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.

Shown first, the pieced jumper is stylish all on its own, but could be easily customized to have a longer length, no pockets, sleeves, and more. The sampler scarf, featured second, doesn’t even need a pattern or directions to follow - simply cut up some sweaters and sew them together. Adding a vintage or hand-knit piece of costume jewelry would lend even more personality to this particular creation. The third and final project, the felted bolero, teaches us how to use small elements of nature, such as marbles, shells, river rocks, or hazelnuts, to create a spectacularly textured vest. Adding sleeves from another sweater, pockets, a zipper, or button closure would be as easy as spending a couple extra minutes in front of the sewing machine.

For those with a passion for chains and baubles, check out page 64’s jewelry making "Lost & Found" feature. Sent a collection of vintage and new materials, three indie jewelry designers use their one-of-a-kind tastes to create unique pieces on the cheap. Though the feature focuses on necklaces, this concept can easily be embraced with any sort of accessory you are looking to craft: rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches … etc.

These two articles are the particular ones that lend themselves to green style, but the rest of Adorn magazine’s Fall 2007 issue is more than worth a look for more ideas and inspirations on how to create great new items or customize and update the ones you already own (but haven’t worn in how long?).