The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: riverffashion on June 16, 2015, 09:28:36 AM
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I know there was a gauntlet for this in 2014. Correct me if there's one for this year, but I would like to use up all my supplies before acquiring anything knew.
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I will join you later in the year. I hate to let go of fabric and need a support thread :) to help me get sewing. I will commit once I have the time. This will be awesome!!!!!!!
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I had a bunch of fabric laying around that I never was going to use so I put it out at our garage sale this past May. Sold the majority of it for a good price. Was not expecting any interest in it but I was wrong. Instead of stressing about using up supplies give selling it a shot.
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I donated aboutb75% of my stock, hav one bag left . my main goal with this is actually to get back into sewing, more than using up fabrics. Once I get started I enjoy it so much that it becomes a major pastime also, I hav a show in the fall, so I need to continue work on several pieces
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Began using a large canvas I've had since highschool (!) Yesterday, also hav been doing a lot of illustration and painting, so using up pens , pencils , paints I've had for a couple years at least I had purchased for a class .
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My downfall has been stamping/scrapbook supplies. I was a Close To My Heart consultant but that made it too easytopurchase cute stuff. I am letting my consultant status go and working on finishing projects.
I vow to not buy anything unless it is absolutely necessary to finish a project (like adhesive, although I have a backlog of that too)
I am also sellng off stuff that I know I won't use
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working on this as we're planning to move in a year and I'd rather move finish projects I'm using and loving than boxes of fabric and wool. Currently knitting a baby gift for a friend using left over wool
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I'd love to join in too!
My problem is always that to finish a project and use up a fabric, I always seem to need to buy something. For example I just made a dress, but I needed specialist knit interfacing to support the neckline facing. So I had to buy a meter of that, to use a tiny amount, and now that's in my stash, even though the main dress fabric got used up.
I think since I'm relatively new to dressmaking I was going through a long acquisitions phase, as I bought supplies that I will continue to use, but had to purchase at the beginning (eg needles of all different types, different colour threads) and hopefully now I have most things I need on hand to get most projects done.
I have a skirt in mind for which I have the fabric, pattern and necessary notions. Off to cut it out!
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I have been on a finish it up binge for several years. Mostly quilts for friends weddings and babies.
I am almost done with a quilt made with Kaffe Fasset fabrics and it is sensational.
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I'd love to join in too!
My problem is always that to finish a project and use up a fabric, I always seem to need to buy something. For example I just made a dress, but I needed specialist knit interfacing to support the neckline facing. So I had to buy a meter of that, to use a tiny amount, and now that's in my stash, even though the main dress fabric got used up.
I think since I'm relatively new to dressmaking I was going through a long acquisitions phase, as I bought supplies that I will continue to use, but had to purchase at the beginning (eg needles of all different types, different colour threads) and hopefully now I have most things I need on hand to get most projects done.
I have a skirt in mind for which I have the fabric, pattern and necessary notions. Off to cut it out!
I think if you need to purchase something additional to create something out of what you already have, it would be worth it . because you are sewing and because you are still using something up & most likely will need the same interface for another project.
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A few years back a friend put me on to this zero sewing waste method:
Take unwanted fabric (preferably of medium weight, but I have even used an old pillowcase as well as random cotton) and sew essentially a pillow from it. I sew 4 sides but leave about a 6 inch gap. Turn right side out, keeping the 6in gap. Then fill with all your salvages, trimmings, thread, etc. It will take a while to fill up and will get heavier than a normal pillow.
Once it is 75%-80% full, sew up the gap and voila! You have a hard wearing, able to be abused dog or cat bed that you can take to any pet store or even some grocery stores and donate to the SPCA or humane society.
I am AMAZED at how much waste there is in sewing and how many of these pet beds I have made!!! And I'm not even a frenetic seam-mistress!! The humane society loves these pet beds because the dogs can't really tear them up like foam pillows. Plus you will feel good about sewing because you know that even your scraps are being put to work comforting a dog or cat!!
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I also do Zentangle and I fund buying pattern books by selling my old one before I buy a new one! The resale value is surprisingly high!
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Yarn. Any fellow yarn people? I have not acquired any in the last couple of years, but I have enough to keep me knitting for a long time! I have a weakness for local yarn-- if you have sheep and spin your own yarn, I'm your girl! A lovely stash of natural wool from an island nearby for an Aran sweater awaits casting on. Funny, I have knit less as a largely retired person than I did when I worked and had little kids. Making them sweaters was such fun. I need to use up what I have or part with it.
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I donated a couple pieces of fabric yesterday . I use all recycled materials, so when I say fabric, i mean clothing & handkerchiefs. Pile is dwindling
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I've been giving away yarn to a coworker who crochets. Also attempting to give away cross stitch and needlepoint kits to senior centers or anyone who wants to finish them and give them a good home....
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I'm a recovering fabric stasher, hoping to sew through my collection piece by piece from here on out. I recently donated my non-sewing related crafting supplies to a local elementary school. Now it's time to focus and build a wardrobe. We recently moved to South Carolina, not sure what I'm going to do with all of my luscious wool textiles.... One step at a time, I suppose.
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A few years back a friend put me on to this zero sewing waste method:
Take unwanted fabric (preferably of medium weight, but I have even used an old pillowcase as well as random cotton) and sew essentially a pillow from it. I sew 4 sides but leave about a 6 inch gap. Turn right side out, keeping the 6in gap. Then fill with all your salvages, trimmings, thread, etc. It will take a while to fill up and will get heavier than a normal pillow.
Once it is 75%-80% full, sew up the gap and voila! You have a hard wearing, able to be abused dog or cat bed that you can take to any pet store or even some grocery stores and donate to the SPCA or humane society.
I am AMAZED at how much waste there is in sewing and how many of these pet beds I have made!!! And I'm not even a frenetic seam-mistress!! The humane society loves these pet beds because the dogs can't really tear them up like foam pillows. Plus you will feel good about sewing because you know that even your scraps are being put to work comforting a dog or cat!!
That's a cool idea . I hav hardly any scraps, as I do ALOT of crazy quilt type dresses handbags etc , but I could start a throw pillow.. Thx for the idea, I like to be less wasteful.
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A few years back a friend put me on to this zero sewing waste method:
Take unwanted fabric (preferably of medium weight, but I have even used an old pillowcase as well as random cotton) and sew essentially a pillow from it. I sew 4 sides but leave about a 6 inch gap. Turn right side out, keeping the 6in gap. Then fill with all your salvages, trimmings, thread, etc. It will take a while to fill up and will get heavier than a normal pillow.
Once it is 75%-80% full, sew up the gap and voila! You have a hard wearing, able to be abused dog or cat bed that you can take to any pet store or even some grocery stores and donate to the SPCA or humane society.
I am AMAZED at how much waste there is in sewing and how many of these pet beds I have made!!! And I'm not even a frenetic seam-mistress!! The humane society loves these pet beds because the dogs can't really tear them up like foam pillows. Plus you will feel good about sewing because you know that even your scraps are being put to work comforting a dog or cat!!
I just put that on my facebook page, and linked all the people I know who might be in a position to do that.
another thought - anyone know who might appreciate a rug canvas for hooking rugs, complete with the yarn? Or where I can donate it and it'll be used and appreciated? Just need to get rid of it, and it's not selling on ebay.
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A few years back a friend put me on to this zero sewing waste method:
Take unwanted fabric (preferably of medium weight, but I have even used an old pillowcase as well as random cotton) and sew essentially a pillow from it. I sew 4 sides but leave about a 6 inch gap. Turn right side out, keeping the 6in gap. Then fill with all your salvages, trimmings, thread, etc. It will take a while to fill up and will get heavier than a normal pillow.
Once it is 75%-80% full, sew up the gap and voila! You have a hard wearing, able to be abused dog or cat bed that you can take to any pet store or even some grocery stores and donate to the SPCA or humane society.
I am AMAZED at how much waste there is in sewing and how many of these pet beds I have made!!! And I'm not even a frenetic seam-mistress!! The humane society loves these pet beds because the dogs can't really tear them up like foam pillows. Plus you will feel good about sewing because you know that even your scraps are being put to work comforting a dog or cat!!
That is an awesome idea! I always hate throwing out fabric scraps, thread, and bits of yarn too short to use as lifelines. I am definitely going to have to do this.
I don't think I can use up all the materials I have before buying any new ones (especially for sewing with my machine, since I'll need some needles!) but I should at least finish the projects I already have going before buying more. I'm a knitter and an occasional seamstress.
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another thought - anyone know who might appreciate a rug canvas for hooking rugs, complete with the yarn? Or where I can donate it and it'll be used and appreciated? Just need to get rid of it, and it's not selling on ebay.
Do you have pictures of what you have. My girls might be interested and I would be happy to pay for shipping
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A few years back a friend put me on to this zero sewing waste method:
Take unwanted fabric (preferably of medium weight, but I have even used an old pillowcase as well as random cotton) and sew essentially a pillow from it. I sew 4 sides but leave about a 6 inch gap. Turn right side out, keeping the 6in gap. Then fill with all your salvages, trimmings, thread, etc. It will take a while to fill up and will get heavier than a normal pillow.
Once it is 75%-80% full, sew up the gap and voila! You have a hard wearing, able to be abused dog or cat bed that you can take to any pet store or even some grocery stores and donate to the SPCA or humane society.
I am AMAZED at how much waste there is in sewing and how many of these pet beds I have made!!! And I'm not even a frenetic seam-mistress!! The humane society loves these pet beds because the dogs can't really tear them up like foam pillows. Plus you will feel good about sewing because you know that even your scraps are being put to work comforting a dog or cat!!
Excellent idea. I'm way too inclined to save things "because I might be able to use them for something someday" so this would be a great way to do just that but not have boxes of little bits hanging around for years.
I set a goal for myself at the start of summer to finally actually get around to sewing something (have made a couple of shopping bags before but that is the sum total of my experience) and I really want to make a patchwork quilt. Just a very basic small one to start. Was just thinking about it yesterday again and realising the summer is nearly half over so I'd better get a move on!
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I know there was a gauntlet for this in 2014. Correct me if there's one for this year, but I would like to use up all my supplies before acquiring anything knew.
I have been on this gauntlet for a number of years... so much stuff!!!!! (in my defense much of it was passed to me by friends, i have decluttered and still have so many beautiful things.) I am going to my parents for a weekend of sewing and mending soon. .. cant wait!
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk
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When I was donating some clothes and books, I also got rid of half my fabric! So.. Not much left, but was is left I hav designated projects in mind . after adding these to said projects, there shouldn't be any left. When I return from vacation.... I actually hav a deadline of mid august to hav 15+ pieces completed for an upcoming art show . great motivator. And actually, for the last couple of years that's what I need to get into it - an art show or a class . because I stay busy doing so many other things.
However, I cannot work much lately due to ongoing health troubles, so I hav more time opening up . silver lining :)
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I am donating the fabric I have instead. Good luck all :)
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I am on vacation (free) and using up plenty of drawing supplies. Colored pencils, pens, remaining pages of my 2 (&only) sketchbooks. Several pencils out because they've gotten too short to use .
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Used up a small piece of fabric and some stash elastic to make a lovely vest (in the English sense, as in, underwear) yesterday. It's so nice I'm tempted to wear it as a top!
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It's not much but I had a birthday present to give to a three-year-old at the weekend so I wrapped it in plain white paper (that something breakable had once come wrapped in) and tied it up with a lovely piece of purple ribbon. It's quite possible it will just get thrown out but I think it might be nice enough that it'll make it into her toybox for future fun and dressing up.
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Joining this one again, I need it badly.
First goal, find the floor of my sewing room.
Second goal, find the table.
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Zaga,
your goals made me smile. :)
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Joining this one again, I need it badly.
First goal, find the floor of my sewing room.
Second goal, find the table.
I am encouraged that the first goal isn't "find the sewing room"
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I'm glad I made you guys laugh :-D I'm quite serious though, it's terrible in there!
On the plus side, there is actually a small clear area around my sewing machines (one regular, one serger) so I was able to replace a zipper and sew up a bad seam in the side of a shirt today.
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I'll be brave, here's a pic of what I'm up against. It all fits away neatly on shelves, I swear!
To the right out of frame starting by the window there is a set of shelves full of fabric, a bin of projects, a tv, and a large closet. So most things visible will disappear over to the right.
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Zaga, I've seen worse. Try breaking it into categories - all the fabric, all the patterns, etc. Honestly, you can probably make a lot of progress with some good music and an hour or so time.
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Yeah, I've seen it worse as well. Actually most things are categorized like you say for the most part, it's just a tight space and any time I use it and don't clean up promptly it can get out of hand. It's hard to see but through the slats on the bunkbed is a set of shelves with plastic shoeboxes; each box is labeled with something specific like lace, patterns, zippers, buttons, etc.
I also have a new set of shelves that I plan to add to the wall to the left of the window. It's a plywood set that used to be a VHS shelf in the basement. I will be painting it and hanging it on the wall to give me more shelves within reach of my machine.
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Knocked out three t-shirts today. (On the weekends I pretty much live in tank tops I customise from Band t-shirts, because I am so small unisex shirts just swim on me, but I like wearing band mechandise). Tossed a cardigan I was going to mend, but deiced it was too far past it's prime. Was able to consolidate all the current projects into a single box.
And oh, to have a sewing room. Or even a decent sized kitchen table... sewing typically has to happen at my parents house on their (much larger) kitchen table. Does keep cutter somewhat down though. I have three stackable storage boxes and my sewing machine in it's original (ancient) packaging.
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Melody, I feel your pain about a small space. I sew on our dining (hang on, only) table, which is 75cm2. This weekend I've had two machines out on it as I have been making a knit tank top and a skirt from scuba fabric. I also made a gathered summery skirt from some lovely viscose challis. 4 meters of fabric out of the stash!
Having to put the machines away really breaks my rhythm, but the alternative is eating on our knees every night, which I hate. Oh to have more space to sew.
I've also made a plan for many of my other fabrics, I'm feeling very motivated to make some of those ideas come to life.
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You ladies are way more hard core w/ the sewing - but this weekend I finished a baby blanket that I started about 10 months ago. It was my first attempt at quilting. I've been on a big decluttering kick and I needed the project cleaned up so that someone can stay in the guest room. I have another quilt kit (last one was not from a kit) that I'd like to work on it but hesitate over dragging everything else out again. I did go through at toss all the "extra" fabric and half finished projects that will never be done.
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Melody, I feel your pain about a small space. I sew on our dining (hang on, only) table, which is 75cm2. This weekend I've had two machines out on it as I have been making a knit tank top and a skirt from scuba fabric. I also made a gathered summery skirt from some lovely viscose challis. 4 meters of fabric out of the stash!
Having to put the machines away really breaks my rhythm, but the alternative is eating on our knees every night, which I hate. Oh to have more space to sew.
I've also made a plan for many of my other fabrics, I'm feeling very motivated to make some of those ideas come to life.
I feel you!!! I did two more tops last night (I was getting super low on tops, as I just tossed a whole bunch that were damaged beyond repair so I am pretty motivated to do this right now). I probably spent 20mins boxing and unboxing stuff :-( 20mins seriously cuts into week night sewing.
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I sewed for 6 hours yesterday! Working on 3 new projects, steadily using up fabrics:). Also taking apart and reworking some old projects is a possibility, but for now I will keep working on these 3.
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I've sold a pattern on Ebay which I was given as a gift and didn't like. Pleased to have one more thing out of the stash.
I've been working on a knit top this week, but it's striped, and the fabric was thin so I had to underline it. All of this conspires to make it a very fiddly job - I want the stripes to line up perfectly, and be consistent on the neck and arm binding. And binding with two layers of fabric means slow going and lots of pins to avoid puckers. Preliminary try-ons tell me it's a good looking top though - taking my time is making it look very high-end! Also, the double layer (thin soft knit underneath) means it's totally opaque, and it really skims in a flattering way.
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I used fabric bought 10 yrs ago and doubled my DS curtain. I didn't even bothered to take out the sewing machine but used the stapler for the seams. :)
Very satisfactory to use that fabric!
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Started sewing for Days for Girls......trying to use up my quilt fabric stash, and gain a joyful hobby at the same time. Perfect for me: Small items, so I finish them quickly. I do love to sew, and the charity supports core values for me: Education and girl's health. I am seriously loving it!! I have to tell myself I have to finish up my current fabric before I buy anymore.
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I sewed for 6 hours yesterday! Working on 3 new projects, steadily using up fabrics:). Also taking apart and reworking some old projects is a possibility, but for now I will keep working on these 3.
Nice! :)
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If you have acrylic yarn, think about becoming involved in angel snugs. They knit hats for cancer kids and preemie babies. My chapter has knit and crouched over 10,000 hats that have been sent all around the country. Sometimes we get a call from a school that has lots of very poor kids and we deliver a pile of hats to them. I got one of those circular looms and it takes me a couple of hours to make a kid hat. I had made 100 by May but then lost count. People are forever bringing me yarn they had hanging around. When I lived up north our library had a hat and mitten tree and I used to have a bunch of sets ready for when the tree went up. Your town may also have a Christmas bureau or similar program.
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Joining :) I am still working through craft supplies (and new projects as required...). Most recently I used some calico to make a pattern for fur wraps that I'm making for my bridal party. I'm also finding the wedding is a great reason to use up all the glass jars I've been stashing, and some old frames I can paint to use as a display of cute quotes at our wedding. Afterwards anything leftover can be recycled :) It's nice that the stuff I've been hoarding has found a use!
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Fiancé and I are going camping for a couple days and rather than sketching supplies I am bringing a compact box with sewing supplies and scrap fabrics .
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Anatidaev, I'm "joining" too! That seems more appropriate in this "thread" than following. 😁 . I'm a knitter who sometimes crochets or mends items on the sewing machine. Got some yarn to use up. I like to use leftover bits for the Mother Bear project.
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I've spent the last year "shifting" from a very expensive hobby to papercrafting. So, as these things go I've been enjoying the "acquisition" or "spending" phase of starting up a hobby. In addition I am also starting to color using nice markers. Luckily these markers are a one time purchase with refills and there are a fixed number of them yeay!
At the same time as I've been gathering materials and tools for papercrafting, I've also been selling the old hobby stuff. and the ration of costs of the old hobby to new is like a fraction of the cost of the old. So no money has left the building to start up and perfect my paper crafting skills. I likely will never even get close to the earnings from selling off the old hobby stuff.
However a strange thing has been happening lately. I find my paper-stache is growing TOO FAST. I need to stop buying great paper at great prices. I am heading to a craft retreat for 4 days. I took out all of my Christmas theme and Christmas colored papers and I CUT THEM UP to card sized pieces to make them manageable. I plan to make about 150 christmas cards to use, give and sell this fall and winter. I landed a gig selling them at my local Mailbox service so I decided to buckle down and get a bunch made ahead of time. Last year was my first year and I HATED having to run to the craft room at the last minute to make yet another Christmas card.
I am also borrowing some of my fellow crafters dies rather than buy any more. I do not have an extensive Christmas collection but do feel what I have is plenty for my own. I appreciate the chance to borrow to make my options more interesting.
I am also an apparel designer and have WAY TOO MANY blank t-shirts left over from when I first started designing and selling apparel. I quickly shifted to hoodies, as they have a much better margin and the styles are fewer. So, at this retreat I will be marketing three new craft designs on these t-shirts. I will say I have only a limited number of them available as I am getting out of the t-shirt business. I hope this effort will cull down the enormous t-shirt supplies. I am going to another craft retreat in 3 weeks and hope to sell there as well.
Here's to using up what I've got!
Note: I've recovered one room and half a shed by selling off all my old hobby stuff so far. It feels awesome to get rid of dead weight!
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I haven't managed to get sewing yet but did manage to use up some wool by knitting a shawl for a friend's birthday (picture on my blog (http://livingthesimplelifeiwant.blogspot.de/2015/08/quick-catch-up-in-photos.html) if anyone wants a look). I didn't have enough of any one thing to make it all from stash but used up some from stash and was able to buy some new of the same type (mostly using a voucher I had for that shop anyway). Loved the pattern and have already started one for myself. Used super chunky rather than chunky for the present (needed something that would get big really quickly) and the wool I'm using for mine is a bit less than chunky so it's going to take a while but hopefully the 200g ball of wool I have will last long enough to make a decent sized shawl for cuddling up in the winter.
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I've been sick for a week, so my sewing room looks just the same still. However I think I may finally be starting to feel better from this horrible virus. I have a delicate hand stitching job to do, a chair cover to make, and a shirt to make out of a skirt, so get started with.
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I hav been camping the last couple of days and hav been sewing at least a couple hours each day. Sewing & sunbathing at the beach is a lovely combination. To clarify, I always and only handsew. I find it incredibly relaxing .
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I started a project last weekend. Had to get canvas, and am realizing that I got way more than I needed. So, what to do with the excess? Then I realized, the project I'm doing is from a book on miniature needlework for doll's houses, I'll just pick a project that'll fit and do that!
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Made myself a new eyemask entirely using scraps! (Except the elastic which was 30p). I had a tiny piece of silk left from a tank top. I had made the pattern before and knew I could get away with purchasing only 75 cm, so I really was left with scraps. The reverse is liberty cotton print left over from another iteration of the same tank. I love the print so much I am really glad I get to see it daily!
For the wadding I used old foam bra cups (!) - I save bras to harvest the rings, sliders, and hooks and eyes.
Wonder how much Liberty of London would charge for a liberty eyemask lined in pure silk?! I feel very chic.
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Wonder how much Liberty of London would charge for a liberty eyemask lined in pure silk?! I feel very chic.
The net sum of 50 £, acording to their website. All reason to feel chic. :)
I don't craft (no patience) but I do make my own fancy suggarscrub. Sugar+oliveoil+essential lemongrass oil+coconut oil. I recon a tub of the stuff is less than 2 $. Not the 15-25 they want in store...
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Wonder how much Liberty of London would charge for a liberty eyemask lined in pure silk?! I feel very chic.
The net sum of 50 £, acording to their website. All reason to feel chic. :)
I don't craft (no patience) but I do make my own fancy suggarscrub. Sugar+oliveoil+essential lemongrass oil+coconut oil. I recon a tub of the stuff is less than 2 $. Not the 15-25 they want in store...
Ha ha Anje, I didn't even know they sold one! Just checked it out, I actually think mine's nicer because it doesn't have bias binding.
Good work on the sugar scrub!
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This evening I needed something to do with my hands, and I've been wanting to try embroidery, so I sat down with a hoop, spare calico and some quilting thread. I made a pretty, curly vine very quickly. It was fun and I can see using scraps to be a great way to start increasing my stitch repertoire (I can do backstitch, running and chain stitch?) While also using thread I'll never use and keeping me occupied.
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Still sewing- at least 2 hours a day .
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Not crafting lately 😢...shoulders have been sore from too much typing at work. The good news is I have no incentive to increase the stash, either. Tonight I will venture into the craft store for Velcro for a repair. Wish me strenght to stay out of the yarn aisle, please!
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Sewed buttons on two cardigans which were out of circulation. Was pleased to be able to return them into my wardrobe. Also altered a skirt (loved the print but it was an awkward and unflattering length on me) so I will now actually wear it :-) still going for today...
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Sewed buttons on two cardigans which were out of circulation. Was pleased to be able to return them into my wardrobe. Also altered a skirt (loved the print but it was an awkward and unflattering length on me) so I will now actually wear it :-) still going for today...
Very nice - I love bringing pieces back into circulation. Sometimes it takes so long for me to get to it them that i don't like the item anymore! So I donated several when I pulled everything out when I began this thread. Several I decided to use in projects, and a few I still need to repair for use. Time to mend those, thanks for the motivation.
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Two more tank tops (I cut up unisex band tees into cute tanks) which is good as my supply was getting slim following a decluttering session where I said goodbye to everything in very bad condition. And a skirt. Started another skirt as well which I will probably finish later today. Certainly starting to make progress through the pile.
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I may be using knitting as a method of procrastination 'cos I'm nervous of trying sewing. So silly. But I did finish a shawl for myself yesterday. Took me a good hour or two nearly every day this week as I was using a much finer wool this time and it's not quite as big as I wanted but I do like it a lot. Will try blocking it to stretch it out a good bit - the lacy pattern will look better like that anyway I think.
For next Saturday, I am setting myself a target to cut out 24 large squares to make the top for a simple patchwork quilt, as well as washing and cutting out the batting and backing material. Or, at least, I assume you're supposed to also wash batting before using it? From which question you can tell what an absolute beginner I am - trying not to think of myself as a hopeless case, though, 'cos that won't get me anywheere.
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Steadily using up fabrics and threads. Three more dresses completed and one is now draped. Thinking of making some handbags next. We'll see. I've been wanting a new purse and would be excellent to make one ( for this gauntlet ) and also for another gauntlet I am doing ( no clothing shopping in 2015 ) .
Also, I found a completed quilt front I barely remembered. I don't like the colors or fabrics... Could make an excellent gift, or to be donated possibly.
I also found many many partial projects, the type I tend to combine for dresses or handbags. So I hav even more supplies that I thought!
Ah well, I am still making progress.
On another note, my show is coming up and I'm going to price to sell, because I really just want to be rid of all these things. They're taking up space in my otherwise very minimal home...
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I work at a women's clothing consignment shop, and I have noticed that women's dresses just aren't very practical for every day wear. (I know, news flash. /sarcasm)
So I've decided to try and design a cute summer dress that's comfortable and practical for an average day. Maybe not mowing the grass, but going about life and work.
So far my criteria (for me, I know people like different things) are: comfortable, past knee length, stretchy (either the fabric or a bit of added elastic), pockets (!!!), wash and wear, and wide straps. It was the observation that so many dresses have skinny little straps or none at all that prompted me to begin this project. I just despise the skinny strap thing, bras should be able to be covered.
I've come up with a super comfy dress that I made out of scrap fabric I found in the basement. Now I'm refining what I made with old sarongs, which may just be the pinnacle of impractical summer dresses. Sarongs also qualify as excess fabric when (like me) you haven't worn any of the 5 you own in several years.
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A funny note on dresses -
I actually almost never wear dresses, but create them as sculptures or wall pieces for art exhibitions.
I wear tank tops and leggings almost everyday, which easily becomes appropriate for evening or winter or work with layering or accessories and heels.
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I cut out and nearly finished a cardigan this weekend - two seams to go and it's finished. They're french though, so it's really four :)
I have a new dress pattern I'd like to try out, but the fabric I have for it is kind of special (not expensive, I just really love it and wouldn't be able to get anymore). So I am ordering some fabric with similar stretch to make a 'wearable muslin'. Adding to the stash is bad, I know, but it will result in using up stash fabric. I can't afford it this month, but hopefully in September.
I've also nearly finished a muslin of a mac - I only just squeezed it out of the last of my muslin stash, in fact I had to piece one of the arms, even though it was already a two piece sleeve! I will replace the muslin with something when the opportunity to acquire it cheaply presents itself.
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Made an anniversary quilt for my Aunt and Uncle entirely out of stash. Very proud of myself, because I wanted to buy cute backing fabric, but realized a pieced back would serve the purpose just fine!
And most of what I used on the back is stuff I didn't really want (grab bags)- so I'm glad to have it gone! (Sadly, the front was stuff I would have preferred to hoard, but I'm happy to have found a use!)
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A noble sentiment. Wishing you best of luck.
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I join you in the vow to not buy anything new.
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Everybody seems to be doing well on this gauntlet. Any other knitters out there or am I the only one foolish enough to be knitting in August? Just finished off another ball of yarn an joined a new one on the sweater I'm working on. Knitting is not as fast as sewing!
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I'm knitting, oneday! Not making any progress using up the yarn I have, though, since I'm focusing on finishing the projects that are already on the needles... there's 8 of them.
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I have about 40cm by 150cm of faux fur left over after making fur wraps. Any ideas on what to use it for? I thought I could make winter booties since I don't have slippers, but am still in the ideas-gathering stage.
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I have about 40cm by 150cm of faux fur left over after making fur wraps. Any ideas on what to use it for? I thought I could make winter booties since I don't have slippers, but am still in the ideas-gathering stage.
Don't know if these would be any use to you (or perhaps a bit princessy for MMM? Or you might be in totally the wrong climate) but I have wanted to make some for a while http://www.lovemaegan.com/2012/09/pretty-faux-fur-diy-boot-shapers-from-water-bottles.html (http://www.lovemaegan.com/2012/09/pretty-faux-fur-diy-boot-shapers-from-water-bottles.html)
I currently use cardboard tubes from inside gift wrap to hold my high boots up nice and neat, but this would be a nicer solution and feel like I'm taking care of good boots better.
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Everybody seems to be doing well on this gauntlet. Any other knitters out there or am I the only one foolish enough to be knitting in August? Just finished off another ball of yarn an joined a new one on the sweater I'm working on. Knitting is not as fast as sewing!
I've done two shawls (one a present for someone, one for me that still needs to be blocked), one scarf/cowl and started another scarf yesterday. The scarfs are small things specifically thought of as stashbusting (the start at the beginning and keep going till the yarn is gone and call it good) - I decided I don't need to have someone particular in mind for each thing, I can make things up and put them into my presents drawer and then have them on hand for when someone has a birthday or maybe for christmas. Will be adding a few hats into the mix as well, and some bed socks and that kind of thing. I have a lot of individual balls of yarn in my stash rather than enough of anything to do one big project and I like the satisfaction of finishing smaller things in a week or so. Have loads of cotton as well so will be doing plenty of dishcloths, too.
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I have about 40cm by 150cm of faux fur left over after making fur wraps. Any ideas on what to use it for? I thought I could make winter booties since I don't have slippers, but am still in the ideas-gathering stage.
Fake fur can look really nice as trim for medieval dresses, especially around the sleeves or like the one in the link below. Then, if that's not something you would use, you can sell it on Etsy or something.
http://www.couturemayah.info/engsidelesssurcote.html
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I have about 40cm by 150cm of faux fur left over after making fur wraps. Any ideas on what to use it for? I thought I could make winter booties since I don't have slippers, but am still in the ideas-gathering stage.
Do you have any children in your life who have dolls? It could make some really elegant trim on winter dresses or capes. (Perhaps a hat and hand-warmer to match?)
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Posting to follow, since I started last year's challenge, and totally failed to follow-through. However, my husband and I recently restarted an old hobby that calls for costume making. We went through all our fabric and measured it out, then labeled the folded material with the yardage, o we know how much we have for projects.
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Inspired to tackle some more of my stash on Sunday... I think the weather will be bad and I have no other plans so this should keep my away from doing anything too pricy.
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Steadily using up lots of supplies- sewing projects galore complete.
Today at work, I was given a bag of clothing to look thru & took one denim skirt to use for sewing - realized I wasn't allowed new fabrics, so I put it out to donate again. Must watch this. I still hav plenty of fabric yet!
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I was pleased to use up a few reels of cheap and nasty thread on a toile over the weekend. The toile went well - although I'm surprisingly annoyed at how well the pattern fits 'out of the envelope' which is stupid. It's great that it fits well! It just feels like a waste to make it twice unnecessarily because no alterations were needed.
I also made a new top, although I'm unhappy with the fit at the shoulders. It's the last seam to be sewn up, so I put it aside and will consider how best to tackle it. I need to pull in the back neckline as it's gaping.
And finally, I took an old pair of white jeans and turned them into skinny cropped jeans. I was very pleased with this as I have wanted a pair for a while, but couldn't find any second hand. I did find a pair similar to the ones I already had but better quality, so those have replaced these, and these have become the cropped pair I wanted!
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I am making salt and sugar scrubs myself right now. I used "good"olive oil for the sugar scrubs and grapeseed oil for the salt scrubs. I was proud of myself for using up some Mason Jars, 2 gasket jars and some plastic containers taking up space in my cabinet plus some of my essential oils.
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Still steadily sewing 2+ hours a day and making lots of progress. Fabrics and threads dwindled significantly. Working on 5 purses (midway) and will complete more, plus another dress to make in the next 2 weeks. I foresee being almost out by the time I'm done . hooray!
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Iused another ball of yarn in my sweater. Now I'm working on the first sleeve cap.
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My sewing machine is playing up! Argh. I've given it a really good clean (I did find a big chunk of fluff in the thread snips), but the tension just isn't right. Much too low on the upper thread, so everything is pulling through to the back. I've tightened the bobbin spring to no avail.
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Another baby quilt solely out of stashed material!
I'm going to have to buy batting soon though. I may be able to butt some fleece scraps together to fill some quilts, but not if they are going to really warm places.
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I'm trying to do this with all the yarn I've bought because it was a good deal while on sale.
I've made many baby hats and blankets for charity.
I still have a lot of yarn to get through.
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I've been working on projects that I have lined up. Letting out 2 pairs of shorts (taken apart), doing some alterations on 3 dresses (2 done, 1 partway), making 3 dresses (2 done).
I also decided that the closet in my sewing room was not helpful as it was full of shelves the entire way across. I took out one of the sets of shelves and put back in the hanging bar. Just being able to hang up projects as I work on them is a huge help!
Now I have a whole bunch of blankets that I need to get rid of, somehow the sewing room closet was about half full of blankets that we never use. I'm thinking a bunch of them will go to family members and/or to an animal shelter.
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I guess I've been sewing too much because I've messed up both of my machines! I will have to take one in to be serviced this week, the other I'm hoping I can fiddle back to happiness.
Since I couldn't sew, I cut out. I had some large scraps of cotton jersey left. I wanted to make a tank top, but I didn't have enough length. I realised with much glee I could cut both front and back shorter and then add a hem band from the remaining width. Yay!
I also cut a long-sleeved t out which was from fabric I really love. Can't wait to make that up.
And the fabric stash now fits neatly in it's two allocated boxes! I need to run it down some more though, as I have a trip planned which will result in more coming home with me.
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Screen printed a top and started on curtting down a tank top that a friend gave me as a gift but is miles too big. The top had a weird shape that made it not very condusive to this, but I seem to be having success.
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A week later and I am still on the same ball of yarn on the same sleeve. However, I am showing fidelity to this project...have not "cheated" with any other WIP's :)
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FINALLY! After 3 years of stop and go, I finished the drapes for our living room. Two sets of floor to ceiling pinch pleat draw drapes over triple ganged windows - each set is over 10' wide!
I learned a lot. Mostly that I can't sew a straight line to save my life... But they look great, and I love 'em.
I also learned that there's no earthly reason for me to buy a serger. I have SIX local friends with sergers, half of which have never been used. Borrowing one of them made joining the fabric panels into the necessary width, even with the "how do I thread this thing" learning curve, go very quickly. It's the rest that took so long.
If there are any expert seamstresses here - is it my machine or my technique that makes the upper and lower fabric get out of sync on really long runs? It was most apparent on the top where I was sewing the pleater tape to the fabric. A couple times I'd have to put in a small pleat on the tape. It didn't really mess anything up, but it annoyed me.
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Ohh, I need to get in on this challenge!
I'm by no means an accomplished seamstress, but I managed to muddle my way through making a dress and blouse this summer. I've still got fabric in need of using though!
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FINALLY! After 3 years of stop and go, I finished the drapes for our living room. Two sets of floor to ceiling pinch pleat draw drapes over triple ganged windows - each set is over 10' wide!
rock on!
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If there are any expert seamstresses here - is it my machine or my technique that makes the upper and lower fabric get out of sync on really long runs? It was most apparent on the top where I was sewing the pleater tape to the fabric. A couple times I'd have to put in a small pleat on the tape. It didn't really mess anything up, but it annoyed me.
Can you adjust your presser foot pressure? It may be too high. So the bottom is being pulled along by the feed dogs, but the top is being held down into place by the pressure.
Whenever this happens though, I find it best to switch to a walking foot- which is designed to ensure the top and bottom move together.
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There's no earthly way I could use up my yarn stash in the next 5 years. But! I am committed to not buying any new yarn and getting rid of the yarn I don't like. Although last weekend I plucked some white cotton worsted weight out of the Goodwill pile and randomly started a sweater. Oh well....at least I didn't buy new yarn!
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Well, almost all my fabrics are used up- after ten dresses & ten handbags. I'm taking a break- been sewing everyday.
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There's no earthly way I could use up my yarn stash in the next 5 years. But! I am committed to not buying any new yarn and getting rid of the yarn I don't like. Although last weekend I plucked some white cotton worsted weight out of the Goodwill pile and randomly started a sweater. Oh well....at least I didn't buy new yarn!
I'm in the same boat. I have a lot of yarn but some of it isn't enough to make anything more than a scarf or a hat. How I got into this mess was buying something because it was on sale or buying one more ball of yarn than my project called for "just in case" I'm giving myself leeway in using up my stash by buying a enough of a neutral color (white, brown, grey, or black) to make an afghan.
I also decided I will be making a LOT of hats for charity! So far I've made 15 baby hats and 2 baby afghans and donated them to a local hospital.
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Well, almost all my fabrics are used up- after ten dresses & ten handbags. I'm taking a break- been sewing everyday.
Great work riverffashion!
I dropped my machine off for a repair at the weekend - it looked fairly minor and he said he wouldn't charge me if it turned out to just be that. Glad I bought the machine locally.
My other machine, which was giving me trouble on the tension is working just fine again. These electronic machines... On the one hand I love that sometimes I can put it away 'broken' and then suddenly a week later it's fine again. With a mechanical machine, if it goes away problematic, it comes back out problematic. But at the same time it makes me think there was nothing really wrong with it, so it's just frustration for no reason.
Anyway, I do love my machine, I think some of it must be user error. There are a lot of settings, and sometimes turning it off and on again doesn't reset things, but leaving it a few days does. Maybe there's a memory that can hold things for a certain amount of time.
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I have the opposite problem. I decided I want to learn how to sew. Since I'm just starting, I don't have much. However, my mom has sewing stuff, and she doesn't do a lot of sewing. I figure I can permanently borrow a bunch of stuff from her!
I've made one pair of PJ pants, and have fabric for two more pairs. Then, I plan to make a nightshirt for my friend (my pattern will fit her), then possibly one for me. Working on basic skills, like sewing in a straight line.
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I have the opposite problem. I decided I want to learn how to sew. Since I'm just starting, I don't have much. However, my mom has sewing stuff, and she doesn't do a lot of sewing. I figure I can permanently borrow a bunch of stuff from her!
I've made one pair of PJ pants, and have fabric for two more pairs. Then, I plan to make a nightshirt for my friend (my pattern will fit her), then possibly one for me. Working on basic skills, like sewing in a straight line.
Good for u!!
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So my show is hung as of yesterday & so glad it's done! Alot of work . anyway, accepted fabrics ( clothing . I upcycle only ) from a few different ppl ( since I finished up my other stock - hurray! ). So now I figure I'll keep accepting offerings for a bit, then stop at a reasonable amt & used it all up again. Excited to sort thru my new fabrics :)
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How do you sew a neckline in jersey without stretching it out? I basted, but that didn't help. Stay tape? Fusible stuff? I'm sewing this (http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/75053) pattern, which is pretty simple, but still not easy to me! It has you sew a fabric strip to the neck, which is then folded to the inside and sewn down. But the neckline flops out. I'm using some lightweight t-shirt material from Joanns, nothing special.
Thankfully, I'm just practicing on scraps so far.
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I sew jersey by folding it over and using a zigzag stitch. Straight stitches, in my experience, often result in stretched out fabric, the zigzag allows the fabric to resume it's original shape.
Another option is the straight stitch "stretch stitch" on your machine. That would be good for attaching 2 pieces of jersey together in a straight line.
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Kerowyn, i think finishing wips counts as using up yarn for sure. I am doing the same as you, with a similar number of wips. PLEASE don't ask how long the parasol has been a wip. Pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-ladys-bumbershoot (Ravelry requires free registration).
Moonwaves, what a good idea to make a project, but wait for the right giving opportunity. I'll have to keep that strategy in mind for my orphan skeins.
RunHappy, keep on chugging through that stash! For me the goal is not to use up all yarn,, but to force myself to follow up on the good intentions behind prior purchases before making any more. BTW, what charity do you send your knitted things to?
geekette, that is why I joined this challenge, too. Learning, finishing, and loving the results. Way to go, I admire your persistence!
katesilvergirl, how is your sweater shaping up?
riveroffashion, kudos!
To all the sewers, I'm a little jealous. You can whip out a garment or home accessory in a weekend. Knitting is a much slower process, especially the way I do it. For example, I am working on my first adult-size sweater, having made many 6 month size ones in the past. Decided to make the armhole opening deeper. This means it will be a different size at the shoulder than the pattern, but I still want it to be the original size at the wrist. And I am customizing the length. First shot at the calculations (and some denial in the form of not measuring against my body while still in the middle) and the sleeve will be TOO long. So, a week of misguided knitting, a week of procrastination about facing the truth, you can see how this one garment will take MONTHS! But I love it ☺
On, and I have to take back my "used up another ball of yarn" from Aug 17.
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How do you sew a neckline in jersey without stretching it out? I basted, but that didn't help. Stay tape? Fusible stuff? I'm sewing this (http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/75053) pattern, which is pretty simple, but still not easy to me! It has you sew a fabric strip to the neck, which is then folded to the inside and sewn down. But the neckline flops out. I'm using some lightweight t-shirt material from Joanns, nothing special.
Thankfully, I'm just practicing on scraps so far.
It sounds like you're sewing on a neck band (the folded strip). This strip needs to be a bit shorter (usually about 80% but it depends how stretchy your jersey is) than the neck opening. Sew it into a circle, then pin it at the shoulders and front centre. You will then stretch it to fit the neckline as you sew. This pulls everything in and stops it flopping out.
Here's a tutorial I found which looks about right to me: https://indiesew.com/blog/how-to-bind-a-knit-neckline (https://indiesew.com/blog/how-to-bind-a-knit-neckline)
If it's not a neckband but instead the whole strip is turned to the inside, I'd still try using a strip that is shorter than the opening. This will use the stretch in the fabric to pull things in and make it sit flat.
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Kerowyn, i think finishing wips counts as using up yarn for sure. I am doing the same as you, with a similar number of wips. PLEASE don't ask how long the parasol has been a wip. Pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-ladys-bumbershoot (Ravelry requires free registration).
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To all the sewers, I'm a little jealous. You can whip out a garment or home accessory in a weekend. Knitting is a much slower process, especially the way I do it. For example, I am working on my first adult-size sweater, having made many 6 month size ones in the past. Decided to make the armhole opening deeper. This means it will be a different size at the shoulder than the pattern, but I still want it to be the original size at the wrist. And I am customizing the length. First shot at the calculations (and some denial in the form of not measuring against my body while still in the middle) and the sleeve will be TOO long. So, a week of misguided knitting, a week of procrastination about facing the truth, you can see how this one garment will take MONTHS! But I love it ☺
Ooh, I think I have that parasol in my queue. I do have a worn-out umbrella that I'm saving so I can use the metal frame for a knitted parasol!
I am actually about to start a new project, though I know I shouldn't... But I didn't buy yarn, and it will be very quick, and really, how could I resist making a hat for my cousin's baby? I've planned ahead well enough that I may even be able to have it ready in time for the baby shower in 3 weeks.
Good luck with your sweater! That sounds like a really difficult modification.
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How do you sew a neckline in jersey without stretching it out? I basted, but that didn't help. Stay tape? Fusible stuff? I'm sewing this (http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/75053) pattern, which is pretty simple, but still not easy to me! It has you sew a fabric strip to the neck, which is then folded to the inside and sewn down. But the neckline flops out. I'm using some lightweight t-shirt material from Joanns, nothing special.
Thankfully, I'm just practicing on scraps so far.
It sounds like you're sewing on a neck band (the folded strip). This strip needs to be a bit shorter (usually about 80% but it depends how stretchy your jersey is) than the neck opening. Sew it into a circle, then pin it at the shoulders and front centre. You will then stretch it to fit the neckline as you sew. This pulls everything in and stops it flopping out.
Here's a tutorial I found which looks about right to me: https://indiesew.com/blog/how-to-bind-a-knit-neckline (https://indiesew.com/blog/how-to-bind-a-knit-neckline)
If it's not a neckband but instead the whole strip is turned to the inside, I'd still try using a strip that is shorter than the opening. This will use the stretch in the fabric to pull things in and make it sit flat.
Oh my goodness, that makes so much sense! I will try that today.
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To all the sewers, I'm a little jealous. You can whip out a garment or home accessory in a weekend. Knitting is a much slower process, especially the way I do it. For example, I am working on my first adult-size sweater, having made many 6 month size ones in the past. Decided to make the armhole opening deeper. This means it will be a different size at the shoulder than the pattern, but I still want it to be the original size at the wrist. And I am customizing the length. First shot at the calculations (and some denial in the form of not measuring against my body while still in the middle) and the sleeve will be TOO long. So, a week of misguided knitting, a week of procrastination about facing the truth, you can see how this one garment will take MONTHS! But I love it ☺
I completely understand. I needlepoint - similar to cross stitch, but you do the whole canvas and the stitch looks like this: /
I had one project going for 6 years. Massive, massive project. And I have canvas and most of the yarn for a rug. Yes, rug. I think it'll be 3x5 feet when finished. That will be a multi-year project. Currently, I'm doing several very small projects (2x4 inches) because I have all the materials for them.
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My problem is always that to finish a project and use up a fabric, I always seem to need to buy something. For example I just made a dress, but I needed specialist knit interfacing to support the neckline facing. So I had to buy a meter of that, to use a tiny amount, and now that's in my stash, even though the main dress fabric got used up.
The store wouldn't sell you a half or quarter meter?
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Wow, you all are inspiring! I've been working on my sewing recently, some quilting (piecework for now, not actually quilting yet) and garment construction. I'd do more garment construction, but it just seems to take so long! I recently made myself some button down dress shirts that I love since they fit. (Added 2 inches on the sleeves!). Those are great, but it took me two weeks of nights and weekends.
Any tips and tricks for those of us who are a little slow? I'm assuming practice will help.
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Hav sewn by hand another full-length gown - all because a former teacher requested I bring to show her students on Friday (class is "fiber sculpture" & I do upcycled "crazy-quilt" style by hand only.) Request was on Friday & all my dresses are currently in a show! So I created a new one, because I'm very quick ha-ha:)
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Hav sewn by hand another full-length gown - all because a former teacher requested I bring to show her students on Friday (class is "fiber sculpture" & I do upcycled "crazy-quilt" style by hand only.) Request was on Friday & all my dresses are currently in a show! So I created a new one, because I'm very quick ha-ha:)
Also made a necklace for my Godmother using only what I already have.
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Wow, you all are inspiring! I've been working on my sewing recently, some quilting (piecework for now, not actually quilting yet) and garment construction. I'd do more garment construction, but it just seems to take so long! I recently made myself some button down dress shirts that I love since they fit. (Added 2 inches on the sleeves!). Those are great, but it took me two weeks of nights and weekends.
Any tips and tricks for those of us who are a little slow? I'm assuming practice will help.
On a sewing machine, I figure a dress should take a full Saturday or so. By hand, I tend to allocate a month to each garment. that's not counting sewing buttonholes, eyelets, etc., just cutting out fabric and assembly.
I'm not sure what's the slow part for you. Laying out the pattern and cutting it out? Tracking which piece goes where? Pinning?
I haven't done a dress shirt, but I can imagine that taking longer than a dress, what with collar, cuffs, maybe some darts / princess seams, a separate piece along the back of the shoulder, interfacing the band where the buttons/buttonholes go...
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Wow, you all are inspiring! I've been working on my sewing recently, some quilting (piecework for now, not actually quilting yet) and garment construction. I'd do more garment construction, but it just seems to take so long! I recently made myself some button down dress shirts that I love since they fit. (Added 2 inches on the sleeves!). Those are great, but it took me two weeks of nights and weekends.
Any tips and tricks for those of us who are a little slow? I'm assuming practice will help.
On a sewing machine, I figure a dress should take a full Saturday or so. By hand, I tend to allocate a month to each garment. that's not counting sewing buttonholes, eyelets, etc., just cutting out fabric and assembly.
I'm not sure what's the slow part for you. Laying out the pattern and cutting it out? Tracking which piece goes where? Pinning?
I haven't done a dress shirt, but I can imagine that taking longer than a dress, what with collar, cuffs, maybe some darts / princess seams, a separate piece along the back of the shoulder, interfacing the band where the buttons/buttonholes go...
My take is practice: the more you sew , the faster you'll get and discover possibly some efficient tricks. Also, I think even though it is taking several nights and weekends its worth it because you're getting fabulous results and using up supplies. :)
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I'm trying to set up a "hobby swap" with friends to pass on my many, many supplies and tools for many, many hobbies to people who could benefit from them. I'm starting to think it will take a few separate swaps - had people do a survey of what they are interested in and what they could give (especially if we invite children or new crafters) and there is a really wide variance. The project is starting to take shape, and I'm already looking at what items I would be happy to pass on, and what I need to make myself.
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Sewed two pillowcases on the weekend, which got the inners out of my craft room as well! Next up is working out something for some plaid fabric - and DH and I were talking about needing a picnic rug+bag on the weekend, with the spring weather so lovely!
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Sewed two pillowcases on the weekend, which got the inners out of my craft room as well! Next up is working out something for some plaid fabric - and DH and I were talking about needing a picnic rug+bag on the weekend, with the spring weather so lovely!
Ah how nice:). Picnic gear is a great project idea.
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Well, I did the opposite. I was at my parent's house last weekend, and "borrowed" a bunch of sewing things that my mom isn't going to use anymore. Got pinking shears, an antique device to help pin even hems, and some random supplies (zippers anyone?).
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Hi Sibley, I am about to accumulate more yarn stash briefly. I am knitting a sweater and am about to run out of yarn...will have to buy more or have a mostly-undone sweater around the house forever (or throw it away, perish the thought!). Not looking forward to spending the cash, but even less do I want a sweater with 1.5 sleeves.
Sounds like you are doing OK. Those items are tools, not use-up-able items that I think this thread addresses. Except the zippers.
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I figure that it makes sense to accumulate a certain amount of stuff - tools, basics that will be used, etc. In the meantime, it all fits in a tub I got from my parent's basement (free!). I'm being careful not to buy stuff that doesn't have a purpose, and I don't have a problem storing the tub. Since I'm just starting to learn to sew, I'll be in overall acquisition mode for a while. I have a track record of not buying unnecessary items, so hopefully that'll keep me out of trouble.
Of course, that could be famous last words. My goal (at this stage) is to make a historically accurate, Elizabethan era court gown. It's a lot of pieces, and I am no where near good enough yet to attempt this. I have 2 pairs of pj pants to make first, then we'll see where I go from there.
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Seems like a good plan. I found with knitting that certain tools I just had to use before I could decide they were not for me. If you can find a way to do that without buying, more power to you.
Good luck with your historical costume. Don't let it daunt you ;hopefully it serves as inspiration instead.
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I figure that it makes sense to accumulate a certain amount of stuff - tools, basics that will be used, etc. In the meantime, it all fits in a tub I got from my parent's basement (free!). I'm being careful not to buy stuff that doesn't have a purpose, and I don't have a problem storing the tub. Since I'm just starting to learn to sew, I'll be in overall acquisition mode for a while. I have a track record of not buying unnecessary items, so hopefully that'll keep me out of trouble.
Of course, that could be famous last words. My goal (at this stage) is to make a historically accurate, Elizabethan era court gown. It's a lot of pieces, and I am no where near good enough yet to attempt this. I have 2 pairs of pj pants to make first, then we'll see where I go from there.
Wow, your goal to make court gown is very ambitious! Glad you are making the PJ pants first - practice is really helpful.
Might be helpful to try a few more simpler projects beforehand as well, the dress sounds complicated. But what do I know about an Elizabethan dress? Nothing. I'll hav to look it up.
Good luck :)
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I figure that it makes sense to accumulate a certain amount of stuff - tools, basics that will be used, etc. In the meantime, it all fits in a tub I got from my parent's basement (free!). I'm being careful not to buy stuff that doesn't have a purpose, and I don't have a problem storing the tub. Since I'm just starting to learn to sew, I'll be in overall acquisition mode for a while. I have a track record of not buying unnecessary items, so hopefully that'll keep me out of trouble.
Of course, that could be famous last words. My goal (at this stage) is to make a historically accurate, Elizabethan era court gown. It's a lot of pieces, and I am no where near good enough yet to attempt this. I have 2 pairs of pj pants to make first, then we'll see where I go from there.
Oh, after I finish a suit of late 15th century Spanish for my husband, I've got at 1555 Florentine on the list.
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Are you in the Elizabethan Costume group on Facebook? Because SO. MUCH. KNOWLEDGE. (And Drea is in there too)
Oh, but note that page looks a little outdated, unless you're aiming 1590s. There isn't any record for boned corsets before at absolute earliest the 1580s, and the earliest surviving one is 1599, if i'm remembering right.
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Are you in the Elizabethan Costume group on Facebook? Because SO. MUCH. KNOWLEDGE. (And Drea is in there too)
Oh, but note that page looks a little outdated, unless you're aiming 1590s. There isn't any record for boned corsets before at absolute earliest the 1580s, and the earliest surviving one is 1599, if i'm remembering right.
I didn't know about it! Thanks, I just looked it up. I haven't started planning yet, I'm still working on learning to sew :) Once I get a little better, I'll figure out more exactly what I want to make, time period wise. There was a huge range of styles during Elizabeth's reign, so I've got options. I will do much more research when I get closer to making it a reality.
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Sounds fun Sibley! I've make a considerable amount of medieval garb, though nothing so ornate as Elizabethan court clothes. You might want to start (after your pajamas of course) with a smaller item like a shift or perhaps peasant clothing. I worked my way up to the corset, that was quite the undertaking, though I was extremely pleased with the results once I figured out the pattern and best fit for me.
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Sibley, once you master that, you will be able to do ANYTHING! :) I attend Renaissance Faires every year & dress as below merchant class but above peasant. It's probably not authentic, but I'm just there to have fun. Anyway, I see costumes like those in your link...I had no idea how many layers went into it, although they do look heavy. I have a newfound respect for those who dress this way, especially the women! Thanks for sharing.
Maco and Zaga, would love to see pics of something you made! I promise to gush over them :)
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Sounds like a very exciting project. I checked out your link & Google image glance as well. Wow! It could be tricky and time consuming especially being you're learning, but will be so worth it! Love to see your progression.
Also, so cool so many if you are also into these projects as well.
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Sibley, once you master that, you will be able to do ANYTHING! :) I attend Renaissance Faires every year & dress as below merchant class but above peasant. It's probably not authentic, but I'm just there to have fun. Anyway, I see costumes like those in your link...I had no idea how many layers went into it, although they do look heavy. I have a newfound respect for those who dress this way, especially the women! Thanks for sharing.
Maco and Zaga, would love to see pics of something you made! I promise to gush over them :)
So are others of you in the SCA?
Here is an album with my "good" garb (http://graziamorgano.com/portfolio/garb-2/) (my St Clare dresses aren't on there)
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Sibley, once you master that, you will be able to do ANYTHING! :) I attend Renaissance Faires every year & dress as below merchant class but above peasant. It's probably not authentic, but I'm just there to have fun. Anyway, I see costumes like those in your link...I had no idea how many layers went into it, although they do look heavy. I have a newfound respect for those who dress this way, especially the women! Thanks for sharing.
Maco and Zaga, would love to see pics of something you made! I promise to gush over them :)
So are others of you in the SCA?
Here is an album with my "good" garb (http://graziamorgano.com/portfolio/garb-2/) (my St Clare dresses aren't on there)
maco, to be clear, I am not SCA or affiliated with any kind of official group. I just go with friends every year & dress up...we like to dress up :)
Wow, you made those? I mean, not that I doubt you, just, it's hard to grasp sometimes when one's own self doesn't have the skills. They are all amazing...the pink one you did all by hand?!?! That is real dedication, and it looks out of this world. And the eyelets on the Florentine dress...you do awesome work!
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Glad I'm not the only one! Luckily, I have several friends who do cosplay so I can get help from them if I need. But I'm stubborn, so I don't want to :)
I got several patterns from Joann's when they had a sale, $2 each. PJ pants are first. Am considering making PJs for my parents for Christmas. Also have a dress pattern, I liked the picture on the front.
If you're curious, here's one of the sources I'm using for the court gown.
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html
Sibley, once you master that, you will be able to do ANYTHING! :) I attend Renaissance Faires every year & dress as below merchant class but above peasant. It's probably not authentic, but I'm just there to have fun. Anyway, I see costumes like those in your link...I had no idea how many layers went into it, although they do look heavy. I have a newfound respect for those who dress this way, especially the women! Thanks for sharing.
Maco and Zaga, would love to see pics of something you made! I promise to gush over them :)
So are others of you in the SCA?
Here is an album with my "good" garb (http://graziamorgano.com/portfolio/garb-2/) (my St Clare dresses aren't on there)
Oh my goodness those are LOVELY! In high school I made a corset dress from a simplicity pattern. Since I don't do SCA or anything, I only get to wear it at Halloween. I have mad respect for people who do this without a pattern as you appear to. I have much to learn!
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Wow, you made those? I mean, not that I doubt you, just, it's hard to grasp sometimes when one's own self doesn't have the skills. They are all amazing...the pink one you did all by hand?!?! That is real dedication, and it looks out of this world. And the eyelets on the Florentine dress...you do awesome work!
The grey/black dress is the only machine-sewn one on the page
I have mad respect for people who do this without a pattern as you appear to. I have much to learn!
The pink dress, I made my own sloper. The grey and burgundy dresses, I did from a scale bodice pattern someone posted online. The skirts are just rectangles with lots of pleats. The black sleeves are modified from a scale pattern posted online. The Viking outfit... the under dress I drafted based on archaeological drawings, while the over dress is based on this theory (http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/hangerock/hangerock.htm).
I just got a copy of the Costume Technician's Handbook (yay for credit card reward points!) and was excitedly pawing through it yesterday. My goal is to recreate clothing as the tailors of the time would, but having all that information about fit and drafting....squee!
And thank you both for the compliments. This is the 1555 outfit I want to do (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alessandro_Allori_003.jpg). Somewhere in there I'll also make some 14th century happen. I got some lovely purple wool at JoAnns (actual wool, yeah, and more'n half off!) a while back that I intend to turn into a gothic fitted dress.
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I went thru my fabric again and am donating half. Keeping in mind I already used all my previous stock when preparing for the art show. So I'm up for a few more donations ( I upcycle only ) , then will cap, and use up the new stock.
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Yes, I'm in the SCA. Met my husband at Pennsic (we live 20 minutes from there) and we had a medieval wedding, I think our wedding clothes are 14th century Norman. Of course I still use them for fancy garb occasions.
Here's a few pics. A corset I custom made for my friend. Wedding pics, DH made those clothes. Me and DH, the clothes I'm wearing I made including my corset. Which sadly doesn't fit any longer, so I sold it on Etsy.
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Wow, ask the period costumes are amazing! I made bags from t shirts this weekend, which are not even as impressive as pajama pants.
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Zaga: are you in Barony Marche? I grew up there but didn't start playing until I moved to Atlantia.
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Reminder: the thread is about using up fabrics, sewing, and crafting supplies.
Not about sharing ideas and successes of past and future proposed projects, unless they do what the thread is about.
Though your enthusiasm is great....
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Zaga: are you in Barony Marche? I grew up there but didn't start playing until I moved to Atlantia.
I'm further north than that, on the southern end of Hunters Home.
Sorry choppingwood, you're right about being off topic.
I have plans to use up smaller pieces of several fabrics by making doll clothes. My friend has patterns because I've never made doll clothes before and I'm not sure where to start. I have 3 dolls right now that need clothed.
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Sorry, hoppingwood, I think I was the one who derailed the thread.
Zaga, yourpieces are also beautiful!
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Basic question - I want to make some heat bags, the ones that are fabric stuffed with a grain that heat up in the microwave. I have an old 100% cotton sweatshirt I am willing to sacrifice for the fabric - it is thick and tight so I think it should work. Question - what grain? Wheat? Rice? Oats? Something else? Has anyone tried various ones? I don't want the house to smell like cooking when I heat them up! And it is so nice to tuck a bunch of them in bed a few minutes ahead of bedtime, so the bed is cosy when I get in.
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Basic question - I want to make some heat bags, the ones that are fabric stuffed with a grain that heat up in the microwave. I have an old 100% cotton sweatshirt I am willing to sacrifice for the fabric - it is thick and tight so I think it should work. Question - what grain? Wheat? Rice? Oats? Something else? Has anyone tried various ones? I don't want the house to smell like cooking when I heat them up! And it is so nice to tuck a bunch of them in bed a few minutes ahead of bedtime, so the bed is cosy when I get in.
Barley and white rice (don't go with brown, the oils in it can go rancid) are common ones, often with a bit of lavender mixed in.
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Thanks, I'll try one of each and see which I like better.
The "More processed the better" makes sense, I am not going for nutritional value here.
Basic question - I want to make some heat bags, the ones that are fabric stuffed with a grain that heat up in the microwave. I have an old 100% cotton sweatshirt I am willing to sacrifice for the fabric - it is thick and tight so I think it should work. Question - what grain? Wheat? Rice? Oats? Something else? Has anyone tried various ones? I don't want the house to smell like cooking when I heat them up! And it is so nice to tuck a bunch of them in bed a few minutes ahead of bedtime, so the bed is cosy when I get in.
Barley and white rice (don't go with brown, the oils in it can go rancid) are common ones, often with a bit of lavender mixed in.
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My problem is always that to finish a project and use up a fabric, I always seem to need to buy something. For example I just made a dress, but I needed specialist knit interfacing to support the neckline facing. So I had to buy a meter of that, to use a tiny amount, and now that's in my stash, even though the main dress fabric got used up.
The store wouldn't sell you a half or quarter meter?
Unfortunately not, I can't get it locally and the online shop only sells in full 1m lengths. I know I will use it eventually... it just feels like it's adding to the stash, not reducing it.
I have so many plans for things to make with my lovely fabrics, but just not enough time / energy to sew at the moment, sob.
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Failed for Halloween. Bought new fabric to make the kids costumes. So need to use up the fleece I have on hand but didn't have the right colours.
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Good use for fleece if you have pets - put it on beds, furniture, whatever where the pet sleeps/sits a lot. Animals tend to love it, it's washable, cheep, doesn't need to be edged at all, etc. Also, you can happily donate it to animal shelters, etc.
Great for times like 5am this morning when the cat woke me up throwing up. On the bed. Luckily, on the fleece, that is there specifically to protect the bedspread for incidents like this. Bundled it up and threw it in the corner, I'll just run it through the washer later with whatever other cat blankets I grab.
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Re heat bag, Bulk Barn had oats, so they will be the grain. Now to find 100% cotton thread, I worry about polyester thread in the microwave. If I can`t find it at a regular fabric store, there are some quilting supply stores near me that are likely to have it.
On a "knit the stash" note, someone at Guild showed me Continental Combination knitting. I have been practising using YouTube videos, and wow. Even as awkward as a new technique is at first, I am almost as fast as I was with my old English style. Just have to get my tension consistent, and get used to new ways to decrease. Except for one skein for a Christmas present, I have been "cold sheeping" for warn and fiber. I might actually get a lot of the stash knit in time for next August (Twist).
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Almost done with a dress & a handbag- Using up scraps of black and red tones. Im thinking my Spring pieces will feature bright color, so am still accepting castoffs, which believe me are really easy to come by. I'm now very discerning about what I bring into my home. I know just what feel, weight, colors I like. I will certainly use everything in this one compact basket.
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Re heat bag, Bulk Barn had oats, so they will be the grain. Now to find 100% cotton thread, I worry about polyester thread in the microwave. If I can`t find it at a regular fabric store, there are some quilting supply stores near me that are likely to have it.
Gutermann makes 100% cotton
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I am going to use up my dried rose petals for rose petal sugar scrubs with a mix of rose and vanilla oils for christmas gifts. I have had those petals for way too long.....
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I am going to use up my dried rose petals for rose petal sugar scrubs with a mix of rose and vanilla oils for christmas gifts. I have had those petals for way too long.....
Wow sounds great. And how very Mustachian of you to make gifts with what you already have :).
My mom makes body scrubs with olive oil, sugar, and lemon verbana from the garden . lovely gift.
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I'm crocheting a scrap lap blanket with the rest of my worsted weight wool.
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Almost 3 years ago, I bought minky dot, flannel, and blanket binding to make my son a blanket. I finally pulled that out tonight and made him his big blanket and travel blanket. He was so excited! His big brother has identical ones, just in blue instead of green. I also made some repairs to costumes the boys had, so those are fully functional again.
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
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I just pulled out some fabric scraps my SIL have me months ago. I've picked out the more Christmassy patterns and colours and am going to sew a garland for the mantlepiece.
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Nice!
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Finished a top and a dress. Anyone else get 90% through a project and then can't be bothered to hem it?!
Although it was nice when I found the top - completely constructed apart from the hem, so whipped it through and new top for the weekend! I don't even remember sewing the rest of it, I thought I had cut it out and nothing more.
Wore both at the weekend, and they certainly filled a hole in my wardrobe. Got a busy few weeks though, so even though I have lots of enthusiasm and some easy projects already cut out, I'm not sure I'm going to have time to finish anything :(
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
Honestly, and you can dislike it for me, but I don't care that much. If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift, don't get mad at me if I mess up on your self-imposed rules a tad. Unless it's for medical reasons, it's a lifestyle choice and sometimes you smile and say thank you and let it go.
Says someone who HATES lasagna, and keeps being served it at various people's homes. I smile and say thank you and let it go.
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
Honestly, and you can dislike it for me, but I don't care that much. If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift, don't get mad at me if I mess up on your self-imposed rules a tad. Unless it's for medical reasons, it's a lifestyle choice and sometimes you smile and say thank you and let it go.
Says someone who HATES lasagna, and keeps being served it at various people's homes. I smile and say thank you and let it go.
I'm not a fan of shitting my pants.
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
Honestly, and you can dislike it for me, but I don't care that much. If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift, don't get mad at me if I mess up on your self-imposed rules a tad. Unless it's for medical reasons, it's a lifestyle choice and sometimes you smile and say thank you and let it go.
Says someone who HATES lasagna, and keeps being served it at various people's homes. I smile and say thank you and let it go.
I'm not a fan of shitting my pants.
See, that's a medical reason. I'll probably avoid food gifts for you, I don't enjoy poisoning my friends after all :)
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
Honestly, and you can dislike it for me, but I don't care that much. If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift, don't get mad at me if I mess up on your self-imposed rules a tad. Unless it's for medical reasons, it's a lifestyle choice and sometimes you smile and say thank you and let it go.
Says someone who HATES lasagna, and keeps being served it at various people's homes. I smile and say thank you and let it go.
I'm not a fan of shitting my pants.
See, that's a medical reason. I'll probably avoid food gifts for you, I don't enjoy poisoning my friends after all :)
Why go thru "the effort of making hot chocolate as a gift" then?
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bag of rose petals gone!! Half bottle of grapeseed oil gone! half bottle of rose essential oil gone!! I ended up with 8 jars of scrub now to get rid of that non dairy creamer making vegan hot chocolate mix for the relatives with allergies!
Check the ingredients list on that "non-dairy creamer." It's rarely vegan. (I'm saying this as someone who was once very sensitive to lactose) By "non-dairy" they mean "very diluted dairy" usually (as in, dairy is an ingredient but not the whole thing).
Honestly, and you can dislike it for me, but I don't care that much. If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift, don't get mad at me if I mess up on your self-imposed rules a tad. Unless it's for medical reasons, it's a lifestyle choice and sometimes you smile and say thank you and let it go.
Says someone who HATES lasagna, and keeps being served it at various people's homes. I smile and say thank you and let it go.
I'm not a fan of shitting my pants.
See, that's a medical reason. I'll probably avoid food gifts for you, I don't enjoy poisoning my friends after all :)
Why go thru "the effort of making hot chocolate as a gift" then?
I'm not. I think onehair is the one doing that. Good idea though.
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That was actually directed to the person making the mix. I might add to the poster that it was specified as "for relatives with allergies". But it doesn't really matter what I hav to say on this thread, so I'll excuse myself.
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That was actually directed to the person making the mix. I might add to the poster that it was specified as "for relatives with allergies". But it doesn't really matter what I hav to say on this thread, so I'll excuse myself.
Just goes to show that I don't think well when I'm hungry, and my dinner is still cooking. :)
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That was actually directed to the person making the mix. I might add to the poster that it was specified as "for relatives with allergies". But it doesn't really matter what I hav to say on this thread, so I'll excuse myself.
Just goes to show that I don't think well when I'm hungry, and my dinner is still cooking. :)
:) same here
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I have to agree that "If I'm going to make the effort of making hot chocolate mix as a gift" I'll put whatever the hell I want in it... isn't really the spirit of gift-giving.
Don't be a martyr with the homemade gift thing. If you can't be bothered to put the effort in, just don't. Buy something else, or just don't give a gift. But don't make non-vegan hot chocolate mix and call it vegan hot chocolate mix just because you think someone's dietary restrictions are stupid. Label it honestly and let them throw the stuff you won't eat away instead.
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I never said they were stupid I said they have various allergies and treating them as nut free vegan seems to be the best course for them!! I usually keep a list of who can't have what and i was attempting to use up leftovers to make space in my craft corner. Also I have made them vegan drink mixes in the past and they have enjoyed them. Where did I say that was stupid? Since I made a batch for my son who cannot have dairy and had the leftover ingredients I was going to make a batch for them as well.
this thread is about getting rid of leftover crafting supplies isn't it? Food gifts can be sort of considered crafting so I thought.
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I never said they were stupid I said they have various allergies and treating them as nut free vegan seems to be the best course for them!! I usually keep a list of who can't have what and i was attempting to use up leftovers to make space in my craft corner. Also I have made them vegan drink mixes in the past and they have enjoyed them. Where did I say that was stupid? Since I made a batch for my son who cannot have dairy and had the leftover ingredients I was going to make a batch for them as well.
this thread is about getting rid of leftover crafting supplies isn't it? Food gifts can be sort of considered crafting so I thought.
I think the "you think it's stupid" was directed at Sibley saying they'd ignore dietary restrictions that are choices rather than medically imposed.
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Yes, my comments were directed at sibley, who wants to give people things they have said they don't want. It's like giving a die-hard country music fan an R&B CD for Christmas because, I mean, it's just personal preference, it's not life threatening.
Isn't gift giving about trying to give something you think they would like? As opposed to something they have specifically stated they don't?
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well if i jumped the gun I do apologize to you both. I will check the non dairy creamer for its ingredients worst case scenario I will go to Whole Foods or online to get some truly non dairy powdered creamer.
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I am moving again, so have been going through everything again. I donated another half of what's left of my sewing and art supplies. So I am down to a medium sized bags worth.
I am planning to make a fair amount of Christmas gifts this year, so am using up more supplies there. Mostly illustrations and paintings, but also some jewelry. Also, gave my 94y.o. grandmother her bday gift this week . a framed mixed media piece, with paper collage and oil pastels. Needless to say she loves it. Handmade gifts are great for people who have everything or are hard to shop for. Plus its more fun for me, I hate shopping.
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I was given a foamboard H by a coworker and I am mulling over things to do with it now. It can't be drilled into or cut without special equipment. I am pondering pulling out my stencils and painting on it or gluing things to it if it will hold glue.
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Sold my old scrapbooking stuff as I'm not going to use it. Nice to get it out of the house.
Need to sew DS a bunch of fleece pants. His are getting too small and I have so much fleece I don't know what to do with. Win. Normally I don't bother making kids clothes because second hand they are so cheap it's often not worth it. But this way he can have some fun colours.
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Finished up a dress I had cut out. Fabric was bought in February last year, so it was due!
New year, same problem: everything I want to make requires one purchase to be able to finish it - lining, or a zip, or a different colour thread. I am being very strict about working through what I have, but I am running out of projects for which I have everything I need. I guess that's partly the aim of this thread, so yay!
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I've been very intentional about using scraps for projects lately. It isn't using up much, since they are tiny pieces, but it has made me happy to have them, and it is using up SOME.
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I bought fabric for two new button down shirts (boo) but was able to use up some random interfacing instead of buying new. Plus I had some nice white muslin lying around which I used as the collar bands since my shirting fabric was too crinkly to be easy to work with. Nearly perfect color match! Plus, I'm almost done with two dress shirts in a single weekend, even with redesigning the sleeves and cuffs. For me, that's lightning fast! Working two pieces at once really speeds things up once you're past the cutting out phase!
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I don't know if this would work for you, but . . . .
One year DD's legs grew so fast that pants that were really long in September were too short in January. I got matching cotton ribbing and added cuffs. This works if 1. the child is OK with cuffs and 2. the main reason the pants don't fit is length.
Need to sew DS a bunch of fleece pants. His are getting too small and I have so much fleece I don't know what to do with. Win. Normally I don't bother making kids clothes because second hand they are so cheap it's often not worth it. But this way he can have some fun colours.
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Compiling a lot of my smaller sketches and collages into a book - I like to rip about half the pages of fashion books out & add to them - also drawing/painting/collaging into the fashion photos themselves.
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On Saturday I went through my unfinished knitting and crochet projects and either frogged them or bound them off. Those scarves were long enough, damn it. Now I can move on to something new. I sold a bunch of yarn in a flea market this past summer but I still have a 30 quart container of the good stuff.
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I make soap. I have a bunch of 1 oz. and 2 oz. bottles of fragrance oils that I won't be using in my soap line long-term that just take up space. I'm going to make my next 10 or so batches of soap with blends of these little bottles to get them out of my way. Should eat into the stock of oils, too, although those will be replaced to keep the side hustle going.
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I've been very intentional about using scraps for projects lately. It isn't using up much, since they are tiny pieces, but it has made me happy to have them, and it is using up SOME.
It's so satisfying using up scraps, isn't it?
I just turned some dress leftovers into a lovely pair of underwear! My favourite design was discontinued so I made my own pattern. I cannot wait for the spring to come because then I can wear the dress I made with matching undies! I'm gonna feel so glam (and a bit ridiculous!).
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I'm new to Mustachianism and have taken a different approach to my quilting/crafting stash. I'm looking at it like this; I bought all that stuff during a time when I spent money a lot more freely, and now I've mended (see what I did there?!) my ways. Because I do not expect to return to that level of spending on hobbies, I now look at my stash as something to be used and appreciated carefully so that I can make it last as long as possible. I bought all this stuff because I loved or liked it at one time, so there's very little that I'd want to just get rid of. And I'm not in a terrible rush to sew up 20 quilt tops right now just to get it out of here. More like I will slowly savor it because the days of dropping $50 at the quilt shop on a new fabric line are long gone.
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If you love it, and have space for it, keep it. If a bit of it is "meh", that is what would be good to donate for someone else who will love it. If it all makes you rub your hands in glee and go "yes, my precious" then it is worth keeping.
I have been assessing my yarn and fiber stash. What I see is that my tastes in yarn have changed, I am now an official yarn snob. Natural fibers all the way (almost) - and a lot of them will be hand-spun, my fiber stash is very pettable. So the cheap yarns (not cheap in dollars, necessarily, but cheap in quality) are gone, and the yummy yarns (including some synthetics) are staying. My goal this year is to finish all WIPs and not buy anything new, unless it is for some specific project that nothing in the stash will be good for.
Really, I am serious, I am knitting hand-warmers for two people from stash - one pair is with a nice sock yarn that feels dead when I compare it to the hand-spun sock yarn I am using for the other pair - it is alive, it has bounce and energy and is going to make an amazing pair of hand-warmers.
I'm new to Mustachianism and have taken a different approach to my quilting/crafting stash. I'm looking at it like this; I bought all that stuff during a time when I spent money a lot more freely, and now I've mended (see what I did there?!) my ways. Because I do not expect to return to that level of spending on hobbies, I now look at my stash as something to be used and appreciated carefully so that I can make it last as long as possible. I bought all this stuff because I loved or liked it at one time, so there's very little that I'd want to just get rid of. And I'm not in a terrible rush to sew up 20 quilt tops right now just to get it out of here. More like I will slowly savor it because the days of dropping $50 at the quilt shop on a new fabric line are long gone.
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I'm new to Mustachianism and have taken a different approach to my quilting/crafting stash. I'm looking at it like this; I bought all that stuff during a time when I spent money a lot more freely, and now I've mended (see what I did there?!) my ways. Because I do not expect to return to that level of spending on hobbies, I now look at my stash as something to be used and appreciated carefully so that I can make it last as long as possible. I bought all this stuff because I loved or liked it at one time, so there's very little that I'd want to just get rid of. And I'm not in a terrible rush to sew up 20 quilt tops right now just to get it out of here. More like I will slowly savor it because the days of dropping $50 at the quilt shop on a new fabric line are long gone.
Great! Sounds lovely, enjoy :)
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I'm new to Mustachianism and have taken a different approach to my quilting/crafting stash. I'm looking at it like this; I bought all that stuff during a time when I spent money a lot more freely, and now I've mended (see what I did there?!) my ways. Because I do not expect to return to that level of spending on hobbies, I now look at my stash as something to be used and appreciated carefully so that I can make it last as long as possible. I bought all this stuff because I loved or liked it at one time, so there's very little that I'd want to just get rid of. And I'm not in a terrible rush to sew up 20 quilt tops right now just to get it out of here. More like I will slowly savor it because the days of dropping $50 at the quilt shop on a new fabric line are long gone.
Great! Sounds lovely, enjoy :)
I totally agree with your view - however, I do find that my interests and likes and dislikes do change over time. My crafts involve jewelry making, photography and for a while I made tile coaster sets with a decoupage technique - I'm over the coasters, so several of the sets which turned out beautiful I pulled out for Christmas gifts and I'm leaving a couple of sets for gifts throughout the year (a friend who is coming for a visit) and I will keep about two sets for us - all remaining sets will be donated.
Though I am still into photography and sell on my website, I am re-defining what I do and how I do it. I am getting rid of a good part of my personal collection of frames - most were gifts that just never worked out or frames I picked up, but were the wrong size or style. My girlfriend is dropping by to pick out the ones she likes, the rest will be donation.
I really do hate having things around I never use, what a waste of space and money.
The plan is to invest time and effort into the website and re-evaluate equipment - deadline Feb to March.
The jewelry making - has to be the most expensive hobby on the planet. Part of my goal in my 90 day declutter challenge (see gauntlet thread) is to sort through and re-organize and then decide which projects I would like to either embark on or finish.
Not ready to let it all go - yet, I am a rock hound and love gemstones so I will continue playing around in that arena in some form - weaving a bracelet in gold and silver with gemstone interwoven is my next project - may take a while though as my time is taken up with decluttering and garden projects at present.
The main decision here is to stop investing and work with what I have and set up a viable little workshop in the shed cum studio:) There will be purchases for specific projects only. No random shopping:)
It isn't easy to let go, but before I force myself to make something in which I no longer have an interest - I will pass it on to someone who would be happy to have it.
Then there was the time I fancied myself making a quilt and quilted bags/accessories - well, shamefully - three sewing machines and about $200 in thread and supplies, I haven't sewed a single thing.
The plan here is to take a class, as I finally like the performance of sewing machine number three and make a quilt. Haven't given up hope on that project yet - it is a small investment of money in a new skill and my budget can handle whatever material or batting I decide on down the road.
I plan to donate the other two sewing machines I purchased. Did I mention my DIL gave me an old cabinet sewing machine which works really well. I'd love to keep it just for the hell of it - but then again, since I know I will never use it, I really should let it go.
So my plan of action:
Coaster sets - gifting and donation in process - supplies like tiles - to be donated by the end of next week.
Jewelry - gemstones, beads, findings - sorting/organizing in process - working on a birthday necklace right now. Sorting deadline by April 1, 2016
Photography - donate, gift frames - in process. Will keep the frames needed for taking part in photo competition-photo club. Plan is to start on website overhaul Feb to March and re-assess equipment.
Must address issues with equipment and send for repair - deadline Mar to April 1, 2016.
My to do list has certainly become a lot longer just by visiting this thread and planning out my strategies for using supplies or donating and gifting the lot:)
Good luck with all of your projects - I am enjoying creating my next necklace and looking forward to a complete decimation of the coaster sets as well as finally getting around to organizing the jewelry supplies - notice, the sewing related topic is on hold:) for now anyway - one can only tackle so much crap at anyone time:)
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The main decision here is to stop investing and work with what I have...No random shopping:)
I like it!
Update on the sweater: all knitting & seaming is done, ends are woven in. No buttons on this thing as I don't ever use them. I just need to block it, then it will be part of my wardrobe, horray! I did generate less than 1 ball of yarn for the stash, leftover from this project, but used up far more than that.
On another note, I organized my stash by fiber type. I have way too much! So 2016 will be knitting down the stash, especially the acrylic for charity projects...I've accepted too much and what I don't use will be given away at the end of the year.
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The main decision here is to stop investing and work with what I have...No random shopping:)
I like it!
Update on the sweater: all knitting & seaming is done, ends are woven in. No buttons on this thing as I don't ever use them. I just need to block it, then it will be part of my wardrobe, horray! I did generate less than 1 ball of yarn for the stash, leftover from this project, but used up far more than that.
On another note, I organized my stash by fiber type. I have way too much! So 2016 will be knitting down the stash, especially the acrylic for charity projects...I've accepted too much and what I don't use will be given away at the end of the year.
Organizing is the first step! Well done & happy knitting:)
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I picked up a pile from my Grandma of a mix of things from my Great Aunt and stuff my sister left behind. I have sorted it into projects/for sister/to discuss. I've already picked out the couple of things I definitely wanted. I'm dropping it at Sister's so she can go through at her leisure, then we'll make a joint plan of action to split or donate the remains. Quite excited!
I've also nearly finished two quilt tops in the past two weeks. I had to buy a little extra fabric and some batting for them, but it's cleared out both fabric and the ideas I was keeping in my head! Such a relief.
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I've made quite a bit of progress recently on this front. I had a baby two months ago, and while I was pregnant my version of 'nesting' was to sew up a storm in anticipation. I made burp cloths, a travel changing pad and diaper case, pacifier tethers, two large and two small stuffed animals (a teddy bear, a cat, an elephant, and a giraffe!) and some bibs and cloth wipes. But everything I sewed was from materials I already had on hand. It was a fun faux challenge!
Since the birth I've started work on the baby quilt now (my timing was a little off but oh well.) All from my stash. Woo hoo!
My SIL recently expressed an interesting in learning how to sew, so I invited her over last weekend to make some cloth napkins. Most importantly, the project used the entire vintage tablecloth with no scraps. Phew. I told her that if there was any project she wanted to sew, that I'd be happy to provide the supplies. I still have an entire sewing room of stuff, and we're probably moving (and downsizing) at the end of 2016. Yikes back to the baby quilt!
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I'm late to the party but am jumping in regardless. I don't have an enormous stash (one small tub of yarn and one of fabric) but often fall into the trap of buying supplies for a new project instead of using what I have. My goal is to finish my current WIPs and queued projects, then I must do a stash project for any new project I wish to undertake.
I finished a pair of flannel pajama pants yesterday (material and pattern purchased last winter), have a pair for my husband that I started over a year ago and just need the waistband and hem sewn, and have begun cutting squares for my first quilt. I'l need more supplies for the quilt, as I just bought the printed fat quarters and will need white cotton for the sashing, and backing and binding fabric.
On the Knitting front, I have two hats in progress that could be finished inside of two weeks if I make the time. Then I'm planning to come up with a birthday gift for my BFF using stashed yarn. I haven't decided yet if I will knit her a hat from some hand dyed wool, or a scarf from a cashmere sweater I bought second hand with the intent to unravel.
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I picked up a pile from my Grandma of a mix of things from my Great Aunt and stuff my sister left behind. I have sorted it into projects/for sister/to discuss. I've already picked out the couple of things I definitely wanted. I'm dropping it at Sister's so she can go through at her leisure, then we'll make a joint plan of action to split or donate the remains. Quite excited!
I've also nearly finished two quilt tops in the past two weeks. I had to buy a little extra fabric and some batting for them, but it's cleared out both fabric and the ideas I was keeping in my head! Such a relief.
I dropped the stuff off at my sister's, she's to go through it after her holiday and then we go through the "joint" stuff together. All on track!
I have the remaining pieces for my quilts! I also started and finished a table mat with leftover triangles from Christmas bunting. That used up a scrap of quilt batting, 1/3 of my Christmas fabric and will be gorgeous to use this year!
I also purchased the wrong fabric for one project, which adds to the stash a bit, but I'll work out a solution for that (light cotton with a honey comb pattern) once I've worked through my other, already organised projects.
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I have a lot of yarn but some of it isn't enough to make anything more than a scarf or a hat. How I got into this mess was buying something because it was on sale or buying one more ball of yarn than my project called for "just in case" I'm giving myself leeway in using up my stash by buying a enough of a neutral color (white, brown, grey, or black) to make an afghan.
I have a multi-year stash I'm working on.
I have some of those "one skein" books. I purchased one and the other 2 were gifts. The patterns are repetitive and not very useful. Since I don't do much colorwork anymore, I dealt with the piles of leftover balls and part skeins by knitting a long (very, very long) strip of 20 stitch wide stockinette stitch, switching color as the spirit moved. When I had a 50 feet length, I started sewing it like an old fashion rag rug.) It's a nice bedside rug about 3' diameter now. When the stash of small bits grows again, I will add on more feet and make the rag rug wider.
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As my machine is in for repair, I have spent lots of time cutting out projects from my fabric stash. I am all ready to go when my machine is back. And I've got a few more lined up to cut out as well.
Feels good to move fabrics from the 'stash' to the 'in progress' pile. (Although I'd only just emptied the in-progress pile before sending the machine off!).
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I'm learning to sew, and had made pj pants for my parents for Christmas. My mom wanted more! so I made 3 more pairs for her, and one of the fabrics I had a lot left over. Not sure why, but I looked at it and thought, maybe the smaller size will fit on that...
1 pair of pj pants cut out for my sister :) Now, to get the sewing bug going again (I go in phases).
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I finished a pair of stools! I painted (Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint), waxed, bought new foam and recovered them. Not really happy with the colour of the cover, but I can make as many as I want whenever I want! (simple "box" shaped cover). I am DONE with all my furniture upcycling projects!
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Woo-hoo! Looks great. Congrats on being done!
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I've been enjoying making a lot of bookmarks (which I laminate with shipping tape) from my old collages and drawing . and each time I select the pictures I use, I inevitably recycle some papers. Excellent . and good fun .
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I realize this is an older thread- but as I'm getting all wed this year- I've been doing my best to save $$$ to help pay for the wedding and also be more mustacian in my habits. The two goals are co-habitating nicely.
Being said- As a bellydancer- I LOVE shiny things- and new things- I'm worse than a raccoon- so- my goal is this year no new projects- but finish the ones I Have- I've made a big dent in an older project I had from years ago that was haunting me- I have that one and one other one I think I can comfortably finish with most of my supplies.
We did a new project for our studio- which I stupidly went and bought new stuff for- but I'm under 100 on it- so I'm reasonably comfortable wiht it- but looking back- it is a totally unncessary expense.
But- April on out- it's all in house supplies and costumes for me!
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As I'm learning to sew and making things (I'm on to nightgowns now!), I'm building up a a supply of "left over" fabric. It's too much to throw out, not enough to make anything big. And my mom gave me a bunch of random sewing stuff, which included a handful of zippers.
Separately, I want a pencil case. I'm thinking of using this left over fabric and the zippers from my mom to make pencil cases as gifts for my friends. Plus: I need to learn how to do zippers. I need to find a pattern, preferably for free. Google to the rescue!
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As I'm learning to sew and making things (I'm on to nightgowns now!), I'm building up a a supply of "left over" fabric. It's too much to throw out, not enough to make anything big. And my mom gave me a bunch of random sewing stuff, which included a handful of zippers.
Separately, I want a pencil case. I'm thinking of using this left over fabric and the zippers from my mom to make pencil cases as gifts for my friends. Plus: I need to learn how to do zippers. I need to find a pattern, preferably for free. Google to the rescue!
check out the macaroon cases- they are super cute- scrap fabric and zippers for the win!
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As I'm learning to sew and making things (I'm on to nightgowns now!), I'm building up a a supply of "left over" fabric. It's too much to throw out, not enough to make anything big. And my mom gave me a bunch of random sewing stuff, which included a handful of zippers.
Separately, I want a pencil case. I'm thinking of using this left over fabric and the zippers from my mom to make pencil cases as gifts for my friends. Plus: I need to learn how to do zippers. I need to find a pattern, preferably for free. Google to the rescue!
Some schools could use sewing (for crafting) supplies.
Also, in some places fabric is recyclable- I mean from the waste bins at home. Sometimes as much as 98% of fabrics are recyclable, including dryer sheets and lint.
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I am on a roll. This week I finished three quilt tops and am having them quilted. I finished sewing the binding on a very large quilt. I am finishing up blocks for a quilt I started in a class two months ago.
In addition, I sold some craft supplies I was NEVER going to use and made some cash.
Is anyone else making progress?
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I've been making progress by rearranging my craft room - each time I rearrange, a bit more goes out the door. I've also gotten a bag of fabric from my mum that she was getting rid of, some of which I'm going to use to complete a few project kits I've been putting together for myself (baby blankies!). The rest will go to a local Salvation Army group, who make all kinds of little things to sell for fundraising and have a craft group to build community.
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I'm making some progress... but not as much as I'd like.
I made a clear plan to use up all the fabric in my stash. I have been working my way through cutting out. Started sewings some things up. As I've said before oftentimes I need to buy something to use up a fabric, which annoys me... However, with the plan in place, I was able recently to put in an order for 10 zips, so that's 10 items lined up for which I have all materials.
I also mentioned I needed lining for some items. I have sent off for swatches - I can't get anything good locally and I am done with ordering stuff blind online, as it always turns out to be a different weight or texture to what I was expecting. Once I have the lining chosen that's another 3 items I'm fully equipped for.
I'm finding it easy not to buy new fabric knowing I have these items ready to go. Hopefully I can get my stash down to one bin, and can then use the other for patterns. But for the moment it feels a little 'it gets worse before it gets better' as I have pieces in various states of completeness as I gather the necessary supplies.
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I taught a 3hr. basic sewing class for adolescents recently. I provided all materials, as well as my Mom who donated many fabrics to the cause. What remained I donated.
As for my personal stock of sewing things, I actually only hav finished pieces or projects left. I like to take some parts of these apart and rework sometimes, until at a point they feel completed and fresh to me.
Other than that, I hav many drawings, paintings, and collages. Each time I go through the stash, I recycle a great number. I don't have any blank canvases or paper or magazines, which all really bore me- like I mentioned above, I tend to rework older pieces later on.
I've taken to creating bookmarks from piecing together my collages. Pretty easy and fun.
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I'm reorganizing my basement craft area. Unfinished projects that will never be finished are gone. Fabric I will never use is gone. My standard bobbins (from my old sewing machine) don't fit my newer one but should fit DD's machine, so they will go to her. Startling a project is so much easier if you have an empty bobbin for the sewing machine, instead of having to take the thread off one before you can start ;-)
I also saw a tatting display at a heritage museum a few weeks ago, and the lady demoing it let me try needle tatting. I am in love. I figure I will get my technique practiced with all my unloved crochet thread before I spend any money on tatting thread (there is a difference, apparently). If I fall out of love (this could b e just a crush, not true love, after all) before all my old crochet thread is gone, it will have only cost me the price of the needles.
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CU Tiger thanks for reviving this thread.
Currently I am going in the wrong direction with fabric. A relative gave me a scrap of fleece to make a liner for my bike basket. But the yarn is going into baby hats at quite a brisk pace. I will have a very full bag to donate to the homeless shelter this fall.
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I'm moving on September 29th, so my goal is to have a solid plan for everything I take with me- everything else can be donated to my city's recycling center just north of the new place. It's going to be my fiancee and me in a two bedroom apartment, so I'm thrilled to have the space to actually work on the projects that have been in a holding pattern since I started a new job and took classes this past semester. My goals are to finally make the t-shirt quilt I've been talking about for the past two years and using up my stash of cheap yarn to practice crocheting, which I haven't done in years.
My fiancee and I are cosplayers, so I have a few costumes that need updates- I have the materials, just not the time or the space to work on them. My goal is to have everything sorted so the materials for each project are all in one place so I can work on them one at a time and have completed costumes instead of a bunch that are halfway done or of subpar quality.
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I had a great weekend finishing off some projects.
I made a dress which was very unflattering a few months ago. It was just hanging around, unworn. I made a casing and added elastic at the waist, and now I have a fabulous new dress to wear! So quick and easy - it was already hemmed so the most satisfying project ever!
I also finished a skirt. I had made it, and was waiting on some lining I had ordered. When it came I had just lost interest. But I made it up on Saturday. Unfortunately since hanging the lining has really 'relaxed' and is now hanging out the bottom. I will allow to hang for a few days and rehem shorter (the hem was a bit messy anyway, so not the end of the world).
I got a winter dress for work all done up to the hemming stage. It is going to be so lovely and warm in my freezing office.
And I made a top out of scraps! I used the bodice from a dress I love, and added a panel of coordinating fabric. I had intended to make a dress, but it was a little short... Turned it into a top and I'm really pleased with it.
I also cut out one more project from stash fabric. I didn't use the whole piece though, which annoys me, because now I have a remnant big enough for something, I'm sure... but I don't know what.
My fabric stocks are thinning out!
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I had a great weekend finishing off some projects.
I made a dress which was very unflattering a few months ago. It was just hanging around, unworn. I made a casing and added elastic at the waist, and now I have a fabulous new dress to wear! So quick and easy - it was already hemmed so the most satisfying project ever!
I also finished a skirt. I had made it, and was waiting on some lining I had ordered. When it came I had just lost interest. But I made it up on Saturday. Unfortunately since hanging the lining has really 'relaxed' and is now hanging out the bottom. I will allow to hang for a few days and rehem shorter (the hem was a bit messy anyway, so not the end of the world).
I got a winter dress for work all done up to the hemming stage. It is going to be so lovely and warm in my freezing office.
And I made a top out of scraps! I used the bodice from a dress I love, and added a panel of coordinating fabric. I had intended to make a dress, but it was a little short... Turned it into a top and I'm really pleased with it.
I also cut out one more project from stash fabric. I didn't use the whole piece though, which annoys me, because now I have a remnant big enough for something, I'm sure... but I don't know what.
My fabric stocks are thinning out!
Awesome.
It feels so good to get those back burner projects done.
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Awesome.
It feels so good to get those back burner projects done.
It does. It always makes me wonder why I always quit so close to the end - I often don't hem things for ages.
But I guess it makes for a happy time when I want to get something DONE and there, I can just pick up a project and have it finished in 20 minutes, so I guess it's working for me really.
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Finished another quilt project, well, the top anyway. Goodness only knows when I will get around to quilting it. Still, baby steps! I have also put a bunch of fabric in a donate box. My quilt guild sells scraps and leftover fabrics at our show.
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I am very inspired with all the sewing projects here. I don't love sewing, but always keep a (unfortunately large) bag of fabric around "just in case." You all have convinced me to go through it and assign projects for each piece and get rid of the rest! I know I have some fabric to make chair cushions, as well as re-upholster a chair and a bench (first time DIY upholstering...this could go very badly). And I KNOW I've got some things to hem.
I am more of a knitter than a sewer, so my yarn stash is OUT OF CONTROL. I need to assign projects for this as well. I do a lot of charity knitting (hats and scarves), but I keep adding my own yarn that I don't like to that pile so it will take me years to knit all those hats and scarves....
Onward and upward! Hopefully I can tackle a re-upholstery project this weekend...eeee!
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I happened to be reading an animal shelter magazine that's published in my area (Chicago). They had something in there about a group that takes leftover yarn, knitting & crochet needles/hooks and gives it it to volunteers who make blankets for animals in the shelters.
Maybe something similar in your area? If not, the animals certainly don't care what color their blanket is, as long as it's comfy.
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Knitting up the yarn stash. Trying to make 50 baby hats to donate to the hospital in honor of my son's delivery date. Since I'm donating hats for stillborns, they can be wool. (I don't use anything that isn't pleasant to adult hands, but they only accept acrylic for the live babies).
Sister sent me fabric to make pillowcases and used a bunch of stash to make coordinating trims for them. So happy to use more stuff up!
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Iowajes, why do they only accept acrylic for live babies? I was about to start crocheting for friends babies, but is there something I should get in particular? I was going to get wool for the flame-retardant properties.
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V, I can't speak for iowajes' hospital, but wool can be irritating to the skin and it's also not easily washable. I know that wool gives me a rash. Maybe check with your friends to see what they think?
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Iowajes, why do they only accept acrylic for live babies? I was about to start crocheting for friends babies, but is there something I should get in particular? I was going to get wool for the flame-retardant properties.
There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
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Iowajes, why do they only accept acrylic for live babies? I was about to start crocheting for friends babies, but is there something I should get in particular? I was going to get wool for the flame-retardant properties.
There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
Would cotton be OK?
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I happened to be reading an animal shelter magazine that's published in my area (Chicago). They had something in there about a group that takes leftover yarn, knitting & crochet needles/hooks and gives it it to volunteers who make blankets for animals in the shelters.
Maybe something similar in your area? If not, the animals certainly don't care what color their blanket is, as long as it's comfy.
That's a good idea, Sibley. I love both animals and knitting.
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There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
Actually, cashmere is not wool--it comes from goats, not sheep--but your point still stands ;) People are always suggesting alpaca for me, but that gives me a rash, too.
V, I think your best bet is a cotton-acrylic blend. Cotton is fine but it's not as easy to knit with, and it shrinks when wet.
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Alpaca gives me a horrible rash. People always tell me it is not possible to be allergic to alpaca. Um, it is.
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Iowajes, why do they only accept acrylic for live babies? I was about to start crocheting for friends babies, but is there something I should get in particular? I was going to get wool for the flame-retardant properties.
Cotton and baby-acrylics. They want super duper soft for premie forheads.
Full size babies wool is often okay.
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Iowajes, why do they only accept acrylic for live babies? I was about to start crocheting for friends babies, but is there something I should get in particular? I was going to get wool for the flame-retardant properties.
Cotton and baby-acrylics. They want super duper soft for premie forheads.
Full size babies wool is often okay.
Ah, brilliant. I'll buy a little of each anyway then.
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There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
Actually, cashmere is not wool--it comes from goats, not sheep--but your point still stands ;) People are always suggesting alpaca for me, but that gives me a rash, too.
V, I think your best bet is a cotton-acrylic blend. Cotton is fine but it's not as easy to knit with, and it shrinks when wet.
I include anything grown on an animal in the wool definition, because I have problems with all of it. Some things I tolerate better than others, but all of it will irritate my skin at some point.
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There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
Actually, cashmere is not wool--it comes from goats, not sheep--but your point still stands ;) People are always suggesting alpaca for me, but that gives me a rash, too.
V, I think your best bet is a cotton-acrylic blend. Cotton is fine but it's not as easy to knit with, and it shrinks when wet.
I include anything grown on an animal in the wool definition, because I have problems with all of it. Some things I tolerate better than others, but all of it will irritate my skin at some point.
Interesting! I'm curious, then, do you only wear synthetics? Or are finer materials (woven cottons, even jeans) easier on your skin than a knitted/crocheted yarn item?
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I hav been reworking a great number of my illustrations & collages by changing them by adding graphite, ink, paint, and magazine photos. Reworking is a great love of mine. I do so to almost all of my work- changing something to become almost or fully unrecognizable.
My current project/ goal for these reworked arts is to make them look like the same character (or characters). I am practicing this, for me a fun challenge. The big overall goal currently with this to create a graphic novel.
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It's getting harder for me to use up my stash because I'm coming to those fabrics I put aside for a reason - they weren't the thickness I was expecting so didn't work for what I wanted, and I need to think of a new pattern, or I have gone off them over time.
I've also got lots of large remnants, which are annoying because whilst I know they are big enough for something, I already have items out of the fabric, and it is distinctive enough for people to realise they are remnants. I don't know why this bothers me but it does.
I have listed two such remnants on ebay. If they sell well I will list more. Luckily I have since learnt not to trust the fabric requirements on the backs of pattern envelopes, and buy less fabric per project, so this shouldn't be an issue going forward.
My fabric bins are not only 'not overflowing' but they are no longer even totally full. I used to have a pile on top of them. Then I got down to everything fitting - just - into my two baskets. Now everything fits with a bit of slack! Progress.
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There are people who can't tolerate ANY type of wool, regardless of how soft it is. You put me in wool, and my skin is turning red. For babies, it would probably be a higher chance. Makes my life harder sometimes because everyone is obsessed with how wonderful wool is and they can't understand that I can't do wool. And yes, cashmere is wool.
Actually, cashmere is not wool--it comes from goats, not sheep--but your point still stands ;) People are always suggesting alpaca for me, but that gives me a rash, too.
V, I think your best bet is a cotton-acrylic blend. Cotton is fine but it's not as easy to knit with, and it shrinks when wet.
I include anything grown on an animal in the wool definition, because I have problems with all of it. Some things I tolerate better than others, but all of it will irritate my skin at some point.
Interesting! I'm curious, then, do you only wear synthetics? Or are finer materials (woven cottons, even jeans) easier on your skin than a knitted/crocheted yarn item?
Oops, I've been relaxing!
Cotton, linen, and the various synthetics are good. Day to day, it's not really an issue except with sweaters, then I typically get cotton. I've got some sweaters that are probably acrylic, but they're packed away for the summer so I can't check. Most of my clothes are cotton or polyester, or some blend. I've on rare occasions bought a wool suit, knowing that I'll have to be careful to protect skin, but I've mostly stopped doing that. Too much effort. Linen is plant based so I can wear it if I'm willing to iron (usually not).
Winter hats and scarves are really tough. Some of them can be really soft and I'll think they'll be fine, then I actually wear them and wonder why my skin is irritated. duh, read the label.
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Made another dress, one more length of fabric out of the stash! And I made neck bindings using the last little scraps from an old top, so I was pleased to throw the tiny tiny scraps in the recycling and have one less remnant in the scrap bin too.
I also started making a handbag using leather I have collected over the years with no clear purpose in mind. There's a little bit of trial and error, and whilst it galls me 'wasting' the leather when I have to recut something, it is better that it is being used to 1) create something useful and 2) give me new skills. Every mistake I am making is one that I will not have to make in future.
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Last week during a couple of my insomniac nights, I sorted through four giant shopping bags of fabric.
Several years ago, a close friend died and her sister gave me tons of her stash. Then another friend moved, and de cluttered by giving ME the stuff she did not want to move.
I separated the fabric into large pieces, fat quarters, and scraps. Everything was folded or rolled and put in a bankers box, two large totes, and two bags (for the scraps). I delivered it to our guild tonight. At our biennial show we usually make $800 - $1000 dollars selling off fabric our members no longer want.
Getting rid of this makes me feel delirious with happiness. I am being much more judicial with my fabric purchases. All my fabric has to fit in one set of bookshelves, just to keep me from going overboard.
I also finished another quilt this week!
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I'm just commenting so I remember to come back and read the thread...
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I've totally failed at this gauntlet but have moved house - that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it! :-)
Anyway, some progress is being made. To recap, I'm just about a total beginner sewer but have wanted to make patchwork quilts since I was a teenager. And over the years I have accumulated an enormous stash of material (do want to make clothes sometime, too), mostly just bought and shoved in a bag, and then a cupbaord after I moved and had a bit more space. It all came in very useful as packing material for my stuff when I moved again in May this year. However, my new place is a bit smaller and my old place was already bursting at the seams so it's time to get real. I've told myself that if I haven't made at least one thing by the end of January, it all has to go. And for now, I'm not unpacking all of those boxes, as I want to varnish the cupboard I use for my stash. So, all of my wool (I do knit, although haven't for a few months now) and lots of material is still piled in boxes in front of that cupboard. My birthday at the start of December is my self-imposed deadline for having fully finished unpacking.
In the meantime, I have a small amount of space in a different cupboard that I am using for some of the material. I'm adding a small amount to the machine every time I do a hot wash. I never did this with most of the stuff and also had a bad moth problem a couple of years ago so really want to hot wash everything before putting it away again. I just put some more freshly washed stuff away (can I just add how much I LOVE that I have a balcony now and can dry stuff outside in the sunshine again - this makes me very happy!), and was pleased to see how far along I've come. I've made good inroads into the stash. And in the meantime I've found out where I can bring my sewing machine to be serviced. I was given a friend's old machine just before I left Ireland in 2008 and haven't even plugged it in once so I'll gladly pay someone who knows what they're doing to make sure that it's still working properly.
I don't often work well with writing down goals but here's some of what I would definitely like to do (not necessarily in this order):
- Patchwork quilt for friend who moved house recently - not sure what size
- Christmas cushion covers for my sister
- Sleevless jacket for me (bought pattern and all supplies for this during another abortive attempt to take up sewing years ago)
- Patchwork lap quilts for at least one of my sister in France's family - there are five of them and really I'd love to do one each
- Patchwork lap quilt for my younger sister
- Full-size patchwork quilt for my brother's 40th birthday (in 2019, so there's time yet)
- Set of napkins for me
- Set of napkins for sister in France
- Handbag for me (have an old handbag that was just exactly the perfect size and have kept it to use as a template, just in case I get that advanced one day)
So there you have it. Prepare to not hear from me again for months on end, maybe never. LOL
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I'm brand new to everything sewing/quilting/crocheting.
For yarn, my "stash" consists of only five skeins. Right now I'm using youtube to teach myself crochet (it's easier for me right now than following a pattern). I'm using the yarn I have to make some basic dishcloths and granny squares (the granny squares will eventually become an afghan).
Fabric... I already have a stash there...! I'm just learning how to quilt, so most of it is for a future quilt. Right now I have enough, but will not pass up some great deals when I find them (like batiks for $4/yard), or Jack Skellington fabric on sale + coupon, or a remnant I really love. My mom has given me some scraps--flannel, heavy stuff (upholstery and outdoor), kid fabric. She works at a craft store so she finds the best deals, and she's also have customers give her their leftovers.
My goal next month is to organize everything and put it all in one location where it is easy to see. I'm hoping to get a sewing room set up as well.
Because I'm hand piecing/quilting right now, the stash busting is very slow. However, I'm also learning to use a sewing machine, and find that that goes 1000x faster. I did a "Weird Al" flag turned into concert blanket quilt on my machine and had it done in two nights. Hand sewing/quilting would have taken me weeks.
I've also made pajama pants (I thought it would be the perfect way to learn some skills). I have more flannel to use that way, and then I'll end up with more flannel scraps.
I've also got two knit fabrics for making a couple shirts (made one already and like it). I'll end up with stretchy scraps there.
I'm also in the middle of an apron using halloween fabric. It has little jars of stuff (jars filled with worms, spiders, vampire teeth, fish skeletons, etc). I fell in love with the fabric as soon as I saw it. I've needed an apron for when I do canning, and I think it's perfect. It's all cut out now, so I'll sew it together next week.
My goals for using up my fabrics:
Continue making quilts. I've done one baby quilt (up to the binding, I'm waiting to be shown how to do that), and have started another. These have used panels + a border fabric to make the process a little faster, since it's all hand stitched/quilted. I also want to machine piece/quilt some baby blankets to give to a children's hospital. My son spent his first two weeks in the NICU there, and I've always wanted to do something like that. However, my favorite quilts are scrappy quilts, I just don't have the scraps yet to make one.
Make more clothing. PJ pants, shirts, pj tops. Eventually some costumes, I found some gorgeous fabrics at an estate sale where they were selling everything from a 30+ year old local costume shop.
Make two cloaks. I have some fabric I bought specifically for this project. Just need to start cutting everything.
Not buy more fabric unless it is a great deal (like the batiks I just found for $4/yard). Or seasonal and can only get a good selection once a year (I need more clover/shamrock fabric for a quilt I want to do, but have to wait until Feb/March to get some more fabric).
Participate in some fabric swaps. This motivates me to cut fabric into ready-to-use pieces. It allows me to get rid of fabrics I don't need much of (I don't care for pink, or might have a remnant I only want for a few small blocks--good fabric, but more than I'll use). And, while I get some back so it doesn't really reduce the stash, I get all ready-to-use fabric back, and it gives me a big variety to use for a scrappy type quilt (or an eye-spy quilt).
Start making dog beds/a bean bag chair with some of the scraps. I lost my dog a few months ago :( but will make some to donate to the shelter where I got her. It's a good way to use up those too-small pieces, and can throw my batting scraps in there too (cuts down on weight). I have some sample fabric I can use for the outside covers.
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I have an entire large Ikea Pax wardrobe full of fabric that I need to get through. I open the closet and look at it and then go do something else.
It's hard to find motivation to sew things when I have so many other things that are a priority. Maybe I can do it all in 2017!
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I'm just commenting so I remember to come back and read the thread...
Good :)
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Alpaca gives me a horrible rash. People always tell me it is not possible to be allergic to alpaca. Um, it is.
Pretty sure it's possible to be allergic to most things!
Someone said same to me about stevia, also about some chem-free hair care. When we experience a reaction, we know!
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I have a newly hatched plan to use up some of the more difficult fabric remnants making waxed cling-wrap substitute. Really hoping it works as well as some of the on-line videos suggest.
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A friend of mine opened up her own soap shop, and she generously agreed to to buy the little washcloths I make and sell them! :D So now my goal is to use up all my yarn making washcloths.
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So many crafty people here! I'm planning on moving in a year or so to a cheaper place so I'm trying to clear out a lot of my sewing stuff. I have loads of things left over from my reenacting days that i'm trying to get rid of via my etsy shop. I also have a stack of things to be altered and I'm starting up my Christmas present sewing. I did manage to bang out a dress https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUoiqngCa8/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUoiqngCa8/)I've been meaning to make for a while, so that's something! I made it out of an old Ikea duvet cover so also super frugal :)
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I have a newly hatched plan to use up some of the more difficult fabric remnants making waxed cling-wrap substitute. Really hoping it works as well as some of the on-line videos suggest.
I tried it, and, honestly, while the techniques I used worked, I stopped using them after a while, I'll tell you why.
You can't wash them in hot water - or else the beeswax melts off (and then likely solidifies when it hits the cold water in your sink drain and over time blocks it).
So I just wasn't happy reusing something over and over again that had never been 'properly' washed. I'm not generally squeemish about germs, but food safety I am quite strict about. After a week wrapping cheese, then a rinse in cold water, I just couldn't bring myself to wrap fresh cheese in it again.
Maybe they're better for over the top of bowls and things, rather than direct contact. I use my glasslocks for that though. Would love to hear if anyone had a different and more positive experience.
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I just found this thread.
If anyone has dark 100% cotton flannel or 100% cotton, a "Days for Girls" chapter near you could use your donation! If it's light, they may be able to take it and dye it. DFG makes washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in the third world to keep them in school during their periods.
This is a great thing to get involved with if you like to sew, as well!
http://www.daysforgirls.org/usachaptersandteams
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I went through my fabric stash with my mum and sister, and we put together 3 packages of matching fabric for quilts. The first has been started, and hopefully I will only need to get backing fabric.
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I'm up to 50 premie hats, and a lot of yarn gone :)
But the new doggie doesn't appreciate knitting, so now I have to wait until my next business trip to do anymore...
And I can't sew, because he can't be left unattended, and there are way too many fun things to chew in the sewing room.
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Box one of three of UFOs and garments to be altered has been completed! I emptied the second one out on to my rack and I'm getting started on that. I'm hoping to throw together three blouses in the next couple of weeks. I've been wrapping up so (https://www.instagram.com/p/BLSFppij1vM/) many (https://www.instagram.com/p/BLTv_rKD9Cb/) projects (https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXfotejIhb/) lately (https://www.instagram.com/p/BLmxSqJD29J/) that my closet is getting a little crowded. I need to go through and cull some pieces to sell/donate.
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Knitter here. A year ago, I used up all but a couple skeins and enough to finish a sweater (which is still unfinished). Then I bought a few skeins for Christmas presents. Then over Christmas, I saw my grandmother's yarn stash. She taught me to knit, but hasn't done it in at least 5 years. So I convinced her to give me a few so I could make her something. Then my mom got involved. Well, I walked away with like 20 smaller skins(60-100 yards), but fairly thick.
I do knitting in phases, and just started up a couple months ago with this batch. I made a hat for my grandmother, and I've almost finished an Afghan that used 15 skeins. I've still got 2 hats and 2 matching scarves to go. Then I'll get to grab more from her stash.
Oh, and I've been making red and green scarves for my mom for miniature snowmen (she wants 20). She keeps wanting me to use smaller needles, so it's more proportionate. If I go that small it'll take me as long to make a miniature one as it would to make a normal one!
Then last week someone posted this on Facebook: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ohhio
I want to make one, but I don't want to spend $220 on material for one blanket!
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iowajes & MrMoogle: I am still knitting the baby hats for charity. You have inspired me to count how many so far! I did get a little bored & moved over to a baby blanket for the same charity, so output of FO's has slowed and it makes me feel a little unproductive.
ThreadCookie: your projects turned out really well! As a knitter, I especially like the last one :)
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I went through my fabric stash with my mum and sister, and we put together 3 packages of matching fabric for quilts. The first has been started, and hopefully I will only need to get backing fabric.
first blankie top complete! Using up some flannelette for the backing.
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Adorable!
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I had been collecting metal charms for a few years and decided to begin creating some jewelry with them. This wasn't too long ago, maybe 2 months. Anyway, I used up all the charms, then acquired a lot more odds and ends, beads, old jewelry, etc from other people- as I have said before, I primarily upcycle. This is a win for me ( not just because it has turned out to be incredibly profitable ) because I finally made use of all the charms I had been collecting. And now I am not collecting, but using the incoming stuff.
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iowajes & MrMoogle: I am still knitting the baby hats for charity. You have inspired me to count how many so far! I did get a little bored & moved over to a baby blanket for the same charity, so output of FO's has slowed and it makes me feel a little unproductive.
ThreadCookie: your projects turned out really well! As a knitter, I especially like the last one :)
I'm up to 24 baby hats, 3 adult scarves & the baby blanket-in-progress. It's a really big bag. I'm feeling productive again :)
I can probably make at least another 10 hats with the yarn I have left. That's my goal before the collection deadline in November. I may make it if the deadline is late November. Otherwise, I will have a harder time using up & moving on the stashed yarn.
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iowajes & MrMoogle: I am still knitting the baby hats for charity. You have inspired me to count how many so far! I did get a little bored & moved over to a baby blanket for the same charity, so output of FO's has slowed and it makes me feel a little unproductive.
ThreadCookie: your projects turned out really well! As a knitter, I especially like the last one :)
I'm up to 24 baby hats, 3 adult scarves & the baby blanket-in-progress. It's a really big bag. I'm feeling productive again :)
I can probably make at least another 10 hats with the yarn I have left. That's my goal before the collection deadline in November. I may make it if the deadline is late November. Otherwise, I will have a harder time using up & moving on the stashed yarn.
Nice! Baby hats would be a good way to finish off a skein.
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iowajes & MrMoogle: I am still knitting the baby hats for charity. You have inspired me to count how many so far! I did get a little bored & moved over to a baby blanket for the same charity, so output of FO's has slowed and it makes me feel a little unproductive.
ThreadCookie: your projects turned out really well! As a knitter, I especially like the last one :)
I'm up to 24 baby hats, 3 adult scarves & the baby blanket-in-progress. It's a really big bag. I'm feeling productive again :)
I can probably make at least another 10 hats with the yarn I have left. That's my goal before the collection deadline in November. I may make it if the deadline is late November. Otherwise, I will have a harder time using up & moving on the stashed yarn.
Nice! Baby hats would be a good way to finish off a skein.
Very true; I am doing 2-color stranded knitting & using up bits & bobs. It pleases me to use all but <1yard of a skein.
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I got a bunch of odds and ends from my mom's fabric stash, and I'm making mini quilts for the animal shelter. 2 layers of fabric, 2 layers of batting. Very simple. I have 4 currently in progress.
I SUCK at quilting. Seriously, I'm bad. Luckily, the animals won't care.
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I got a bunch of odds and ends from my mom's fabric stash, and I'm making mini quilts for the animal shelter. 2 layers of fabric, 2 layers of batting. Very simple. I have 4 currently in progress.
I SUCK at quilting. Seriously, I'm bad. Luckily, the animals won't care.
That seems like a good way to learn.
I learned to knit after I was in a car wreck, and I was on some serious pain killers. I made my then girlfriend an afghan as my first creation, and one side was probably 1.5x the size of the other, since my knits were not consistent at all. And the colors were definite not her style. So it was more the thought that counts and I was drugged up gift. After I came out of the stupor, months later, I realized what I had done, and I made her a better one.
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In the spirit of this thread: I found the Very Hungry Catterpilar fabric I had bought ages ago, and will be using it for a change table cover for the baby and for a few baby gifts for everyone else who is expecting. I've brought out 2 quilts that have been 3/4 done for about 2 years and stalled there (1 baby quilt which will be a present, and 1 toddler-sized quilt which will go in the new baby's room since it'll be big enough to use as a lap blanket for parents in the middle of the night), and I've been working on them. Should have them finished by mid-November! :)
Question: does anyone have suggestions on organizing craft supplies?
I just moved, and I don't actually have that much - maybe 1 rubbermaid bin's worth of random supplies (candle-making, crafty-stuff in a variety of categories, etc), and 1 bin's worth of cloth/material, all of which I actually do use, just not super regularly (like, I make candles every 6 months, but not weekly, so I need to actually store the stuff... but not get rid of it because it's actually used). I use the fabric stash faster than I build it up, so that's encouraging, but I still need to store it sensibly so I can see what I have so that it gets used!
There's a wall in my basement that I could turn into a crafty-things area (say, a broad shelf as a table, and 2-3 10-inch shelves above that for storage - as long as I don't block the returning air vents on the bottom of the wall, so no actual armoirs). But what's a way to have it not look super cluttered? I was thinking maybe smaller boxes, labeled by projects (like, all candle-making in 1 box, labeled, and only taken out when needed)... but does anyone have a better idea?
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Kitsune, I mainly just knit, but I have several boxes for yarn & separate boxes for needles & other tools. I think separate boxes by craft the way you suggest would be my preference for a multi-craft space.
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I checked out a book from my local library that I wanted to recommend: Sewing Happiness: A Year of Simple Projects for Living Well, by Sanae Ishida. It's the story of a woman who dealt with chronic illness by sewing and is a joy to read. And -- pertinent to this thread -- most of the 20 projects in the book use relatively small amounts of fabric and notions, and are simple to sew. Many would make good gifts. So far I have pulled fabric from my stash to make book covers, zippered pouches, and a pair of yoga pants, using the directions in this book. Definitely give it a look.
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I have been reworking some of my fashion illustrations from a few years ago, adding paint and ink.
I really understand at this point that I don't really even like to make any new projects (meaning raw materials). I love the challenge of reworking a piece. While leaving or using some elements, the "new" piece is typically unrecognizable. So, to tye into this: I am using up paint, pens, glue, etc
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In the spirit of this thread: I found the Very Hungry Catterpilar fabric I had bought ages ago, and will be using it for a change table cover for the baby and for a few baby gifts for everyone else who is expecting. I've brought out 2 quilts that have been 3/4 done for about 2 years and stalled there (1 baby quilt which will be a present, and 1 toddler-sized quilt which will go in the new baby's room since it'll be big enough to use as a lap blanket for parents in the middle of the night), and I've been working on them. Should have them finished by mid-November! :)
Question: does anyone have suggestions on organizing craft supplies?
I just moved, and I don't actually have that much - maybe 1 rubbermaid bin's worth of random supplies (candle-making, crafty-stuff in a variety of categories, etc), and 1 bin's worth of cloth/material, all of which I actually do use, just not super regularly (like, I make candles every 6 months, but not weekly, so I need to actually store the stuff... but not get rid of it because it's actually used). I use the fabric stash faster than I build it up, so that's encouraging, but I still need to store it sensibly so I can see what I have so that it gets used!
There's a wall in my basement that I could turn into a crafty-things area (say, a broad shelf as a table, and 2-3 10-inch shelves above that for storage - as long as I don't block the returning air vents on the bottom of the wall, so no actual armoirs). But what's a way to have it not look super cluttered? I was thinking maybe smaller boxes, labeled by projects (like, all candle-making in 1 box, labeled, and only taken out when needed)... but does anyone have a better idea?
I use those cheap plastic shoeboxes just like you are thinking. They are clear so I can see what's in them, they line up on my shelves nicely, and I labeled the end of each box. Some examples I have are:
- white lace
- colored lace
- zippers
- velcro
- buttons (in little jars sorted by color in the box)
- trim, etc
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I ended up sending 50 baby hats to the NICU. I would have done more, but the puppy makes knitting impossible.
Sewed a stocking for my nephew using only fabric on hand
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
Ooo, what heel is it? I pref toe-up, but also enjoy new techniques.
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I had surgery a couple weeks ago, and took most of a week off from it. Finished my afghan, two hats, a scarf, and 9 mini scarves (for miniature snowmen). I'm down to 3 full skeins, and some extra black and white that I randomly add to things.
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
Ooo, what heel is it? I pref toe-up, but also enjoy new techniques.
Fleegle heel, perfect fit, so easy. If I had done short rows I would have been counting every row. Want a picture?
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I had surgery a couple weeks ago, and took most of a week off from it. Finished my afghan, two hats, a scarf, and 9 mini scarves (for miniature snowmen). I'm down to 3 full skeins, and some extra black and white that I randomly add to things.
If you are having to rest and recuperate, might as well get a lot done too! Impressive.
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
Ooo, what heel is it? I pref toe-up, but also enjoy new techniques.
Fleegle heel, perfect fit, so easy. If I had done short rows I would have been counting every row. Want a picture?
Totes! But I was gently informed once before that this is not the thread for showing off our projects. Feel free to PM me or post on my journal.
I had not heard of that one. I will try it on my next sock!
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
Ooo, what heel is it? I pref toe-up, but also enjoy new techniques.
Fleegle heel, perfect fit, so easy. If I had done short rows I would have been counting every row. Want a picture?
Totes! But I was gently informed once before that this is not the thread for showing off our projects. Feel free to PM me or post on my journal.
I had not heard of that one. I will try it on my next sock!
OK, when I get a picture I will post on your journal (and maybe mine). I offered more to show the niceness of the technique than to show off, but I can see how the thread would fill up fast if we all did that.
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I finally found a heel I like for toe-up socks, so am almost finished my first pair. Have a few more pairs ready for heels. Double win - projects finished, and warm socks for winter.
Ooo, what heel is it? I pref toe-up, but also enjoy new techniques.
Fleegle heel, perfect fit, so easy. If I had done short rows I would have been counting every row. Want a picture?
Totes! But I was gently informed once before that this is not the thread for showing off our projects. Feel free to PM me or post on my journal.
I had not heard of that one. I will try it on my next sock!
OK, when I get a picture I will post on your journal (and maybe mine). I offered more to show the niceness of the technique than to show off, but I can see how the thread would fill up fast if we all did that.
Posted on my journal, with web site
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/definitely-thinking-of-moving-to-coastal-bc-now-in-early-planning-stage/750/ (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/definitely-thinking-of-moving-to-coastal-bc-now-in-early-planning-stage/750/)
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Oooooh! I just discovered the Fleegle heel just a couple pairs ago - love it! I'd tried flap, short row, and sweet tomato before, and the tomato heel was the closest before this.
I tend to knit two at a time, so this works well for that, too, whereas the others don't.
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geekette, I just googled the sweet tomato heel & that's a Cat Bordhi invention! She is one of my fave designers. I'll have to try this on my next-next pair of socks.
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Thanks to RetiredAt63 & geekette, this thread was a gift to me this week :)
I swear I will post an update on my "using up" progress. Probably next week when the deadlines at work ease up.
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I was cleaning out my closet recently and I decided to "save" some of my t-shirts by making them into fitted tank tops. I had WAY too many t-shirts and like 2 casual tanks, now I'm happier with the mix.
I cut off the arms, cut a lower neck line, took in the sides using my serger, made a dart by the chest, and did a folded hem at the neck and arm holes using a stretch stitch.
Another larger shirt was made into a t-shirt dress to wear with leggings.
I mended a hole in a shirt.
I'm about to make 2 hats and some fingerless mittens from a cashmere sweater that I got from Goodwill for $1, it has some damage and I didn't like the fit anyways so it's not so useful as a sweater, but the fabric is amazing! Planning on one of the hats having cat ears because why not? I'll leave the other hat earless so my DH will wear it.
All in all an excellent use for a random vacation day from work and several small projects cleared out of my sewing room!
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You go, Zaga! Sounds like a fun and productive day.
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My mum and I went through the two big boxes of wool, finished and half finished knitting projects that have been languishing in my linen cupboard when she visited over the weekend. We now have a date for drop off to donate woollen items (June next year) and we bagged up the finished and half finished items to be completed when I'm at my parent's house over Christmas (she has the original patterns that were used). Now to begin small projects to use up all the small pieces before mid next year (striped scarves, booties, beanies). It's great to have a date to work towards, I'll let you all know how it goes!
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About the cashmere sweater being turned into hats and mittens, well, one of the hats was great and the other looked terrible! When DH got home I had him try it on and though it fit he said it was uncomfortable because of the serge stitching on the inside. So I turned it inside out, and it looks fantastic!
Who would have thought that a light grey wool hat with extremely obvious black serge stitches in a giant X inside a circle would actually look really cute? And DH likes it because the part against his head is all soft cashmere. Win-win.
Oh, and the hat for me looks so classy that I just can't being myself to put ears on it. I might change my mind later, but for now it will remain earless.
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Oh, and the hat for me looks so classy that I just can't being myself to put ears on it. I might change my mind later, but for now it will remain earless.
The joy of making your own things - you can have them exactly as you want, and when they are no longer how you want them... you can add ears!
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My guild has its biennial quilt show next March, so I am moving into high gear to finish projects to hang in the show. Today I spent about four pleasant hours working on various things. Three projects were moved one or two steps closer to completion. After the show most of these quilts will be given away or hung on the walls, so they will no longer be stash or guilt inducing UFOs.
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This is a great conversation! My goal for 2017 is to refrain from buying art supplies, and only use what is already in my collection. The extra bedroom in my house is bursting at the seams with specialty papers and printmaking supplies. Maybe I should share this forum with my mother, the quilter in the family.
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I made a gift hat out of two balls of yarn that were a colour I will never wear - the recipient liked it, it suits her colouring perfectly.
I was almost finished a scarf that was coming out too short (handspun, no more available) so I frogged it - I now have a winter toque in a soft greeny blue with heather spots of green and yellow, pretty and warm and a perfect fit.
Lots more WIPs to finish and stash to use/donate.
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Just set up a meeting time/location with the charity volunteer to drop off all the scarves & baby hats I've been working on. That will be about a grocery-bag size donation! I'm happy to be able to use my resources to make winter a little warmer for the receipients and also to get that chunk of yarn out of my stash!
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I checked out a book from my local library that I wanted to recommend: Sewing Happiness: A Year of Simple Projects for Living Well, by Sanae Ishida. It's the story of a woman who dealt with chronic illness by sewing and is a joy to read. And -- pertinent to this thread -- most of the 20 projects in the book use relatively small amounts of fabric and notions, and are simple to sew. Many would make good gifts. So far I have pulled fabric from my stash to make book covers, zippered pouches, and a pair of yoga pants, using the directions in this book. Definitely give it a look.
Thank you for the recommendation! I just requested from my library. I'm working up a list of WIPs to finish in 2017 and no new starts (at least none that require purchasing fabric). I will need to make some thank you and end of the year teacher gifts, so this book looks like it might be a good resource.
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Finishing knitting a cardigan in size 7Y that I began for my oldest son 6 years ago! I have another chance to finish it before my second son outgrows it. Just need to sew it all together, add a button band and collar.
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTlc.html
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Made two sets of coasters using tiles I bought like 10 years ago and some vinyl (which admittedly is new, I just got the silhouette).
They are super cute and will make great hostess gifts tomorrow. And the tiles have finally served their purpose!
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I have to express thanks for the unused, bought-5-years-ago art supplies this Christmas. We're on a bit of a tighter budget than usual, but this let me make nice gifts to bridge the Gap VERY nicely. :)
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I've joined a challenge for 2017. I've marked twelve quilting projects 1-12 and will work on whichever number is pulled for that month. Hopefully it will mean at least a few of these projects will be finished!
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I'm cleaning out the craft room. All supplies have been moved out of the room into the craft room annex (which husband still insists on calling a guest room).
Now I have to put it all back, or else throw it away. So as I find works in progress, do I finish them before finding the next thing, or do I find a good "works in progress spot" and get to them when decluttering is done?
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I'm cleaning out the craft room. All supplies have been moved out of the room into the craft room annex (which husband still insists on calling a guest room).
Now I have to put it all back, or else throw it away. So as I find works in progress, do I finish them before finding the next thing, or do I find a good "works in progress spot" and get to them when decluttering is done?
You can't declutter ALL the time. I vote for the works in progress spot. How many WIPs are there? Maybe sort them too - want done soon (go into active progress site), want done, don't care (frog, ditch, donate, whatever is appropriate). If you finish each thing as you find it your decluttering will stall.
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I have three areas I want to focus on in 2017 -- yarn, quilting fabric, and beads.
I was gifted a lot of yarn in 2015 and have made good progress this past year in using it up, but I still have more to whittle down. The plus side is that I really got back into knitting this year (while listening to audio books) so I'm excited about doing more in 2017.
I have material set aside to make a new queen-size quilt for our bed in 2017, so that will be my big quilting project, but I also want to use up my many smaller pieces of fabric. I made some hot pads and zipper bags in 2016 and plan to do more of them in 2017. I'd also like to do some patchwork pillows.
I have a bunch of beads and findings that I would like to turn into jewelry this coming year -- I made a few pieces in 2016, but not many.
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What a nice surprise too see so many of us here dedicated to cleaning up now & in the new year!
Well, after the charity donation, I've moved on to a bag of super bulky yarn, about 1/2 an Ikea bag full. I am making a long coat/jacket for myself & will use the leftovers to make more charity projects. It's going quickly so far, so I'm hopeful I'll be able to wear the coat this winter. And it will be nice to reclaim that space in the closet!
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Is there some sort of website for sewing like Ravelry is for knitting, where you can post materials for sale or swap? This December I was excited to use up stash to make potholders, but then realized I had no solid colored cotton fabric for bindings so I had to buy it. So I saw a net increase in stash after all. If I come up with a project to use up the new leftover cloth, then I'll end up needing new materials which will end up being left over, etc.
Many times I would be happy to do a swap so that I can finish a project.
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Your local freecycle or craigslist?
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I've spent the past two days going through my stash of quilting fabric and organizing it. Fat quarters or larger were organized by color, along with a few larger swaths of material. I had a lot of smaller pieces, many oddly shaped, left-over from other projects. I had a lot of long, narrow pieces I cut two-inches wide to use as binding. The rest I cut into 5" charm squares, or 3" or 2" squares. I put all the trimmings in a bag to use to stuff a pillow one day. Everything is so much neater and I feel like I'm a step ahead on a lot of projects. I plan to make my MIL a couple of patchwork pillows for Mother's Day -- we're visiting her at the end of April, so I can take them with me then. I also found a small wall-hanging I had already cut the fabric for, so I will make this. I would also like to do a table runner, and I have everything cut out for a queen-sized quilt for my bedroom. Here's to finishing all these projects in 2017.
Today I tackle the yarn and knitting needles. I'm planning to make a needle case for the needles, and to set aside some yarn I don't have use for to sell or trade.
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Is there some sort of website for sewing like Ravelry is for knitting, where you can post materials for sale or swap?
I don't know if Textillia has a specific swap functionality, but it is a fairly new site attempting to be Ravelry for sewing--you could probably post in the forums and get someone to swap with you.
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Is there some sort of website for sewing like Ravelry is for knitting, where you can post materials for sale or swap?
I don't know if Textillia has a specific swap functionality, but it is a fairly new site attempting to be Ravelry for sewing--you could probably post in the forums and get someone to swap with you.
Thanks!! I'll join and see. I just can't seem to hit the right balance of not buying more/using up stash/finishing projects.
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I went through all my yarn (4 storage containers!) and pulled out enough for 10 eBay listings. I was able to consolidate the remaining hoard down to 3 containers. I hope to make a little extra money from the clearing out. I am not promising I won't use some of it to buy more yarn. <G>
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I sent a fabric care package as a random act of kindness. A gal posted in a sewing group on Facebook looking for budget-friendly knit fabric suggestions to sew for the baby boy she's expecting. I had plenty of boy-friendly prints sitting around (my son has received so many hand me downs he doesn't need anything and it feels wasteful to sew things he doesn't need) so she sent me postage via PayPal and I sent some of my surplus to a good home.
I also accepted a huge bag of fabric from a friend who is moving so my stash has definitely had a net gain this week.
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I FINALLY finished a project I cut last year. Artist apron for DD.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/f5dfad74b57ac1f03102481ac335e122.jpg)
Butterick 4945A
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I love aprons. That one is so cute and fun!
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Thanks sparkytheop! DD really loves it. I am sure it will have paint on it in no time. ;)
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This weekend I finished up a quilt top to donate to charity. I used a large packet of fat quarters that had been around for several years.
I can use more older fabric to back it, so that is less stash and more space in my studio. Progress!
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Just getting back into sewing after buying a bunch of new jalie patterns. Used up about 3 m of fleece sewing two hoodies and a pair of sweat pants for the kids, recycled a failed project for me into a cute dress for DD.
Pieced together a pattern tonight so I'll trace off a skirt for DD shortly. Also traced off a top for me, just need to prep the fabric. New patterns but that will use up another 2-2.5 m of fabric. Then I'll start on the projects I recently bought fabric for.
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I love Jalie patterns Maya. My cora running leggings are the best!
So after my phase of 'I need to by stuff to finish stuff' (zips, buttons, lining etc), I got a load of items finished and in the wardrobe, yay! I've also got my haberdashery and fabric stash down to its designated drawers and cupboards, which is great, my house looks a lot better!
But I am once again at the needing to buy stuff stage. I have some underwear all cut out, but I need stretch lace elastic. I have a dress cut out, and I have a zip for it too. But no white lining and every other colour is showing through. I was short some bias tape so I made it from scraps rather than buying it. Much cheaper and the store-bought stuff is always stiff and scratchy no matter how much I wash it. But a little frustrating, for sure.
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Theadvicist the Cora's are one of my new patterns I can't wait to sew. I bought some fabric to test them out with money problem is I'm 32 weeks pregnant and debating what size to start with. Current solution is to put that project on hold till I've had the baby and focus on sewing some nursing tops and maybe the elenores for post partum. I'll have to sew up smaller versions once I've started to lose weight again.
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Oooh they have great patterns for nursing / post-partum!
The leggings are really tight (in a good way, they feel supportive, not constricting) so if you're in between sizes I would go up. You can always take 'em in, you know? But yeah, you might be best of waiting for a bit. Also, check the seam allowance (I think it is 6mm. I sewed up a top of theirs at 1cm and then wondered why it was a bit snug! Yeah, what an idiot!)
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I have one nursing shirt cut out and partially sewed up (from four years ago with my first, I'm on my third now LOL) and have traced off he pattern for the other nursing shirt, to use some of the fabric I bought four year ago. Need to get motivated.
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I was just posting to ask for more pictures, but saw a post that said pictures were not encouraged here.
What the blankety-blanket what?
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I have one nursing shirt cut out and partially sewed up (from four years ago with my first, I'm on my third now LOL) and have traced off he pattern for the other nursing shirt, to use some of the fabric I bought four year ago. Need to get motivated.
I am in desperate need of nursing shirts - flannel button-downs bought on sale or used are now too warm. What pattern are you using?
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I have one nursing shirt cut out and partially sewed up (from four years ago with my first, I'm on my third now LOL) and have traced off he pattern for the other nursing shirt, to use some of the fabric I bought four year ago. Need to get motivated.
I am in desperate need of nursing shirts - flannel button-downs bought on sale or used are now too warm. What pattern are you using?
https://jalie.com/jalie3132-nursing-tees-sewing-pattern-464
I've a bunch in thmy same style made by momzelle. I'm excited to try this one out as most of my nursing tops are long sleeved in the bigger sizes and short sleeved in smaller ones. Need to make some short sleeved ones in bigger sizes for this summer when baby is young. Due end of of summer.
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I have one nursing shirt cut out and partially sewed up (from four years ago with my first, I'm on my third now LOL) and have traced off he pattern for the other nursing shirt, to use some of the fabric I bought four year ago. Need to get motivated.
I am in desperate need of nursing shirts - flannel button-downs bought on sale or used are now too warm. What pattern are you using?
https://jalie.com/jalie3132-nursing-tees-sewing-pattern-464
I've a bunch in thmy same style made by momzelle. I'm excited to try this one out as most of my nursing tops are long sleeved in the bigger sizes and short sleeved in smaller ones. Need to make some short sleeved ones in bigger sizes for this summer when baby is young. Due end of of summer.
Oooh! Thanks! That has potential! Assuming I can get my husband to hold the baby for a few hours while I sew very, very quickly... ;)
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So timely for me this thread has taken a turn to towards maternity wear, as I've just found out I'm pregnant! It's very early days, but wow, this has wrecked my 'sewing-drive'. I just don't want to make anything because hopefully it won't fit!
But I've been wondering might a jacket be a sensible project to make it my current size? The particular style it is I would probably wear it open anyway. Can anyone who has been through this advise? Am I likely to be a similar size through the shoulders and arms at the end of all this? I don't want to put time and materials into something I won't wear, but I am really missing sewing and this is the only thing I can think of that doesn't need to be fitted through the midsection.
I'm thinking of this burda pattern: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/asymmetrical-moto-jacket-112013 (http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/asymmetrical-moto-jacket-112013)
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Gosh, it's been a while since I updated here. Lots of sewing talk recently...I'll represent for the knitters :)
Since Dec, I did make the sweater I was planning, but it used far less yarn that I expected. So I've had that super-bulky chenille in a holding pattern while I find a charity project suitable to this yarn (maybe Project Linus?).
I have to "confess", I did buy more yarn*. This is for a sweater that is currently in progress as my main project, so I'm using it up quickly (1 of 9 skeins used in the last 2 weeks). So my focus on "using up" yarn has switched over to that rather than pre-existing stash. Once I make adequate progress (measured against a deadline in October), I will switch back over to the stash.
*I never vowed that I wouldn't, but this group is focused on clearing out space, not buying more stuff!
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So timely for me this thread has taken a turn to towards maternity wear, as I've just found out I'm pregnant! It's very early days, but wow, this has wrecked my 'sewing-drive'. I just don't want to make anything because hopefully it won't fit!
But I've been wondering might a jacket be a sensible project to make it my current size? The particular style it is I would probably wear it open anyway. Can anyone who has been through this advise? Am I likely to be a similar size through the shoulders and arms at the end of all this? I don't want to put time and materials into something I won't wear, but I am really missing sewing and this is the only thing I can think of that doesn't need to be fitted through the midsection.
I'm thinking of this burda pattern: http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/asymmetrical-moto-jacket-112013 (http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/asymmetrical-moto-jacket-112013)
Make baby clothes, baby blankets/quilt, etc. Anything for the home.
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Make baby clothes, baby blankets/quilt, etc. Anything for the home.
Thanks Sibley but I think I'm too superstitious to make anything for a baby, and we don't need any new curtains or anything. I've ordered stuff for the Burda jacket, if the pregnancy progresses well I guess I can just wear it open.
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Tshirts or cardigans. Look at jalie's patterns for maternity wear.
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Oooh thanks Maya, I have a cardigan pattern I've been meaning to make for a while, that is a great idea. I'll be able to layer it (open!) over tops and tanks all summer. Thank you.
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I made a big stack of microwave bowls and gave them to family and friends. Then I made 6 pillowcases for a charity "pillowcases for Ryan" which benefits cancer kids.
Tomorrow I start on bibs. One of my fellow quilters contacted local nursing homes and asked what would help them. They said large bibs which would help keep patients clean during feeding. So I have a pattern and that is my next project.
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Having pledged at the beginning of the year not to add any crafting supplies to my household this year, I've gone a little further and have been reducing my much-too-large knitting yarn stash. I've chopped some 100% undyed wool that I'd accidentally felted into little pieces and left it out for the birds to use for nesting materials or used it to secure staked plants in the garden, let friends help themselves to any of my yarn that took their fancy provided they intended to use rather than stashing it themselves, donated around 2.5kg of acrylic and acrylic blends to charity, stuck price tags on almost everything in my Ravelry catalogue, and trickled a few skeins at a time on to eBay.
Take that, Mr Sunk Cost Fallacy ;-)
I still have too much, but I didn't collect it all in a couple of months and I'm happy to spend a few years finding new homes.
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Pulled out some cloth I haven't touched in a good 7 years and had JUST ENOUGH to bust out the top for my most recent costume and feel comfortable throwing away the scraps. I'm also steadily burning through my collection of black scrap fabric (though inevitably I'll have to buy more...) with miscellaneous costume projects that come up.
And this isn't quite in the vein of using up existing craft supplies, but I just made my first craft item sale on my etsy store! The price is enough to recoup all the supply costs and to allow me to buy more to hopefully grow that a bit. :)
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Finished a quilt using fabric I'd loved for ages but never found a use for (cute whale print seersucker) and made the binding with scraps from the other fabric. Next up is finishing a quilt that's been WIP over a year...
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Well, it left my house. My sister had asked for pillows for her couch, and got fabric. I took some and my mom took some. Mom was visiting and took it home with her because I haven't had time to make them. It counts I think.
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Random thought on yarn since this thread popped back up:
My cousins have a Christmas gift exchange going that I've been trying to get out of for some time now. I'm the oldest, and I have some cousins that are under 5, so we have a limit of $20 on it. There's rarely anything I want for Christmas, so I always end up getting junk. I usually give a hat and scarf or sometimes an afghan, which I like doing. So last year, I came up with the idea to ask for a Hobby Lobby or Michaels gift card, and then we'd rig it so I'd get whoever gave me the card for the next year. It might not pay for an afghan, but it'd definitely pay for hats and scarves.
So this weekend I'm going to go find some yarn to make my cousin an afghan. I think this will be the first Christmas present from a cousin I haven't donated in like 5 years, so I'm pretty psyched to use it. I've even been told that he wants it white and blue, so at least it's narrowed down some.
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Giving a few jewelry presents this Christmas - so there will be a slight reduction in my natural gemstones, Czech beads and other jewelry making supplies. Looking forward to finishing an Egyptian style necklace for myself that I started months ago and designing several new and all different styles necklace and earring sets for gifts.
It probably will not put much of a dent in my supplies - but it will be fun and energizing to create something beautiful.
I've started taking inventory and organizing so I'll have a nice workspace soon. The Mustachian in me gleefully scooped up a clearance deal at a high end merchandise clearance store which normally does not carry jewelry supplies. It was just what I needed for that Christmas gift for a good friend. Can't wait to get started on that piece - beautiful cobalt blue art glass beads.
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I like to host a 'Use-it-up' craft/hobby day with about a dozen adults and kids. Last year was too much of a free for all, but they all made paper projects, took home whatever supplies they wanted, and we had tea and snacks and had fun. This year I have done a lot of decluttering already and I don't want to do too much prep to get it going. I'm thinking of having a few kits out that I have still in my stash that anyone can finish (card pieces and paper gems), and then bits of yarn and fabric scraps.
The yarn will become pom poms - with ideas to make thim into decorations, hat toppers, or backpack or bag clips, or keychains
The fabric can be cut or ripped into strips and turned into twine like this http://www.gina-michele.com/2016/12/twinefabricscraps.html (http://www.gina-michele.com/2016/12/twinefabricscraps.html) - I think I need a few more ideas for what the twine can become though- using it for tieing presents, wrapping cans or vases, or using lots and lots of it to make a coaster set or even a rug are a start. The fabric strips could also wrap hangers like this https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/562246334721863105/ (https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/562246334721863105/)
I could potentially do some small sewing or upcycle projects, but again don't want to go too crazy with set up and having to supervise machines. I guess it will depend on the group and their attention span.
Any other ideas (especially for using the twine)?
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Great tip on the fabric twine! How about making waste paper baskets? Or (though it's a shame to hide it) using as cording in pillow edges?
I just finished binding three potholders that I started last December. Happy, because now they are done and I have new, much-needed potholders. Sad, because no appreciable dent made in my stash.
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The great Panna fabric made in India are really famous when compared to that of Egypt.
It is an appeal whenever you go to MUMBAI, India or Surat which are two textile giant cities with lots of company fabrics available.
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No twine ideas. I can't seem to finish WIPs and they become UFOs whenever I have to make a decision that feels "too hard". For Christmas I've finished some little soft toys out of scraps that I started 2 years ago, so at least those will be done. Then I think I'll have to make a list and work out what steps are left in each project so I can get through them without getting stuck on the decisions.
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My 'Use-it-up' craft/hobby day was a success! Lots of fabric and little odds and ends went out the door, and dozens of cards were made and many snacks were eaten. We also had people playing video games at the same time - lots of fun and I didn't have to prep much at all. I even made a few feet of fabric twine - much easier than I thought it was to make. Thanks for the tips and encouragement here!
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Finished two quilts that have been UFOs for awhile (one was sandwiched and then became a place for kitties to lie and watch me sew -- and I lost those kitties in 2015, so that tells you how long that project was sitting!). Also made a third quilt using some stash fabric. Happy to be sewing again!
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While doing some last minute decluttering for donation tax deduction purposes, I set aside several pairs of pants and jeans with holes in them. Not good enough to donate, but so much useful fabric. I know I want to make a jean quilt, but I think there is more than that there. My mom also has a couple totes full of jeans (she needed a bunch to make small quilts to cover hay bails for my sister's wedding. My aunts show up to the wedding with a bunch of jeans. Hearts were in the right place, but it was a little late since all the quilts were done!)
Anyway, it sparked an idea. I plan to cut them into large pieces and sew 2-3 pairs of pants legs together to make small dog quilts. My mom has a ton of home decor fabric samples (10x10 inch or so) that the store was going to throw out. I'll sew those together for one side, and the jeans for the other side. Envelope it, sew a big "X" through the center, maybe a few more quilting stitches, and done! I'll add some poly batting for older dogs. I'll donate them to the shelter where I got my dog several years ago.
At least, that's the plan. I need to call them Tuesday to see if they will take them (they can use them there, or send them with the dogs when the dogs get a new home).
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Finally sewed soup bowl cozies! And I used the opportunity to make a youtube video, which was one of my goals for the year-more videos.
If you need a way to use up fabric, this is a good one:
https://youtu.be/PXOGUYztqXw
They make really great gifts.
Just remember: ONLY cotton if you plan to microwave them.
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I'm using fabric I have around to make costumes today for a play. Saving money and fun with fabric, win win!
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Finally sewed soup bowl cozies! And I used the opportunity to make a youtube video, which was one of my goals for the year-more videos.
If you need a way to use up fabric, this is a good one:
https://youtu.be/PXOGUYztqXw
They make really great gifts.
Just remember: ONLY cotton if you plan to microwave them.
I loved your video! Succinct, and helpful. I bought some "Wrap 'n Zap" (all cotton, no scrim) and will be making some myself. I'm not sure how important 100% cotton thread is, but I think/hope I have some.
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Yay, I was hoping there was a thread on "finally sew with all that stuff you've accumulated, dammit"!
Projects in progress:
1. Embroidered shearling coat
2. Velvet thermal curtains
Both of these are to help deal with the Old Cold House - but mostly I hang out under the coat while I work on it, and half the curtains are hung temporarily, so to get thermal benefits, though they need hemming/binding/hardware adjustments to work properly.
I will not list the backlog here now, so as to not be discouraged.
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Finally sewed soup bowl cozies! And I used the opportunity to make a youtube video, which was one of my goals for the year-more videos.
If you need a way to use up fabric, this is a good one:
https://youtu.be/PXOGUYztqXw
They make really great gifts.
Just remember: ONLY cotton if you plan to microwave them.
I loved your video! Succinct, and helpful. I bought some "Wrap 'n Zap" (all cotton, no scrim) and will be making some myself. I'm not sure how important 100% cotton thread is, but I think/hope I have some.
Thanks :) Glad it helped someone. They were a fun project.
Honestly, I'd just watch the microwave. I DOUBT there would be a fire if you use a polycore thread; but I don't know...
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Sewed pillows for our newly redecorated living room.
I used 2 of my invisible zippers- the stash of which is nearly gone; all the long neutral color ones are at least. I made 7 pillows, the rest envelope style - instead of buying new zippers.
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Yay, I was hoping there was a thread on "finally sew with all that stuff you've accumulated, dammit"!
Projects in progress:
1. Embroidered shearling coat
That. Is. Gorgeous!!
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Projects in progress:
1. Embroidered shearling coat
That. Is. Gorgeous!!
Thank you! It will also be great entertainment value for money, since I certainly won't finish it until NEXT winter. (mixed feelings) I have been researching my family's origins in Eastern Europe, and the bits of 'found heritage' are coming to life in this coat, in rather a meaning-rich way. I was originally inspired by the Russian sister's coat in Season 1 of American Gods.
Further detail in case anyone cares:
My grandfather was born in a place that is ethnic Hungarian (language spoken), but now located in Ukraine. So I am drawing from both cultures, because neither was conveyed to me or dad ('what do you care about the old country? You are American, you have everything here!') I love embroidery and graphic design, and both cultures are rich in it.
Embellished shearling coats were worn in pictures of early 20th c immigrants (that'd be my family) from the region. I found a fake one on Ebay (lighter, cheaper, less mummified) that I liked the cut of, but it buttoned in a modern way. So those trees are "visible mending" to conceal the buttonholes. I used trees because I needed a horizontal bar to cover the buttonhole, and it's very Magyar(Hungarian), from as early as the country's founding pre-1000 CE, to have a series of horizontal bars, supporting buttons and loops.
The trees are embroidered in white wool, because whitework embroidery predates colored (though I also love the area's felt applique, just saving for something else I think), and white is associated far back into the mythology with deity and sunlight. I also thought of trees in each season because there were 4 buttonholes needing to be mended. (There's actually a fifth under the collar, but that location made no sense for a bar/button combo, so it has a mandala/moon combo on left and right side.) I found cast oak acorn buttons for the 'root' of each tree.
I'm presently knitting i-cord for the button loops, and after that plan to spin/weave a piled fabric for the collar - as if it were a piece of traditional shaggy coats called Hunia from that region. After all of that, the coat will be wearable - but then the back feels kind of plain...I might design a Tree of Life (also traditional) for the back, which will take all of next winter to embroider, for sure.
^^^I AM NUTS. Why can't I put this kind of awesomeness into a web design sideline?
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Because it is much more satisfying to create a lasting work of art with your hands. In a hundred years, it doesn't seem likely that people will look at your web designs in awe ("ooo, this site was hand-crafted by a skilled artisan in the year 2018! You don't get that kind of quality in graphics these days!)
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frontstepdesign, the story of your coat is amazing. Thanks for reminding me this thread exists!
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Wow, I embroider too sometimes and I just love your work! So lovely!
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@frontstepdesign do you mind sharing your references with me, in a PM if you prefer? I also have a magyar heritage that I know very little about but love the embroidery and designs, and would like to learn more about it.
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Because it is much more satisfying to create a lasting work of art with your hands. In a hundred years, it doesn't seem likely that people will look at your web designs in awe ("ooo, this site was hand-crafted by a skilled artisan in the year 2018! You don't get that kind of quality in graphics these days!)
This is HILARIOUS. Thank you @Poundwise, I will look at this whenever I bash my head against my usual Sisyphean workload!
@oneday and @Zaga Thank you!
@Anatidae V To avoid hijacking this thread, I will put a post on my journal with a number of citations - you are welcome to subscribe to any of my Pinterest boards. (I apologize for them being somewhat all over the place - I did not know at first that I was actually researching TWO languages, multiple cultures, in several countries. Add in that Pinterest has recently added Sections to Boards, and I have some reorganizing to do.)
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BAby needed some new sweatpants. Sewed two pairs using only scraps. Just wish each pair used more LOL.
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I went into my UFO stack, and have been working on a quilt I started in a class TWO years ago. It is coming together nicely, but today I realized I may not have as much background fabric as I need. I was actually on line looking to see if I could find some place that would sell this fabric - you know that quilting fabrics are mostly one run and done - when I came to my senses. If I need the quilt larger, I will add other colors of fabric. I am trying to get RID of fabric, not spend more on projects that are not high priority.
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I went on a fabric fast for about 3 years, only buying what I needed to finish projects (mostly just batting & thread). I have depleted my stash greatly, and will probably need to budget to buy some new fabric this year for upcoming projects. In the time I've taken off from buying, fabric prices have gone through the roof! That was an unpleasant surprise.
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@Carrie -
I know what you mean. I remember that five or six years ago we were told that cotton prices went up, so the prices of cotton fabric went up too. I believe after a couple of years, cotton prices dropped, but so far fabric prices did not.
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I'm a new crafter, but jumping into this thread for both easy sewing projects (that's one of my 2018 goals) and as a reminder that I have LOTS of yarn to go through before I buy more. :) Currently working on a scarf with one skein, and plans to make mittens with another while it's still sweater season.
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I haven't knit/crocheted in over a year, but the cashier at my grocery store asked if I was a knitter/crocheter (how did she spot me?) and gave me a flyer for a hat/glove/scarf/blanket craft donation drive for a local homeless shelter. I came home and made a hat out of some old yarn. I'm completely done with it. I bound it off right away (I can't explain why I usually procrastinate; it's so easy).
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I haven't knit/crocheted in over a year, but the cashier at my grocery store asked if I was a knitter/crocheter (how did she spot me?) and gave me a flyer for a hat/glove/scarf/blanket craft donation drive for a local homeless shelter. I came home and made a hat out of some old yarn. I'm completely done with it. I bound it off right away (I can't explain why I usually procrastinate; it's so easy).
Go Nancy! Isn't that such a satisfying feeling...finishing right away? I always feel so wonderful when I manage to do that.
I used up a few yards of thread sewing up a hole that developed in one of my shopping bags.
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Thanks, oneday! It was my first time finishing a project right away, and it felt amazing! I started on a matching scarf, which will use up the rest of that yarn. I'm way too excited. Nice work on patching your shopping bag and using up some thread!
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Pulled out an art quilt I started 5-8 years ago and have been doing 15 minutes a day on it. I love it and cannot wait for it to be completed!
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Last year was a lot of building up my stash as a new quilter. This year is less buying, more creating. I love juvenile prints, and my mom works at a fabric store, so I still get little moments of fabric glee when she brings me some remnants (on sale + 50% off). The other women in my quilt group now know that I love scrappy quilts and even want to make a crumb quilt, so they are setting aside scraps that are at least 1" wide. I missed a few weeks (because I work), so when I went yesterday, they handed me a trash bag that was half full!
So, I'm using up, but still getting to collect some without being out a lot of money (or any money, my mom and I tend to just trade stuff and favors, so she never asks me to pay her back, and I don't ask them to pay back lots of little things. I also help them save money by doing stuff like fixing their leaky drain, their furnace, etc.)
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@iowajes way to stick with it! That's inspiring.
I decided to knit a scarf to go with the donation hat. I'm happy to report it's completely finished and ready to go. It took a surprisingly long time to finish, and I sort of hated it halfway through, but I stuck it out. I used up almost all of the yarn and I'm donating the remainder to the craft bin at my library. Done and done.
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Used up almost all of a giant box of Poly-Fil to make cushions for our sofa (and saved money too). My husband was glad because it freed up a cubic yard from the garage, where I had been storing it for over four years.
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I am making these with a lot of scraps. Great presents. The pattern is for sale on craftsy and etsy.
https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/project/easy-wonder-clip-bowl/378400 (https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/project/easy-wonder-clip-bowl/378400)
The pieces of fabric do not need to be very large, and you can also use up stabilizer. I have made 9 and have several more cut out. I gave 8 away to members of my craft group.
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I am making these with a lot of scraps. Great presents. The pattern is for sale on craftsy and etsy.
https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/project/easy-wonder-clip-bowl/378400 (https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/project/easy-wonder-clip-bowl/378400)
The pieces of fabric do not need to be very large, and you can also use up stabilizer. I have made 9 and have several more cut out. I gave 8 away to members of my craft group.
Those are cute! They look like they'd also make a great gift for little kids to use as a coin purse, for collecting treasures, etc.
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That is what I thought too! I am in two craft groups, and all the members are getting one. My sister and her girls are getting some and I am making several to carry sewing supplies in.
They are easy if you have a sewing machine.
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a lot of new fabric just came in due to a charity fabric sale. so I'm going to need to sew up a lot in the next little bit. good for trying out new patterns though. so that's a win. and all the fabric was only $1/m. kids will get lots of clothes out of that.
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Maya, thanks for bringing this thread back up in my list!
Last week I used up the end of a ball of cotton yarn making a dish cloth. Started a second cloth and broke into another spare ball. I will keep making clothes until the matching yarn is used! With crochet, they go really fast, it's very cool. I'm used to knitting. More to report soon!
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ODS needed an extra set of summer pjs so I made him a T-shirt and a pair of matching underwear briefs. After I made them I realized I had enough fabric left for 2 more pairs and as an added bonus he could likely do with some more underwear as he's been growing lately. Now to convince him to wear the underwear durning the day and that it's not just pjs LOL.
Some pics are on my blog: https://www.ourfinest.ca/2019/04/fabric-harvesting-summer-pjs.html
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Maya, those pj's are totally cute!
And lol at me...I stopped after 4 dish cloths in 2018 and still have the left over yarn. However, I just completed a charity scarf that used up all but a few yards of a different yarn. I'll take my wins where I can. :)
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I need to join. I have downsized to a smaller home and have two underbed storage containers of yarn and random quilt fabric, as well as fabric purchased for a specific quilt I had in mind. I would like to get this down to one underbed storage container and have (at least) that quilt completed by Dec. 31.
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I finally did an inventory of all my fabric and I had 118 m or something like that. I used about 20 last couple months but still have much more to go. Also have a couple drawers full of yarn that have trouble closing so will have to get back to knitting at some point.
My motivation has been in the toilet lately and i need to tackle a more involved project next. Every part of it seems daunting so I've yet to start. I want to make a spring/fall coat. I've bought some fabric to do a muslin before I cut into my $50 fabric but I need to start with tracing. So far nothing.
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Well, since my last post, I've learned how to knit socks (have never knitted before). So, fabric stash is depleting a little slower, and now I have a yarn stash... At least my feet are always warm!
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Well, since my last post, I've learned how to knit socks (have never knitted before). So, fabric stash is depleting a little slower, and now I have a yarn stash... At least my feet are always warm!
Go you! I made a sock once. One sock. That was it for me, so I salute you!
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Well, since my last post, I've learned how to knit socks (have never knitted before). So, fabric stash is depleting a little slower, and now I have a yarn stash... At least my feet are always warm!
Go you! I made a sock once. One sock. That was it for me, so I salute you!
I always knit two at a time - when you're done, you're done!
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Well, since my last post, I've learned how to knit socks (have never knitted before). So, fabric stash is depleting a little slower, and now I have a yarn stash... At least my feet are always warm!
Go you! I made a sock once. One sock. That was it for me, so I salute you!
I had my mom walk me through every single step (while I took notes, since I couldn't read a pattern at all). It helped a lot!
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Well, since my last post, I've learned how to knit socks (have never knitted before). So, fabric stash is depleting a little slower, and now I have a yarn stash... At least my feet are always warm!
Go you! I made a sock once. One sock. That was it for me, so I salute you!
I always knit two at a time - when you're done, you're done!
I have a friend who knits two on the same set of needles, but I have no clue how that works.
I only know the one pattern (and am completely happy with it), so I just have two going at the same time, but on different sets of needles. Knit one through a step, then the other, back and forth. On the longer portions, I just knit one for a while, then the other. When I'm done, I am done, just not all on one set of needles.
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It's a lot like knitting one at a time - just on one set of needles, so you knit the front of both, then the back of both...etc. The only tricky parts are casting on, and turning the heel. I do toe up and the fleegle heel (no heel flap), which I find fits best.
But whatever works for you is great!
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Sock knitting is my favorite. I recently knit a striped pair using up lots of bits and pieces of sock yarn in shades of purple. I have enough to do a blue striped pair, also.
I made a set of storage bins for our camper, using up a large box of upholstery fabric that a friend gave me when she was clearing out her parents' house. It felt great to get that box out of my closet, and to make the bins, only having to purchase interfacing.
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LOL, I did have someone walking me through it--my knitting teacher. A dear lady, but she could not overcome my lack of talent/courage. I'm a better crocheter than knitter because it doesn't get so scary when you have to rip back a mistake. I'm more willing to try new things when I'm not afraid of having to unravel it.
I have "knit a pair of socks" on my retirement bucket list, if yarn still exists then ;-)
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I used to love knitting socks. I've probably made over 100 pairs of various techniques. But after I broke my neck again knitting got really painful, and then I just became a sock yarn collector.
Not quite using it up, but I just got rid of a HUGE bag of fabric for a neighbor looking to start sewing. Garment fabric of all kinds and quilting Cottons
Even though I will never use it, it's hard to get rid of something you paid for.
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...Not quite using it up, but I just got rid of a HUGE bag of fabric for a neighbor looking to start sewing. Garment fabric of all kinds and quilting Cottons
Even though I will never use it, it's hard to get rid of something you paid for.
For me, the hard part is giving up the idea that I am going to use it. I have no problem parting with the dollar value of supplies, it's the plan/dream I had to use it that can be painful. Or not. Sometimes I look at a piece of fabric and wonder what I was thinking!
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I am using up fabric to practice some new patterns I bought. I've matched 2 to make up just enough for a skirt, and am *gasp shock horror* throwing out the scraps instead of saving tiny cuttings for goodness knows what. If this skirt works I'll probably make several more.
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Well sewed up the coat i bought fabric for a year ago. Just need to finish sewing on the snaps. Quite pleased. Will blog about it soon. We bought a trailer today so I ended up buying some nice wind pro fleece to make us camping hoodies. So fabric stash is not going down as fast as I'd like but anything that comes in must have a plan.
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Oh my goodness, just counted up my stash and 123 m to go... I'd gotten quite a bit down, but then bought a bunch recently so back up again to overflowing. Goal back again to sew it all down.
https://www.ourfinest.ca/2019/05/fabric-stash-may-2019-update.html
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In the opposite theme of this thread (but totally mustachian), my mom spent $5 at a yard sale for yarn for me. Each skein was $0.25. So I'm set for yarn for a while.
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My mom knits a ton of socks. I knit some socks (not as many, because I'm still very slow). I found a project that combines knitting sock yarn, and quilting! It also uses up all those end bits that aren't enough to do much with (my mom would use the last bit of yarn to tie up plants, etc, but really, she has a lot of leftover bits!)
I'm making a ton of these little puffs, then I'll tie them together to make a nice, soft, fluffy quilt:
http://purl-oined.blogspot.com/2011/09/honeycomb.html
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prewashed, ironed, and cut out material to make about 15 pillowcases by this material. Then will use this pattern to sew them up! https://www.mybluprint.com/project/how-to-sew-a-pillowcase-using-burrito-method
Plan to use them as "wrapping paper" for kids' gifts.
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Not having a ton of time to sew plus buying a bit more recently means my stash is overflowing. Goal is to get sewing down a bit more of the "retail fabric" I bought recently. That I mostly have plans for and then getting to the charity sale fabric I have bought to make kids clothes.
Just updated my inventory sheet and I'm up about 2 m from my last update (125 m in stash) in may. I've bought about 12 m and sewn about 10 m. I'm likely down a bit more as I gave some fabric away but I did it quickly and forgot to record it so that might be awhile till it gets calculated in.
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I'm gonna join in this thread too! Nobody really understands how satisfying it is to finish up a spool of thread, or, to find the perfect use for a piece of fabric I've had for years. Like many of you I have been gifted fabric and notions, and bought at estate sales, and bought new. I've gotten more discerning over the years and think I have a reasonable amount on hand right now, but I am making a conscious effort to use up some older things.
Today I am making sleep shorts for my spouse's upcoming birthday out of fabric left from an abandoned quilt project from 6 or 7 years ago.
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I found a project that uses the last bit of sock yarn (about 7 yards, if I remember correctly) to make a little stuffed hexagon, then you can tie a ton of them together to make a knitted quilt. The project fits in a large eyeglasses case, so I just keep one in my car or bag or whatever, and then I can work on something if I have to wait somewhere.
My mom knits a ton of socks, I knit some, and this is a great way to use up all the scrap yarn. If a piece is short, it's not a big deal to tie it to a second piece (I've only knitted socks, where changing thread is more of a pain because you don't want to create a knot).
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My workplace is holding a drive to collect warm winter clothing/gear to send to the rural mountain areas of China to be donated to school children. Schools in China are often concrete boxes with no heating/cooling systems or insulation. I've taught in some of them before, and the conditions are pretty rough.
This weekend, I started a scarf using up yarn that's been sitting in my closet for the past three years. The colors are bright, cheerful, and pretty, and I learned a new crochet pattern in order to make the scarf. If I'm lucky, I may have enough yarn left over for a matching hat, which will allow me to use up the extra large furry pom pom that was left over from my last hat-making endeavor.
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Thinking about Christmas already. I learned from a coworker how to do sashiko, and now I’m using up fabric (had to buy some sashiko thread) to make coasters and placemats for a few friends who like that kind of ethnic, handmade stuff.