Even after the flood of publications covering green issues and eco-living around April, recycling is still newsworthy. Adorn, the “crafty girl’s guide to embellishing life,” is the newest title from NYC’s Soho Publishing, which also publishes the ever-popular Vogue Knitting Magazine.

Released quarterly, Adorn’s Fall 2007 issue proudly exclaims “We Love Recycling! Thrift Your Way to New Fashion.” With second-hand shops by the dozens here in San Francisco, it’s easy to see why buying and customizing vintage finds is much more affordable and stylish than ever. Already pleased with fellow Soho Publishing title Knit.1’s green issue (which is still available on newsstands), I was eager to see Adorn’s take on how us crafty crusaders can help save our planet.

Published as the first editorial feature in the Fall issue, “Renew, Repurpose, Reuse, Redo, Refashion” features a smattering of stats related to crafting garments from second-hand finds, starting on page 48. Four projects set the stage, but only three of them are wardrobe-related. Also included is a pattern for an ottoman covered with thrifted sweaters, great for amping up a footstool you already have or a somewhat-sustainable but bland new piece from IKEA.

My first look at the fashion projects made me a bit hesitant, thinking “would I ever really wear that?” Quickly, I reminded myself that I could use any color or texture of second-hand garments, making the projects all the more exciting to undertake.

READ THE REST OF “Green Style How-To: Adorn Magazine’s Fall 2007 Issue“