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Elementary teacher Erin Carney has spent the past few years transforming second hand and worn out t-shirts into rugs in a bid to promote conservation and raise funds for a worthy cause.
Remember, one person’s trash is another individual’s treasure and during this breezy season, nothing feels better under cold tootsies than an upcycled rug handmade from the heart.
The 37-year-old second grade teacher living in Riffa Views picked up the nifty craft after cleaning out the basement back in her family home with her mum in Wisconsin, US.
“We had many shirts that were no longer worn but not good enough quality to donate to a second hand store,” said Erin, who graduated with Bachelors of the Arts in International Relations from Beloit College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She also received a Masters in International Education from Endicott College.
“I had recently seen a video on YouTube on how to cut up shirts into yarn and I thought I would give it a try with our old shirts.
“Recycling comes in many forms, not just recycling cans and glass. There are also composting, using reusable bags at the grocery store and even reusing shirts, bed sheets, etc in new and creative ways. It is all about how we can prevent these items from ending up in a landfill and reducing our impact on the earth.”
Erin, who has been teaching internationally for the past 12 years in countries such as Japan, Philippines and Cote d’Ivoire, has been crafting away in the kingdom for the past three-and-a-half-years. She is delighted to offer her knowledge and trade to help others learn how to be less wasteful and turn ‘old into gold’.
“It is important to share your talents and knowledge with others,” she said. “I have been fortunate enough that I have been able to do this in several ways. I have been able to share my knowledge of teaching with others through the non-profit organisation, Teachers Across Borders. I enjoy crafting as my hobby and I have been able to share those profits with Teachers Across Boarders.
“In addition, I have taught others how to also create t-shirt rugs. This has allowed them to recycle items and also generate additional income, if they choose to sell their crafts.”
