Is anyone else feeling a little less like sitting around a Thanksgiving table and more inclined to hop up and take an adventure this year? This Thanksgiving, I want to see new-to-me mountains. To drive on the open road with the windows down. I want the crisp November air to meet my skin and for nature to reinvigorate me. I want to stare into landscape so beautiful it takes my breath away. To channel Jane Goodall and remember that I am one with nature.

This week, I’m gathering inspiration for our Cozy [Up]cycles theme with the perfect spontaneous road trip getaway in mind. How will I stay warm on a soon-to-be wintry mountain hike? What icy roadside stops will I encounter?

Last week, we shared some resources to repurpose your way to a cozy home. This week, join me as I explore upcycles that will keep one cozy as they venture out into the cold.

Come Along on my Cozy Trip

Whether road tripping through a mountain range or to your in-laws turkey dinner, let’s make the journey as comfortable and memorable as possible with a few creative upcycle projects. I’m thinking upcycled travel essentials, repurposed travel blankets, seat organizers made from old fabrics, or hand-sewn travel pillows for those long stretches on the road. Let’s dive into few ideas for cozy, eco-friendly projects that will make our adventures even better.

Up First, the Basics: Upcycling a Sweater into a Scarf & Mittens

And just when I thought the perfect diagram didn’t exist… This Anatomy of a Sweater Upcycle by Jennifer Maker makes it easy to imagine the perfect matching cozy set. Because when you’re going out into the cold, you must have the essentials. Personally, I’d go for the cowl and arm warmers. My arms will be extra warm while walking up a hiking trail.

Next, the In-Car Essentials: Travel Pillows & Blankets

Sometimes, you just want the windows down. Even when it’s cold and crisp outside. Imagine for a moment, you’re in the passenger seat, your loved one is driving, the windows are half down but you’re sitting under an upcycled blanket made from fleece scraps—like this one by CreepyCuddleDesigns—and holding your coffee. Doesn’t that sound magical? Bonus points if you have a cute, scrappy lap pillow.

Speaking of Holding My Coffee: A Coffee Cup Cozy

Ok so ideally I’m using reusable cups, let’s just get that right out of the way amiright? But whatever cup I’m choosing, I’m skipping the cardboard sleeve with my cozy cup sweater. Not only is it easy and fun to make, but it’s serious fun to hold. Try not to feel cozy when you’re holding a coffee wearing a sweater. Bonus points if you use the scrap from your upcycled scarf and mittens project so you match your coffee. 🥹

Wrap me in this Wearable Quilt Wrap

Who needs a snuggy when you can walk around in a quilt? I could write an entire newsletter just about quilt coat upcycles. Etsy is boiling over with so many beautiful examples of them it’s almost difficult to choose the right one. But for this newsletter, I’m choosing this wearable wrap because after all, it’s my road trip daydream and imagining myself walking through the woods with this warm shoulder cover made me smile.

What other cozy road trip upcycles am I missing? What car accessories should I be making for this Thanksgiving drive? Head on over to our feed and send me all of your ideas.

Monthly Community Meetup: Nov 24th

Join us for our monthly community meetup—your virtual project show-and-tell! We’re opening this up to our entire community. Details can be found here.

Our next meetup is Nov 24th at 11am PT. Agenda below:

• Introductions and updates

• Meet-up norms

• Warm-up prompt: What’s one craft supply you can’t live without?

• Cozy [Up]cycles show and tell

• Social crafting: music and craft together time until the end of the hour

RSVP here in the comments →

New in the blog:

Workshop Recap: Learning Bow Embellishment, An Upcycle Workshop with Other Lives

🎀 Missed our Bow Embellishment Workshop last Saturday? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We had an amazing time learning how to create elegant, upcycled bows with the talented instructors from @otherlivesstudio, a redesign atelier. 💫

Check out our full event recap to see highlights, photos, and tips from the workshop. Get inspired to try your own upcycled bow projects at home! 🏡

Read the recap »

New on Remnants: Arts & Crafts Reuse Marketplace

Have you heard the news? Peo Vee is launching an arts and crafts reuse marketplace! View some of our favorite listings each week right here, and follow along as we grow this wonderland of supplies. Want to sell your own remnants? Join the waitlist here.

Community contributions

✨ Spotlight on Paulina from our Peo Vee community! This week, she shared an incredible transformation in the Trash to Treasure group. Faced with discarded boxes and plastic air cushions from her workplace, Paulina worked her upcycling magic to create stunning Halloween installations/backdrops. With just tape, fishing wire, and a sharpie, she turned potential waste into spooky art! 😍🖤

In this together,