How to make a recycled welcome mat

Found Roll of green indoor-outdoor carpeting in Lakeview, 10:30am on August 4.
The process I cleaned the carpet thoroughly by spraying it with a garden hose, then cut a 20-inch-by-40-inch piece from one end using a serrated knife. With some sisal twine and a tapestry needle, I bound the raw edge of the mat with an embroidery stitch called the blanket stitch*. I marked the word Green on the mat in chalk, then used a second stitch, the daisy chain*, to embroider the center. This ecofriendly reminder can be used as a door or bathroom mat or an area rug in front of the kitchen sink. *You can find a link to how-to videos on both of these stitches on timeoutchicago.com/blog.

The materials Roll of sisal twine ($4.50) at Lowe’s (locations around the city, lowes.com); tapestry needle ($2) at Vogue Fabrics (718 Main St, Evanston, 847-864-9600). Total cost: $6.50. —Collected and salvaged by Diana Durkes (finedivingchicago.com).

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