De-Stashing!

Mary Beth, RetroMonkeys

I recently wrote a post about de-stashing fabrics. One of my favorite ideas was making fabric twine. So - here's my first try at it. Check it out here: http://patternpatter.blogspot.com/2014/12/resolutions-stash-ideas.html

First I dug through my huge amount of scraps - I have quite a variety of widths and lengths. 

I chose a few to start with and then watched a YouTube Video on how to make it. 

It's actually quite mindless work once you get the hang of it. 

My first sample is tiny. It's trimmings from seam allowances. 

The small is at the bottom of the picture, The red and blue is royal blue Kona Cotton, the red is a lightweight twill. I wouldn't recommend using twill as it frayed a lot. 

The pastel is my personal favorite. It has 5 different fabrics. 

 So - go gather some scraps and tonight after the kids are tucked in and you are winding down, Start twisting!

Here's a couple of tips: tie the two pieces together then take the fabric strip that is the furthest from you and twist it away from you. Next, bring the one you just twisted over the other one. Now the other piece is ready to twist. Twist, bring over and keep doing it holding it tightly.






Once you have an inch or so done, it will stay twisted without your help.

Have fun!

Resolutions - Stash Ideas

Pinterest can be an addiction of sorts but now and then I come across some genius ideas. I recently searched fabric scraps. Wow! Here are some of the great ideas that I came across! 

Picture from Bunk's Blog

First - Storage. I keep my scraps in a large Zippered storage bag with handles. Larger scraps I keep in a plastic bin to use for pockets, collars, etc. 


Bunk's Blog did what so many do - create a family heirloom. A Quilt. I have a quilt that my grandmother made in the 1920's. It's a bit threadbare but it makes me think of her which makes me Smile. Anyway - Here's an example of Bunk's work! 

The first one I came across is from PeriwinklePincushion  

Each Scrap is folded and rolled up then tied with a small scrap! 



















My next find was from MapleandMagnolia 
This giant jar of scraps! I love the label on the jar.What a great decoration for your sewing room! I have a large glass pickle jar stashed - Time to get it out of the closet and put it to use! 

Now what to do with those scraps? 

McCall 1078 - ClaireBearToo

First this great 1940's toy pattern by McCall. Each animal measures between  The finished size of the giraffe (B) is 10 inches. The finished sizes of the remaining animals are from 7.5 to 8 inches high. All you need to make these is some scrap cotton, embroidery floss, and yarn. Perfect for decorating a baby's room, favors at a baby shower and decorations too. The possibilities are endless. 

McCall's 2338 PatternMatters

Here's one that uses very little as well. The body is men's athletic socks! 
12.5 inch Mice & Clown. (does that clown look like it should be given to a small child?) 

Visit Vintage Pattern Collective for the best selection of Vintage Sewing Patterns! 










My favorite idea is this great fabric twine by MyPoppet   Even if you just leave them on the spools you have created some great art! 

Next - Rag Rugs! The Crafting Chicks have a great post on making rag rugs. I grew up on the East Coast of the U.S. where rag rugs were a household given. I have made small (dollhouse) ones but have never attempted a real one! 

Last but definitely not least! BurdaStyle Did a great post for Earth Day 2014 on using scraps! 

Great Ideas and so many options!  Camera Strap, CD Holder, Necktie, Needle Books, Fabric Flowers, Fabric boxes