"What to do with the scraps?"
In the past, I have used various methods of storing scraps. Mostly because I was not the owner of as big a fabric collection as I have now and every piece of fabric had to be used or reused as it was. At one point I used an old hamper and folded scraps inside of it...then when I needed a small piece or wanted to embellish something, or make a binding I would go to the scrap hamper. In my prior abode, I used a rattan trunk that now resides in my bathroom holding extra bathroom supplies.
Lately, though, I just don't want to hold onto them...but I don't want to be wasteful either! So what do you do with your 1/2 yard or more of scraps?
I really have trouble throwing them away! My Mom used to keep scraps in a big wicker basket. Each one was tidily wrapped into a little bundle (like a burrito!) with a little blet tied around it.
ReplyDeleteThese pieces of fabric were my treasure trove and I outfitted my Barbie dolls with them. It puzzles me to this day that my own daughter never saw the magic in that.
My scraps are in a plastic bin in the spare bedroom closet. I admit I seldom find use for them.
I have a friend who makes clothes for tiny dogs. I put sizeable scraps into a bag and when it's full I send it off to her. Also good for doll clothes which I know you occassionally make. g
ReplyDeleteNormally I make tanks and or covered head bands for my girls. They love it and it keeps me from waisting leftover fabric.
ReplyDeleteA week or so ago I sent a bag full of scraps with a friend who will give them to Bundles of Love - a volunteer organization that makes baby bags with t-shirts, quilts or blankets, and other baby related stuff. Aside from those, I have an Ikea "barrel" full of scraps in my sewing room. Eventually most of those scraps will also end up dontated - either to Bundles or the Textile Center Garage Sale...
ReplyDeleteLori in MN
I have a bag full. When you discover something useful, let us know! LOL
ReplyDeleteI use my scraps to test out new techniques on different fabrics. They are also good for testing embroidery designs and seeing if I like the way trim looks. I get a better idea of things when I see it sewn. Doll clothes are good for this, then I donate the clothes with a doll at Christmastime. Another good use for scraps is to test interfacings. Just some thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI donated my last excess to the kindergarten, but any school or kid's organisation might appreciate them for art & craft.
ReplyDeleteI have a suggestion (the school donation is great too): Find someone who makes crazy quilts. I am sure they would love you forever for your scraps.
ReplyDeleteI just thought of something: Craftster could be a good place to ask this question. I have seen lots of posts that purses were made from scraps. Who knows what else those crafty ladies may do with them!
ReplyDeleteI have a nice size stash, too; however, if the fabric is something that I especially like, I incorporate the scraps into tops...i.e., stitch/top stitch half or quarter yard pieces together and cut out a tank top. When the color/hand of the fabric is a fit, I sometimes use a scrap as a border piece for a skirt or top. Linda
ReplyDeletefreecycle.org. SO much easier than finding someone to donate them to.
ReplyDeleteI make bags and baby bibs and other small items. You could have a small bag to match each outfit! There are lots of tutorials on the web.
ReplyDeleteFor a while now I've been telling myself that I want to start quilting, so I figured I'd hold on to the scraps... but have yet to make a quilt. I also purchased Clover Fusible Bias Tape Makers in different sizes... hopefuly I use scraps to make my own bias tape.
ReplyDeleteMy mother always donates her scraps to the senior center in her town, and they use them to make quilts. These quilts are later sold as fundraisers. I figure this is what I will also do with my scraps.
ReplyDeleteI gave a bunch of my scraps away to a local church's children's ministry. Now I kind of wish I had kept them in case I ever take up quilting. Right now, I'll just keep my present scraps for future quilting or small projects like cosmetic bags.
ReplyDeleteI use to hang onto those scraps but they just became clutter. I ususally take it to Goodwill or another thrift type store. Some of them I give to some quilter friends but most of my scraps are not cotton quilting type material. Some I hold onto if I can make a tank top or something like that.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, I saved them until I got mad at myself for saving them. Then I just threw them away. Recently, I started giving them to the art teacher at my school. If she ever turns them down, I'll throw them away again.
ReplyDeleteI used to donate them to the schools the girls were attending. One time I walked in and saw a hallway with paper dolls on the wall wearing my scraps! Pretty funny. Now that my mom lives close by, I give them to her. I'm always amazed (at the age of 88) at her creativity and interpretations.
ReplyDeleteI rarely have scraps that big. If it is over 1/2 yard I save it for trims or for parts of garments for my children or neice or nephew.
ReplyDeleteIf they are beautiful, I save them for inspiration. If they are least 1/2 yard, I use several to make test muslins. Otherwise, they go in a shopping bag until I get enough sense to throw them out. Maybe I should look into Freecycle.
ReplyDeleteOMG I had no idea so many of you saved your scraps!! I save some of the larger pieces until my garment's done then it's off to the trash! The only time I save any leftover fabric is if it's at least one yard. (Not sure when I developed this detachment, because I know I used to save everything.) I have a hard enough time finding room for my fabric let alone all those little pieces that I'll a) never use, and b) never find the time/place to donate.
ReplyDeleteI really admire those of you who have found someone to turn them into treasures, but in my house the scraps are trash!
LOL! One half yard is not a scrap! Quilters buy fabric in 22"x18" pieces. My scraps are less than 2 inches in any direction. For a while I saved them to stuff cloth dolls, but I had more scraps than dolls. I thought I would learn to make rag paper......but ran out of time so I threw them out.
ReplyDeleteTHREW THEM OUT? ...yesssss.....
(and then....I started making a g-a-r-m-e-n-t)
Now I've thought of something I need them for. I have some great canvas from Ivory Coast and I want to make an ottoman, but it needs weight. Maybe my scraps?
Ha Ha, I almost forgot! I made a queen size quilt out of two inch squares, but I used a lot of scraps that were so small I had to sew them together to make two inch squares! It was in Pacific International Quilt Festival, but didn't win anything.
ReplyDelete"Key Search" www.doublecatbatik.com for a picture.
I save a whole lot less then a 1/2 yard, lol. I have NO ideas what I am going to to with them...I promise myself I'll make little cosmetic bags or feminine products totes :-)
ReplyDeleteI hold on to my scraps for as long as I can! If I can make a hem band or even a dress bodice out of them, I don't give them away!
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought of something else: if the fabric is not to heavy you could make bias tape or piping. Heck even if it is heavy, it could be used for flat piping.
ReplyDeleteOMG I am dying laughing.. I must of somehow missed this post!! I AM sooooo glad I am not the only one saves their scraps!! I save them to test stitches or to try new techniques on. I am still laughing!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I have so many scraps, bins and bags of it. Things I use them to piece together muslins. Lately I have been searching through them looking for pieces large enough for accessories: hats, scarfs, and head wraps. I really need to get rid of much of it. So I can make move for more fabric. Tee Hee.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question - what I don't do is to just throw them away. I have a number of options:
ReplyDelete1. Large enough to make something or my GD? Fold and save with the stash.
2. Not large for a garment but could be used as a design feature or compliment to a future garment? Save in a box of similar scraps.
3. Won't use again or large enough for doll clothes? Pack up in 2 gallon zip-lock bags and give to the local second-hand shop.
So what do I throw away? Fabric that is saw awful that it has no other possible use.