Tag Archives: Fabric

Solar power’s not just for roofs anymore: It’s being woven into fabric.

Soon, everything from sneakers to beach umbrellas could suck up the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity.

Marianne Fairbanks, a fabric designer, and Trisha Andrew, an organic chemistry professor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, teamed up to make solar fabric — first invented 15 years ago — a little bit sleeker. They created a layer of polymer-coated fabric that absorbs light and conducts electricity, and can be applied to any type of textile. A four-by-four foot swath of cloth can generate enough power to charge a smartphone.

“I get really excited, because textiles are portable and lightweight,” Fairbanks told Smithsonian. “They could be deployed in the wilderness for a hunter or in the field for medical or military applications in a way that big clunky solar panels never could be.” The duo is working on creating marketable solar-powered products like gloves, tents, and other outdoor gear.

Meanwhile, researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology recently developed a different wool textile that harvests wind and solar energy. Who knew the renewable energy fabric industry was so competitive?

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Solar power’s not just for roofs anymore: It’s being woven into fabric.

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Smart Sheep 3-Pack 100% Premium Wool Dryer Balls (XL, Handmade, Eco-friendly, All-Natural Fabric Softener)

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Smart Sheep 6-Pack 100% Premium Wool Dryer Balls (XL, Handmade, Eco-friendly, All-Natural Fabric Softener)

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DIY: Upcycling Garage-Sale Finds

Upcycling a garage-sale find can be a perfect DIY project. Photo: Dinah Wulf

I adore going to garage sales. With a little time and effort, you can find hidden treasures that just need a little TLC. You’re helping sellers off-load their unwanted items (so those hidden treasures don’t end up in the trash!) while also helping yourself by saving a few bucks.

Not long ago, I bought a red bench for $5 at a garage sale. I brought it home and turned it into the perfect DIY weekend project.

With a little cleaning and by adding an upholstered cushion, I upcycled my find into something fun and comfy.

Ready to tackle your own found-furniture face-lift? Follow my step-by-step process.

To do a project like mine, you’ll need:

A bench (or similar type of furniture)
Spray paint with primer
High-density craft foam
Scissors
A yardstick
Fabric
A staple gun and heavy-duty staples

Next page: Steps 1 and 2: Cleaning and painting

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DIY: Upcycling Garage-Sale Finds

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Seventh Generation Fabric Softener Sheets, Free and Clear, 80-Count (Pack of 2) Packaging May Vary

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