Most sewists will know that our sewing hobby or job creates loads of scraps. From the beginning I put aside sizeable scraps for accessory projects, trousers pockets etc. Quite soon after starting to sew I made a Closet Core Pouf that I started filling with all the scraps I didn't see a purpose for. This year (3 years of scraps later) the pouf was full and we decided to empty it and sort the contents into three categories:
Beautiful, woven, natural fibres that are big enough to make rectangles on grain which can then be used for patchwork projects. Those were nicely stacked into boxes for future use (thanks to my mum who actually ironed them all).
Small knit scraps (mainly cotton) and natural fibres that we can't imagine using again. These were put back into the pouf.
Scraps too small to work with and scraps from synthetic fibres that we knew we wouldn't use in the near future. Knowing they would most likely forever remain in the pouf, we disposed of them.
Even though it hurt to see how much waste we had produced and that we would only reuse a small portion of it, it also reminded us how important it is to consume consciously and invest in fabrics that are going to be loved, even as scraps. But that’s more easily said than done. It took a few years of sewing my own clothes before I could reliably make good fabric choices for my projects, know which fabrics I’ll like as actual garments and what I‘m more likely to like and wear long-term. My husband is not entirely there yet. Since he’s only sporadicaly making garments, as is often the case at the beginning of a sewing journey, he gets excited about the crazy patterned and brightly coloured fabric but afterwards realises that the garments don’t go together. While trying not to dampen his enthusiasm, I usually remind him to try and imagine the final result and how it will work in his wardrobe. Maybe writing these posts will help others shorten their discovery period by sharing my realisations and learnings. However, I think when learning a new skill finding out what works and what doesn’t the hard way teaches you more than reading a blog post or watching a video.
While I like minimal and clean styles when it comes to garments, I do love colourful details and accessories. This year I finally started using some of the smaller scraps that I had collected. Being pregnant, I decided to draft a pattern for a changing pouch that holds nappies and baby wipes and make it solely from linen scraps.
Making the fabric was a relatively fast process. I made sure to mostly use right angles when piecing the scraps, because I personally like the geometric and clean lines. I loved the final result so much that I made a second pouch and gifted it to my neighbour who was also pregnant. After using it for a few months, the linen has become extremely soft and it's a joy to use!
I’m very happy with pattern. I had to research some new to me techniques and learned some things in the process. Immediately after finishing the second pouch, I drafted a digital pattern and wrote instructions in English and German while everything was still fresh in my mind. With having a baby and all that, I never did the the final edit of the pattern and instructions. But once I get some time to focus, I will finish and publish the pattern.
Even though not everyone will have the need for a changing pouch, learning how to make one has given me the basis for making pouches for basically everything in every size. Recently I had an idea for handsewing a patchwork pouch to transport an electronical device. I will definitely document it when I get around to making it.
What do you think about using scraps for patchwork projects? Also, let me know what you think about the baby changing pouch!
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