July 20, 2010Sew cute! Etsy.com crafters sell funky accessories made from military uniforms
Most people look at a pile of ACUs or BDUs and think, “Ugh. More laundry.” Army wife Courtney Jordan took a more creative approach to her husband’s camo: She picked up scissors to remake his uniforms (retired ones, of course!) into flirty, fun pocketbooks. “I love the whole idea of keeping my soldier close and showing how proud I am of him and what he does for our country,” says Courtney, who sells her custom-made “Hero With Me” bags on etsy.com, an online marketplace exclusively for handmade crafts. Courtney is just one of many military spouses and supporters on etsy.com who sell items made from used and/or retired military uniforms. So if you’ve ever wanted to “wear” the uniform, here’s your chance! Check out these seven Etsy cuties.
#1. Uniformly pretty. You can send Courtney your loved one’s old uniform — including name tape and patches — and she’ll design a unique Hero with Me bag ($50) in your choice of fabrics and colors. Courtney stitches and sews from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, but will ship anywhere in the United States through her Etsy shop, A Silent Rank.
This Hero with Me bag features a fashion-forward combination of turquoise and brown with camouflage; we especially love the touch of “support our troops” yellow. Use the Velcro on its front to add a unit patch.
#2. All buttoned up. At Etsy’s C&J Jewelry, an Army spouse sells handmade “I Love My Soldier” (or Airman, Marine, or Sailor) bracelets and necklaces (about $19–$29.99), which showcase buttons from military uniforms.
The green buttons on this Air Force bracelet ($24.99) are from real military uniforms. "I get this question a lot," writes the seller on her esty.com site. "Yes, ACUs have buttons ... check your fly!"
#3. Camo for a cause. This pretty and functional Desert Camo Large Tote Bag ($42) is crafted from a tri-color desert camo pack cover. It’s the creation of Kellie Moreman, a National Guard mom who donates all proceeds from her camo bags and blankies to families of soldiers.
At 16x18x5 inches — and with 38-inch straps — this bag has plenty of space for plenty of stuff.
#4. Let’s go for a spin. Topped with digital camo fabric from a recycled uniform, this Twirly Skirt ($15) from Llyrric is guaranteed to put a smile on a little girl’s face.
Etsy.com is a lot like eBay.com in that you can communicate directly with sellers by email. Most sellers are happy to do custom orders — just ask for the colors, fabrics, or branch uniform you want.
#5. Just kidding around. Made from aviators’ uniforms, the Flightsuit Toddler’s Backpack ($35) and Girl’s Flightsuit Purse ($20) from Farm Girl Fashions make perfect gifts for a child.
This etsy.com seller wants you to provide the flightsuit to make a backpack. Don't hesitate to ask your servicemember for an old uniform. Chances are, he or she has one to spare.
#6. Reporting for diaper duty. Custom made by a Marine Corps wife, this patchwork Marine Corps diaper bag ($43) from Aster Jade Designs makes clever use of uniform pockets on its front panel.
Not a Marine family? This seller will tailor the bag for the branch you want.
#7. Follow your animal instincts. We salute the unexpected mix of digital camo and Army patches with zebra stripes and pink bows on this Army ACU Patchwork Purse ($55) by JennaFerguson.
Two custom name tapes are included with this bag. What will yours say? Army wife? A soldier's mom? Hooah? Be creative!
Etsy.com shopping tip: Keep a lookout for members of etsy.com’s “Homefront Team.” This indicates that the seller is a spouse of an active duty, reserve, or retired service member or a servicemember herself. For more information, visit the Homefront Team blog.
Reader Comments (7)
I have thought of recycling some uniforms that I received from a friend, but didn't know it that was considered an appropriate thing to do. I didn't want to insult the military, but now that I see these items I will get them out and create something new!
I agree with Wendy...making something new from an old uniform might give me pause (is it appropriate? am I making light of something very serious? might someone be offended?) But in my opinion, these examples are GREAT because they stop short of using EARNED military insignia or ribbons as decoration. I think that would be crossing the line...using a soldier's ribbon, for example, earned for his or her service, as a "doo dad" or a decoration on a bag or jewelry. That does not seem very respectful. But THESE fun items are more in the spirit of honoring the folks who wear these uniforms...with the various camo fabrics, the uniform buttons, the patches and American flag...SO creative! Brava, crafty Army wives!
And P.S., if someone had made me a backpack out of my Dad's old Air Force flight suit, I'd have worn it to school EVERY DAY til it fell apart! :)
I am honored to be included in this listing of creative items made from uniforms! Thank you, Christine.
I agree with Wendy and Suzanne about hesitating to use the uniform, but I decided from the beginning to approach each uniform donated to me from one of our soldiers with repect for the Soldier and for what the uniform represents. I set certain standards and guidelines for myself as to what I will and will not do with them, while not imposing those restrictions on other crafters. I'm always aware that what I do with the uniforms reflects on the families and the Soldiers as I'm doing it as an FRG fundraiser.
God bless our Military and their families!
I am also honored to be included. Our troops don't always get the respect and support they so rightfully deserve and that's the main reason I love your website, Christine. You provide tips, encouragement, and support for our troops and their families and you include the whole military community. Thank you so much for acknowledging some of Etsy.com's military community! All of these sellers have wonderfully creative ideas to show support for their loved ones and for our troops in every branch of the military. Thank you again, and God Bless!
I have a bag made out of my husbands old BDU's ... he has all his patches & stripes attached, not to mention the sentimental value that comes from it being the uniform he wore when we met! Every bag is individual to you! With new uniforms coming in it seems like the perfect way to recycle the old ones ... not to mention being strong & perfect for trips to the market.
#5 Just Kidding Around - I happen to know this mother and her daughters are very proud to be
using things made from their daddy's flight suits as their dad is a major in the airforce. They share the love and support for military families through these items. The items made by the Farm Girl Fashions are adorable as well as practical. There are other style purses, aprons and diaper case items. Please check them out.