Clearing out my large fabric scraps

[@gemmasremchevich6719]

I made a doggie bed and filled it with my scraps. He loves it. My collection has regrown and I plan to make a foot stool/pouffe and fill with next round of scraps. Have also been making masks with my cotton scraps about 250 now. I hate throwing stuff out.

[@kristine2916]

I had loads of knit fabric leftovers but as I started to sew socks (yes! socks to wear at home because my feet is always cold), they started to melt. So far I have only tried Ellie and Mac free pattern but plan to test some other as well. E&M socks are in fact easy to make and very comfortable (I omitted the band totally for comfort and they stay up without it). Watching me walk in them even my hubby asked to make him a pair from thermal fleece to wear in boots when hunting. This is first time he ever asked me to sew something for him!

[@tammymasson2343]

You are most definitely NOT a hoarder! You are very logical and analytical in your choices and decisions. Besides, you can always decide as time goes on, to let go of more if you end up not acting on certain pieces as you thought you might. You're doing fantastic!

[@noemir8262]

I think you have a good plan. You can revisit your boxes every few weeks to check on your progress. You can also dedicate a day to mending and alterations. Scrapbuster idea: I'm currently making some jersey wristbands that stretch up to cover hands with knit scraps (8x8 inches for woman, 10x10 for men serged on one side RST). I saw some for sale at a drug store due to the pandemic. So simple to make. I wear them if I'm getting money out of the ATM machine, pumping gas or having to touch a questionable surface. The touch screen at the ATM is still able to sense my touch.

[@lilolmecj]

Oh dear heavens, my stash is very embarrassingly large! I have been trying to sew from my stash a lot. But I did go nuts in May and bought a bunch of knits. Donating is sometimes easy, once when I was moving I found someone who would be able to use my big box of nicer scraps. Right now I have someone but to ship a big box would cost probably $100. I should post on a buy, sell, and trade board. MAny long narrow scraps, esp cotton, I put in my gardening stuff to tie up plants. But it is a conundrum.

[@heathermayfield4247]

I like the idea of the pure fabric stash and then the rest......

[@nanastevens4094]

For finding a home for the 'scraps' you could check with the local library for sewing groups that make children's clothing, stuffed animals, ditty bags for needier folks.

[@juadonna]

I agree! Senior Centers, as they are called here in the States, also appreciate donations. Our local Public Library will start up their sewing classes (adult and teens) again and love donations of good quality material. A few years ago, I was able to give them several large boxes of fabrics and quilting fabrics.. Giving to others is most rewarding, in my opinion.

[@doreenchambers5817]

Could you use a little of your faux suedes to make elbow patches for the jumpers that need repairing? A proper patch looks much better than darning!

[@annadinkledine1254]

I'm at the same stage as you right now where I really need to use what I already have in order to keep my fabric stash small. It's important to me so I'm determined but it is so hard because fabric is so tempting. But you're an encouragement to me. Stick to your plan! The faster you go through it the faster you can buy new fabric. ;)

[@lynneprentice4278]

A great tee shirt pattern for leftover jerseys is the Autumn Spice Tee by Ellie and Mac. I also make the Megan Neilson Acacia knickers with the smaller scraps 😁 The PatternScout Fern top is a great top for using larger woven scraps 👍😁

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Lizzie!! Wonderful vlog.. Love how you store your stash... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@terinport7709]

Did you make your t-shirt? Love that colour! Nz doesn't have the best range available 😔

[@StillAlicia]

sheets/duvet covers as fabric for toiles is brilliant! Why has no one told me about this idea before?!

[@vickifenlon6279]

Good job, Lizzie! Impressive sorting...

[@TheOnlyJennySutton]

Great job of explaining your rationale and process.

[@karenminet9275]

Hi Lizzie. For your tee shirts, I LOVE Seamwork's Orlando. I have made 6, have 3 more cut out, and will make more. It is fitted with negative ease, but I prefer a body-skimming fit so I just adjusted it. You might like it too. I find that when I am excited about a pattern, I just sew like mad. Let me know if you like it.

[@iworkithink322]

My rule in choosing a project is to use every bit of the fabric ,(Its mostly successful) .Because most likely I will not use same fabric twice, unless its special.

[@jennetthamilton7942]

Great idea to have a plan for what you kept.

[@stephanieloffler8566]

Hi Lizzy, looking at your scraps I just though "they are gigantic compared to mine" BUT I am doing patchwork and love the little things, and that's the difference 😉 That's totally fine, but my scraps are definitely not that organized. I'd love to make garments for myself, maybe I should just give it a try 😄 Regards from Germany Stephanie

[@sagepreaumx9903]

I'm making my first quilt with some of my fabric left overs. Often I'll make gift bags with the fabric as well. I'd like to get some experience and skill with color blocking so the the scraps can be used in those projects. I can't stand to waste things and what I find is that the scraps just get smaller and smaller but I still can't throw them away. I'm thinking on making more fabric out of the tiny scraps as well. I have a couple of bag patterns that I may be able to use them in. But even as I put tiny scraps together I want to make it look coordinated rather than just jumbled so I end up putting a lot of thought and work into even the tiniest projects. Agggg! To help get through the "hording" mentality I have committed to discarding at least one item per day for the next year and maybe the next 5 years?

[@brittanysmith1327]

That's a great plan, however I find myself stuck in a refashioning state and it leaves me feeling very uncreative. I miss starting from scratch with a nice piece of flat fabric

[@Transformfabrics]

Is it the Nikko you were talking about, the true bias dress??

[@LizzieB]

Yes that’s the one!

[@quiltygal6981]

I think you've done very well. Also try schools for your scrsps I give mine to the local kindy. X

[@evanick823]

The lesson is not to buy too much fabric in the first place. Rather than buying metres of fabric for a simple dress or tshirt buy exactly what you need and no more. No remnants left as a result.

[@karenminet9275]

Re my remnants, I don't keep them because I feel guilty not utilizing them. I give them to a charityshop, knowing someone will be so happy to have really nice fabric for herself.

[@fleurbernasochi4312]

I now have a friend collecting smaller pieces and scraps for recycling tho I have no idea what she will do with them! Any piece of fabric under one meter is a problem I find. Too big to throw, too little to make. My solution has been - use all of the fabric when you cut out your garment, ie lay out the pattern pieces for a pair of knickers, cami top, tank top and/or t-shirt, bag, this way you can move around the pieces to fit more in. This is especially useful for knits which often have very large leftovers. I call this stash prevention and sewing up a small garment quickly before the major one gives you the opportunity to get the machine settings correct, and really get the 'feel' of the fabric. I love your work.

[@juliej6638]

'Stash prevention' - I need some of that! I will try this especially with knit fabrics though knickers are always good to use up those pesky scraps. I have some rather strange ones made from jersey scraps - eg white polka dots on navy which was the scrap from a wrap dress. I get some funny looks in the swimming pool changing room...

[@lindabiron7924]

Is the headband you’re going to make the same as the one you used to wear in most of your videos? I thought that was a TATB pattern, but when I went on that site they only showed the Brigitte headband. I want to make one like yours for my granddaughter. Was it from the Brigitte? 💕

[@anessaharris9947]

😃

[@heatherjsews]

Ahhhh the hoarder in me wants all those scraps even though I know I really only ever make garments and have tons of my own scraps lol I buy faster than I sew so my stash of OUT OF CONTROL!!

[@lindabiron7924]

Heather McCormick LoL! I saw s Facebook post that made me laugh. It said “Buying fabric and sewing are two very different hobbies!” 😂

[@shaidabegum.]

👏👍👌❤️

[@Hide_and_silk]

I put my scraps on freecycle.org and they always go really quickly.

[@polyesterbebe]

for the algorithm