#Sewingleftovers

[@GiselleBel]

You inspired some stash busting ideas in my head! Or reminding me of stuff I came across: If not enough fabric for a shirt skirt but two that go well together: alternating skirt panels in varying widths. A tie-on bag or pocket (basically a belt with a bag/pocket sewn on or threaded through. Pretty much like a bum bag in whatever shape you fancy) A removable hood to keep the rain off when you need both your hands free Knickers (Lekala has a good, customised pattern that's not expensive) A sort of trompe l'œil approach to blocking out parts of your sewing pattern: waistcoat, top, skirt, dress, tunic. Maybe superimposing a different type of garment, or creating a motif with different fabrics... Removable collars Yoke-like belts (to add over a skirt) An apron-like utility belt with loops and pockets for doing DIY: you don't want to have to hold stuff when climbing a ladder And I think that's it.

[@nancypollard4531]

That's how I ended up quilting. Uses up all cotton scraps. I also make infinity scarfs, neck warmers. Little zipper bags. I just hate to waste fabric. I even ended up making clothes for my grand daughter's Barbie dolls. ha! Pot holders, cat toys, oh my! I'm glad I'm not alone in this need to use those scraps.

[@MsSherrydarling]

I think taking time to work on the leftovers is great! What a sense of accomplishment it is to get a lot of small projects finished and then you leave the guilt behind about the bits of fabric we all seem to accumulate. Great idea about creating a pinterest board for leftover project ideas!! Thanks

[@rhondaziman562]

love love love everything about this! I'm mildly obsessed with sewing little scrapbusters. Fanny pack! fnarr. great idea though, i think i'll try one. and your drop shoulder jumper is amazing. very very inspiring, thank you. i think i'll set myself a month of only sewing whats in my fabric cupboard. some of my favourite projects are: pencil cases/make up bags eye masks scrunchies/hairbands eye pillows bunting kids leggings, skirts & t shirts small pillows stuffed with fabric scraps fabric baskets napkins reuseable snack bags

[@cynthiasloan3867]

What a great video. I have recently downsized and have an overabundant stash. I will definitely be using some of your ideas. Thank you. Oh and thank you for the enlightenment about the name for the bum bag, I would never have known about it and might have inadvertently embarrassed someone when I get to visit the UK again.

[@lesleyjones5455]

Fantastic ideas love the bumbag and sewing machine cover.

[@ruthl8437]

I really enjoyed your ideas for stash busting. The serger cover referral came in the nick of time as my cat has recently taken to chewing and snapping my machine threads for fun😬 Thanks so much😊

[@rosemaryjanerichmond]

As mentioned below sHopping bags are a great idea because you can be so creative slicing and splicing and lining the bag with colourful remnants.........

[@thenorthernsewist]

Fabulous Ruthie! Thankyou, I've got so much inspiration from watching this. 👏🏼😘👍🏻

[@meredithcornelius4091]

another fine video Ruthie! Great topic and using up scraps something that fires up creative thinking to another level. I'm a knitter and a sewer (with knitting at the moment taking up my crafty goodness time), but sewing up little project bags for knit projects (or any other little projects) is also an excellent gift or thing to make for oneself or those who knit. Have a great week! xo meredith

[@shaunis3704]

Ahhh woah, thank you for the mention in such a fantastic video/round up of leftovers projects! Particularly loving the 'give yourself a break' tip at the end - to say I kicked off the hashtag, my leftovers output has been fairly low/slow, but I'm working on it! LOVE the Fennel Fanny Pack. I never thought I'd be saying 'I need a bum bag in my life' but I've just got back from Berlin, where literally anyone who looked even slightly cool had one haha. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming leftovers makes :)

[@thekelli2k]

Love the machine cover. I have some cute owl canvas in my stash for ages that would be perfect. I also like doing patchwork projects. Have made a couple of cushions to donate to my local school silent auction, which sold really well (I heart school name). Also made some really handy pattern weights, which I use all the time.

[@ZennaDonna]

Great video! Very interesting, and helpful.

[@evasaker2476]

Love, love, love this concept! I run a small business on the side of my ordinary job and the purpose is to make things out of scraps, leftovers and of course recycled material. I buy some from charity shops but a lot of the time people give their stuff when they clear out their stashes. Here is some more suggestions of what to make: Breadbaskets or baskets for whatever, for your sewingstuff, makeupstuff and so on, foldable shoppingbags with matching little case to keep in your purse, all sorts of zipper cases, potholders, tablerunners, placemats, napkins, teatowels and last but not least - baby or childrens clothes, perfect for knits. All of these things make perfect presents!

[@kelleyspoerl2138]

As always, inspiring video. Love the things you made, all of them. I am now thinking I really have to try your top video, especially since you can make these tops with woven fabrics, from which I haven't graduated yet. Also, if I may say so, LOVE the necklace you are wearing with this beautiful top and if you made it, there are those of us out here who would love a tutorial or blog post about it. So simple, but I love those natural materials in neutral colors. You look modern and sophisticated but also relaxed and comfortable - what could be better?

[@StayStitching]

Very useful! I am terrible about using my leftovers; thank for the ideas!

[@mgam9501]

Great video and very wise words, well said.

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Ruthie, you always come up with great ideas for stash busting 👍. I love the scarf idea and will be doing that with my jerseys. I have already made a cover for my sewing machine with left over curtain fabric, which worked out really well so I think I'll definitely do one for my overlocker 👍. Love the bum bag 💞. Your denim top looks great and well worth the effort to use up bits of fabric that will be enough for a small top. It would also have made a great summer cap I think. I am now in love with the Kalle top and I think I'll be making more of those very soon. Great video Ruthie and I am hoping to join Instagram very soon so I can share my makes and hopefully join in with some of the hashtags 😉👍😘

[@jandimarco3113]

Thanks for sharing. Dr who fans could make a dr who scarf, a la Tom Baker! The overlocker cover suggestion is great, I need one! The Bibi skirt is ripe for using scraps in the front panel, lots of people seem to be making that.

[@Hide_and_silk]

Bril video! I'm pretty anal about scraps - I don't throw anything away haha. I'm going to do a series on free bag patterns....which are always good for scraps

[@kelleyspoerl2138]

One other suggestion: how about a tutorial of the orange/black/white stripe holiday dress you featured on your Instagram recently, of which you are justly proud. Also very cool, sophisticated, and fun. Just sayin' :)

[@cerapreece1189]

Sewalong for the bumbag would be awesome!

[@tiv0007]

Hi thanks for the great video! 😊 I will be using the free sewing machine cover pattern. What size piping did you use on yours? X

[@bellepoupee61]

Hi great video and super idea... you should go and have a look on a Canadian YTber and has a nice tutorial for making a great bag too... :D