Green DIY tutorials: Upcycle your clothing

(AFP PHOTO/VALERIE MACON)

Green fashion was a buzzword at the March 7 Oscars celebration: Suzy Amis (wife of James Cameron) wore a sustainable gown, and Livia Firth, wife of Best Actor nominee Colin Firth, created buzz with an upcycled dress made from fragments of salvaged designer duds. In these tutorials, learn how to upcycle old clothing to give it a second life.

Since upcycling simply means reworking old fabric and materials, the possibilities are nearly endless. Look to these sources for inspiration:

Instructibles
Search "upcycle" and find step-by-step guides for creating a vest, bag, scarf, hat, and pair of boots using upcycled materials.
http://www.instructibles.com

Threadbanger Projects
DIY site Threadbanger offers an extensive series of video tutorials with upcycling ideas for customizing your closet and home décor.
http://www.threadbanger.com/tb-projects

The Storque
Online DIY goods store Etsy hosts a blog filled with DIY upcycling tips. Find instructions to make an apron, tote bag, belt, and even a stuffed animal, plus resources where you can buy upcycled clothing from other designers.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/title/upcycled