
Then, stitch around the edge leaving an opening at the bottom for turning inside out.
STEP 3
Last, you want to stuff your upcycled bowl filler figure with stuffing. You can use cotton, wool, or a poly fill.
Then, stitch close with a hidden ladder stitch. Also, don’t let that terminology scare you. You can easily use a needle and thread to make a hidden stitch. To illustrate, see this tutorial HERE.
THE REVEAL
Aren’t they fun? We’ve got cows, chicken, and flour sacks. I could have kept going. tee hee!
Yes, I have a blast, but even better is sharing it with you. Now for some moo-goodness…
With this in mind, one last treat. I couldn’t resist making tiny flour sacks from other scrap clothes.
Likewise, combine them for a fun farmhouse mix to make a happy crew. They are not only are the sweet to create, but also make fun gifts.
GIVEAWAY TIME
As you know, I’m all about supporting local in every way shape and form. With that, I am giving away a #trashure mug, a set of cow bowl fillers, AND a $50 gift certificate for you to shop your local homegrown store or restaurant (no chain stores please.)
Easy entry! Just complete the widget below for as many entries as you like. Giveaway open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. Also, winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Be sure to check spam!
And, if you’re not able or willing to so, you can purchase my bowl fillers in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, pin and share to inspire others to give refashioning a try. It’s fun!
Up next, this sweet table will be getting a new look. Stay tuned!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
Also, more refashion fun like my upcycled bowl filler:
Adorable little bowl fillers! I especially love the cows and flour sacks!
tee hee! I just had such fun with these. I have more designs, but lacked the time to get them done. Soon! 😀 Thank you, Terri.
Ack! They’re ALL so adorable, I can’t choose!
I think I’d support our local charity thrift shop, which has been suffering greatly during the pandemic.
Bless you, Larissa!
woot! Thank you!! I am slightly addicted to small things. That sounds like a perfect way to support local.
I love them! They would look great with your little sheep also
Thanks! Yes, I so wanted to make sheep in a different form, but thought I’d mix it up. 😀
These are so cute and creative. Kids would love this to carry with them. Thanks for all you do to support small businesses.
I’m all about small…even small business. 😉 Thank you, Susie.
I love those .Last year I made fish out off stripped clothe and filled them with lavender. they smelled good and I added a string to hang them with and gave them as gifts. I will have to try some chicks and cows.
Awesome! They work great for drawer sachets too.
Ok should have read your directions first. Just got too excited about the contest.! We live in a tiny community and my favorite store is our local Humane society store called Rags and Wags. We donate every thing we can to help them and buy all we can use form them also. I have always been a thrifter and learned from my mother. I made stuffed fish which I filled with lavender and added strings to hang them with. They smell so good. Don’t know why I could not have great smelling chicks and cows too!
Aww…that sounds like a fun place to be! My kinda place to shop and support.
I thought those chickens were mighty cute, and then I saw the cows… awww… Those tails! ?
We have a little restaurant here that my husband and I love to go to on our weekly “night-out”. They’ve been hit hard by all the mandatory shut-down time. The couple that own it are so nice! I feel so badly for them!
tee hee! A gal after my own heart, Becky. I would love to help you support them. Wish I had gifts for everyone!
I cannot choose between the chickens and the cows. Both are adorable! If I should win the gift card, it will be used at a local thrift store that employs “challenged” workers. Thanks for this opportunity to further decorate my pretend farm house 🙂
You sound like me! haha. Thank you. I applaud stores like that that really make a difference.
Those are adorable!
my granddaughter would love yo pkay with these.
She’s a girl after my own heart. 😀
I love these ideas! You are following along the lines of our ancestors and using what you have and keeping stuff out of the dump. I also most always try to support local businesses, especially right now. Stay safe and be blessed!
Absolutely. Polluting and wasting is not in my genes. haha. Yes, gotta support small! 😀
The bowl fillers are so cute! I especially love the cows. And I adore the little flour sacks! If I were to win I would love a certificate to my local thrift store. I haven’t been in quite awhile so it would be a real treat! There are always so many treasures there. Thank you for the opportunity…?
Yeehaw! Thank you, Dale! I would love to support a thrift store that is owned by a small biz. They have to compete with the GW and such that take and take.
All are cute as can be. I think the chickens and the bags are my favorites. The chickens remind me of a doorstop chicken my paternal grandmother made me years ago; that old hen was heavy and plump…a role model for hens destined for chicken and dumplings!
hahaha!! You crack me up, Anita! 😀 Thank you!
I just love your creativity!
Thanks for the wonderful smile! 😀
Your creative talent has no end! I’ve been making flannel shirt pillows for friends who have lost loved ones. Now I know what else I can make from the leftover sleeves! The sleeves usually are used for heart ornaments to add to the Christmas tree to remember their loved one. I do really like the black cows with Moo tags.
My favorite Mexican restaurant is locally owned and we get take-out once in a while from there….Los Aztecas.
So cute! I’m working on some bunnies for springtime that are sort of like this, but the farm animals are so fun. Love them!
Always fun to create. Yay!
Your bowl fillers are so cute and look easy too!
They are so fun and, yes, easy. Gotta make you some!
I love the cows! What a great idea. Thanks for the giveaway!
They are such wonderful creatures. 🙂 You’re welcome!
Looks so cute and maybe for a beginner like me!!!
Absolutely yes! My kids are helping me make more. Perfect beginner project.
So cute!
Thanks! Perfect cabin fever fun. haha.
They’re all so cute. I think my favorite is the flour sack filler.
I would use the prize at La Hacienda, a local (independently owned) Mexican restaurant.
Those are so fun to toss at folks. haha! Just sayin’… 😉 You speak tacos…that works for me.
You are so creative, Larissa! I couldn’t wait to see what you made with those clothes and you didn’t disappoint me. The cows are my favorite because they remind me of my childhood. If I won, I would buy plants from my local garden center this spring or if I couldn’t wait to spend the money, I would eat at The Cavalier, voted the best hamburger in Virginia.
I’ve actually heard of that restaurant. I don’t know how, but sounds good to me! Thank you for the love, Paula.
So cute! and brought back many memories for me..my dear hereford named Beauty that used to let us ride on her back after we were done milking her and she was being led out of the barn. 🙂 So appreciate your imagination and creativity Larissa!
aww…cows are the best. Gentle souls. My pleasure to share!
Hi Larissa, what adorable bowl filler idea, genius girl! I love the three designs , but I especially love the cows. What a great creation and very generous giveaway. Thank you for the chance to enter.
They’re near and dear to my heart. 😉 You’re welcome, Kaycee!
My FIL passed away last fall and I have been trying to come up with an idea to make for my kids from their grandfather’s shirts….this is a great idea to make something special with something they remember him wearing.
Thank you
Yes, absolutely. I also have my pocket pillow tutorial here too. https://prodigalpieces.com/upcycled-shirt-pocket-pillow/
We love Baggins…they are only in Tucson and the VERY BEST sandwiches around!! I love both animals, but I think I will try to make a pig with wings….they are my spirit animal!
I’ve heard of them as I had a great uncle that used to live out that way. Fun!
I love the chickens!!! So fun!
My kinda gal, Val! 😀
These are so adorable … I have some of my late husband’s flannel shirts left that I could do this with!! Also, these would be really cute in a tiered tray!!
Thank you, Michele. That’s a lovely idea. They can also be filled with dried lavender for sachets.
You have the best ideas!
Aww…I could hug ya, Melanie! 😀
awww…I could hug ya, Melanie! 😀
Those cows are amazing!
I certainly had fun making them. I delighted you enjoy them too.
The cows are absolutely my favorite! A store I have been wanting to check out is a local antique store (local being a few towns over), haha. This project gave me all the feels. ❤
Yeehaw! That sounds perfect, Leah.
I love the chickens most (because we have chickens). I would choose to go to a local restaurant run by 2 brothers.
One day I will have my own brood. sigh!!