Author Topic: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies  (Read 89346 times)

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« on: June 16, 2015, 09:28:36 AM »
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.

wintersun

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 327
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2015, 05:16:20 PM »
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!!!!!!!

Mrs.LC

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 226
    • Loose Change Living
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2015, 11:09:17 PM »
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.   

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2015, 07:09:44 AM »
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

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2015, 08:59:35 AM »
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 .

Melissa

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 160
  • Age: 49
  • Location: Columbus, OH
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2015, 02:45:26 PM »
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

Maya

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 256
  • Location: Canada
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2015, 06:55:53 PM »
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

theadvicist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2015, 03:00:45 AM »
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!


Potterquilter

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 113
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2015, 03:41:21 AM »
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.

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2015, 10:17:36 AM »
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.

IdigArchaeology!

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2015, 11:12:14 PM »
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!!

IdigArchaeology!

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2015, 11:13:48 PM »
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!

Penny Lane

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 202
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2015, 07:50:18 AM »
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.

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2015, 09:44:46 AM »
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

onehair

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 406
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2015, 10:39:24 AM »
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....

Nougatron

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #15 on: July 09, 2015, 01:47:43 PM »
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.

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #16 on: July 09, 2015, 03:13:22 PM »
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.

Sibley

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7428
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2015, 10:18:54 AM »
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.

Kerowyn

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3453
  • Location: Maryland
  • very "fuss" oriented
Re: Using up fabrics, sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #18 on: July 10, 2015, 02:04:35 PM »
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.

Melissa

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 160
  • Age: 49
  • Location: Columbus, OH
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #19 on: July 14, 2015, 02:25:36 PM »
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

Moonwaves

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1943
  • Location: Germany
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #20 on: July 15, 2015, 05:10:33 AM »
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!

Melody

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1087
  • Age: 35
  • Location: Australia
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #21 on: July 15, 2015, 08:05:55 AM »
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


riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #22 on: July 15, 2015, 09:18:35 AM »
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 :)

wintersun

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 327
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #23 on: July 18, 2015, 02:10:05 PM »
I am donating the fabric I have instead. Good luck all :)

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #24 on: July 21, 2015, 08:58:45 PM »
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 .

theadvicist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #25 on: July 23, 2015, 05:51:53 AM »
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!

Moonwaves

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1943
  • Location: Germany
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #26 on: July 23, 2015, 07:44:28 AM »
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.

Zaga

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2903
  • Age: 44
  • Location: North of Pittsburgh, PA
    • A Wall of Hats
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #27 on: July 23, 2015, 07:50:14 AM »
Joining this one again, I need it badly.

First goal, find the floor of my sewing room.

Second goal, find the table.

wintersun

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 327
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #28 on: July 23, 2015, 08:19:03 AM »
Zaga,

your goals made me smile. :)

Sibley

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7428
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #29 on: July 23, 2015, 09:44:36 AM »
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"

Zaga

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2903
  • Age: 44
  • Location: North of Pittsburgh, PA
    • A Wall of Hats
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #30 on: July 23, 2015, 10:13:25 AM »
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.

Zaga

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2903
  • Age: 44
  • Location: North of Pittsburgh, PA
    • A Wall of Hats
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #31 on: July 23, 2015, 10:20:10 AM »
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.


Sibley

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7428
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #32 on: July 23, 2015, 10:46:44 AM »
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.

Zaga

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2903
  • Age: 44
  • Location: North of Pittsburgh, PA
    • A Wall of Hats
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #33 on: July 23, 2015, 11:19:31 AM »
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.

Melody

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1087
  • Age: 35
  • Location: Australia
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #34 on: July 26, 2015, 08:20:21 AM »
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.

theadvicist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #35 on: July 27, 2015, 09:14:33 AM »
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.

MsPeacock

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1571
  • Location: High COL
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #36 on: July 27, 2015, 09:54:53 AM »
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.

Melody

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1087
  • Age: 35
  • Location: Australia
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #37 on: July 27, 2015, 04:43:53 PM »
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.

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #38 on: July 29, 2015, 11:15:38 AM »
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.

theadvicist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1446
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #39 on: July 30, 2015, 04:56:31 AM »
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.

tomita

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 148
  • Location: Canada
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #40 on: August 02, 2015, 05:53:44 PM »
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!

Lyngi

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 219
  • Age: 54
  • Location: USA
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #41 on: August 02, 2015, 11:08:03 PM »
 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.

Cressida

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2376
  • Location: Sunset Zone 5
  • gender is a hierarchy
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #42 on: August 02, 2015, 11:59:33 PM »
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! :)

Potterquilter

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 113
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #43 on: August 03, 2015, 04:48:36 AM »
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.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #44 on: August 03, 2015, 07:49:39 AM »
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!

riverffashion

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 888
  • Age: 40
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #45 on: August 03, 2015, 08:16:11 AM »
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 .

oneday

  • CMTO 2023 Attendees
  • Walrus Stache
  • *
  • Posts: 8806
  • Age: 48
  • Location: SF Bay Area, USA
  • only good pies and no bad pies -mspym
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #46 on: August 03, 2015, 01:59:37 PM »
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.

zinethstache

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 829
  • Location: Anywhere USA
  • FIREd 1/27/2017
    • My FIRE Hobby and travel blog
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #47 on: August 03, 2015, 02:47:10 PM »
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!

Moonwaves

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1943
  • Location: Germany
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #48 on: August 04, 2015, 03:31:43 AM »
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 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.

Zaga

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2903
  • Age: 44
  • Location: North of Pittsburgh, PA
    • A Wall of Hats
Re: Using up fabrics , sewing, and crafting supplies
« Reply #49 on: August 04, 2015, 03:58:00 AM »
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.