April Fool's Day 2010: Bottom's Up Top Hat

[fantasticmio]

I was (finally) unpacking from our move (that happened in September...) and I found a lot of old underwear that mr.fantastic and I don't like anymore:


What a waste it would be to throw it all out!  So, I got to thinking... people make yarn out of plastic bags (plarn), and they make yarn out of t-shirts (tarn), so why not make yarn out of drawers?  Darn!


And wah-lah! A top hat!



Doesn't my Roopurt look dapper in her Darn Hat?


If you're going to try this at home, it's just like cutting up a t-shirt!  Just carefully trim off the waist band and cut in a spiral down to the leg holes.  I highly recommend a thorough washing first, and that you wear a mask.  Safety first!

[lapoli]

Mio, this is fantastic! I love it (and what a clever recycling idea!) 

I'm not sure how to ask this, but did you run into any problems with the center front of the underwear?  With all the seams, I've always found it difficult to cut with scissors. Do you have any tips on how to deal with the extra seams? If so, I may be trying a knitting version of this tonight!

[fantasticmio]

I recommend really sharp scissors.  I was worried about that too, but it turned out to be less of a problem to cut than I thought.  Crocheting with it was a bit tricky, though... I think the seams add character. ^_^ 

Knitting with it might be easier, I think!

[lapoli]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to raid my husband's underwear drawer before he wakes up.

[sweets4ever]

Wow, fabulous upcycling!  I really like the band placement, too.

[fantasticmio]

Thanks, sweets! That was a last minute addition... I felt the hat needed something, and there was the band, just sitting there...

[rackycoo]

Cute! I have to admit, I would have thought "underwear hats" were gross, but this is adorable! I love the hatband: that's the perfect touch!

[fantasticmio]

Thanks racky!

[rackycoo]

It looks like you may have used a large hook to make this? Is that so? I don't crochet, but I'd love to make one of these for my Mom. Is it easier to use a larger hook? Is this something a beginner might be able to do?

[Phizzychick]

Gorgeous, I love the band! What a wonderful use of all the undies that are unusable for their original purpose too!