Imagine taking yarn from five used sweaters and creating one funky pullover out of it.

That’s exactly the kind of thing Julia Grieve does at Preloved. Though her primary goal was to make beautiful clothes, this “accidental environmentalist” wound up saving loads of textile waste from cluttering up the landfills.

More than 14 years ago, Julia had a great idea: rescue vintage garments and fabrics and re-tool them into creative, stylish and unique outfits for men, women and children.

She also whips up skirts and dresses from salvaged fabrics, eco-chic yoga bags created out of recycled sheets and vests fashioned from discarded trousers. The fabrics might be old but the look is definitely sleek and modern. This is the shop to find rare and one-of-a-kind clothing.

Preloved threads will make you look like a million bucks, while sticking to a budget and reducing your economic footprint. 

Prices range from $48 for a Roma Scarf - a cozy, colorful wool scarf made from 5 reclaimed wool sweaters - to $238 for a party dress created from reclaimed wool trousers. If you can’t make it in to the Queen St. store, visit their online store to snag a beautiful deal.

Your wallet and the planet will thank you.