Get Scrappy

First, there's still plenty of room in my skirt drafting class, June 14th from 10-12, Upstairs at the Sew-op at the Upper Valley Food Co-op. You'll learn how to draft your own pattern and sew a basic a-line, elastic or drawstring waist skirt. It's an easy and fun class. It helps if you've had our Basic Sewing class or have similar experience. You can sign-up by the registers in the Co-op.

Scrap Busting

Every project creates scraps. Even the most carefully designed layout will result in scraps. And thread scraps are also unavoidable. Some professional crafters even sell their scraps. So what can be done with all those scraps?

Very Small Scraps

Visitors to the Sew-op may have noticed there are special buckets to collect very small fabric and thread scraps. It's partly for tidyness and convenience, but also that we could potentially do something with those scraps. Back before polyfil those scraps would be saved and used as stuffing for a pillow or doll or other stuffed thingy. Sawdust was also used as stuffing and while that is a fiber, it's not under this blog's umbrella. (Anyone know the expresion about feeling so worn out your sawdust is leaking from your stitches?) Anyway, at home I save those fabric and thread scraps in a box and I almost have enough for a small stuffie. Like maybe this one, a turtle pin cushin that is also made from scrap fabric. It makes for a lumpier look but it can be charming.

Larger Scraps

Larger scraps, let's say at least 1 inch square, can be used in many ways. 

Qulting them together to create a sort of fabric is an easy one and works with all shapes and sizes. http://stumblesandstitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/tutorial-scrappy-stocking-christmas.html

Scraps make great patches.

photo credit: kellyhogaboom via photopin cc

These little keychains are adorable and use very small scraps.

And kids will happily make use of any sized scrap. I used to make doll clothes from the 2"x2" fabric swatches my grandma used to to get. She lived on a farm in SD and ordered all her fabric by mail.


Still Larger Scraps
Once you have a piece of fabric about 3 or 4 inches square there are all sorts of small projects you can create.

You can make fabric rope from scraps

A cute, scrappy bracelet

Beanbag book ends are a creative idea

Yarn Scraps

I don't knit or crochet, but of course those crafts also create scraps. Yarn and floss scraps can be saved as stuffing, used in kid projects, etc.

Or to make carrots


Check out my Pinterest board devoted to scrappy projects for more ideas. What do you do with your fabric scraps?