14 January 2013

Home Improvements

A little more than five months ago I moved in to my first apartment.  Having spent the last seven years in dorms, I have been completely overwhelmed by the idea that I can put nails in the walls and make other small improvements.  I know, it's something pretty mundane, but the truth is that I have been finding it challenging to make the space uniquely mine.

I decided to make some small steps at the very least to liven up the place, especially if it involves using recycled materials to do so.


Many of you probably remember this scrap blanket I finished in May in preparation for my new adult life.  I was able to use many of the worsted weight yarn scraps from the last few years of my knitting career to make this and I love how it looks on my couch.


A little while ago I found a forgotten VFR sectional in a pile of books, this is a map that pilots use to navigate according to ground landmarks.  I've always been frustrated that the FAA updates these several times a year and it is illegal to fly in the US without the newest one, so it seems like I'm having to buy a new one and throw away the old one every time I fly.  They are made out of nice paper, so I cut this one for North Carolina into circles and put them on the wall.


I finally took the time to stuff the draft blocker I made out of scraps (near the tail end of winter too...).  Now it is hopefully helping to keep the room a little warmer!  Although I may have to make one for the front door as well.


Do you have any clever ways of recycling unwanted items?
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22 comments:

  1. NancyJanuary 14, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    You are so clever and creative! I love the blanket and the draft dodger. The blanket is heavenly with all the colors.

    You can also make envelopes out of the maps The address could be written on an adhesive label. If the maps are blank on the back, you can even make note cards or stationery.

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  2. SavaJanuary 14, 2013 at 11:29 PM

    I like that map idea, it looks so cool! I made a similar work of art way back in high school using old CDs.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 15, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    Your blanket is gorgeous! Gosh 7 years in dorms is fairly impressive!! I love the way you have used the maps too, I'm not sure I knew you could fly though - cool!

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  4. Sue ~ Granny's WorldJanuary 15, 2013 at 2:12 AM

    I see a knitting project...... cushions for your sofa, its crying out for them. Love the blanket. You should find an old frame to put around your map circles. Something you can paint to suit. Good idea though

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  5. NessJanuary 15, 2013 at 2:35 AM

    Those are great ways to recycle! I keep scraps in a bag and dream of using them, pretty much. Some make their way out of the bag an into the world as eyes or other embroidery on other projects, but otherwise, I'm not very good at DIY recycling. maybe some day. :)

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  6. KelseyJanuary 15, 2013 at 2:45 AM

    Oh I love all those little touches! I bet your apartment is lovely! I love the idea of the draft excluder.

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  7. The Well Fed WheelJanuary 15, 2013 at 2:49 AM

    Awesome idea!! I just love the map circles! The colors in the map circles look so nice with your couch! I could use one of those draft blockers here tonight. The temperature has fallen to 1 degree above zero here. BRRRRR!!

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  8. pinkundineJanuary 15, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    The map circles are awesome :) I love maps and map print things so much, and it's cool you could make something cute with something that was going to be thrown away.

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  9. EvelynJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    I love how you're making your space YOUR home! What wonderful DIY projects ... I'm still loving your scrap blanket and it's so nice to see it adding color to your new digs.

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    I love all your touches. Your draft dodger looks more art than recycled scrap:)

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  11. GailJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Your map circles installation is so cool! And I just love your blanket!

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  12. LeahJanuary 15, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    I love the map circles!

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  13. AndriaJanuary 15, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    I love your scrap blanket, and your draft dodger! The map circles are a great idea! I can't wait to get moved and my new place my own, it is so fun!

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  14. Truly MyrtleJanuary 15, 2013 at 3:58 PM

    It takes ages to settle in I think - you've made a lovely start.
    I have been re-purposing maps lately too - since getting a GPS thing we have no need for our piles of maps of Europe. They make GREAT wrapping paper :)

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  15. katiemetzrothJanuary 15, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    This makes me want to make a pair of scrappy socks! :)

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  16. WildflowerWoolJanuary 15, 2013 at 6:24 PM

    You are well on your way to making your new house a home!

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  17. flyingjenJanuary 16, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    My brother has always used his old maps as wrapping paper. One Christmas we all got a different section of the United States. I like your draft dodger, but given how cold it is here, I think I'll have to sew one up out of scrap fabric to put in front of our barely used drafty fireplace since I"m fairly certain it would take me forever to knit one!

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  18. CarolJanuary 16, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    Great idea for the draft blocker! We are in desperate need of one as it is actually in the 30's here in California! You have given me a couple of great ideas for leftover yarn.

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  19. kathy bJanuary 17, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    I give a few things to the cats to lay on!

    I love your WORLD MAP on the wall idea.

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  20. AudryJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    We use old maps as wrapping paper. Maybe you can use the old flying maps to wrap up gifts or make envelopes.

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    I love the idea of cutting up those old maps and using them as decoration! Brilliant and soooooo cute!

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  22. StefanieJanuary 29, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    Do you Pin? There are tons! You could even mode podge your old maps onto furniture!
    Pumpkin, you sweetingly commented on my giveaway post but didn't say which skein you'd like to win :0).

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