Sewing

Reuse, recycle…

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

I am determined not to add to my fabric stash so am using up bits and pieces in small projects.

Scraps of fabric have been waxed to provide clingfilm alternative waxed wraps, these live on the fridge ready for use. I used beeswax pellets as solid bees wax needs messy grating before it is ironed on the fabric.

Then when reducing the size of a king size duvet cover to fit a double bed I ended up with surplus strips of fabric.

As the overlock machine was out I decided to fold the strips in four and overlock them into squares for use as reusable cotton face wipes. Enough extra bundles were made to go in the present drawer with suggested ‘recipes’ for diy facial cleanser.

Scrap cushion

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

This was going to be an appliqué beach scene so started with strips of background.

I then lost patience with the number of unfinished projects hanging around and embroidered some large scale ditzy flowers instead, added some slow stitch and fabric paint detail and turned it into a small pillow instead.

Napkin rings for spring tables

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

These sweet little napkin rings were quick makes from felt scraps.

The strap is about 7cm long and the central round is about 3 cm diameter.

I fixed mine with Velcro dots but they can be stitched closed or have button holes.

Some had simple die cut shapes stitched on with invisible thread. Some had sequins and some more complicated stitching with embroidery thread. to harmonise them as a set, I straight stitched a circle around each design in a contrast colour.

Some had felt circles backing the thread work so they don’t unravel too quickly but they are delicate and definitely won’t survive red wine spills or washing.

Unique table mats

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

I love finding practical uses for my crafting so turn appliqué, fabric painted and/or free motion stitcheries into lightly quilted mats for bedside or occasional tables .

This one used lots of ribbon scraps stitched down to look like ferns and the crab and puffin were simply drawn with fabric paint at the end.

I quilt in random swirls as I like the texture it creates.

To finish I made my own binding to replicate a picture frame effect.

Rainbow buttons

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

For a quick upgrade of a plain white shirt I raided my button tin and replaced the buttons with a rainbow of buttons. I used the same vibrant thread to make the contrasts look deliberate.

I even included one of the glittery buttons I made with UV resin so a proper use it up project!

Serging ahead?

~ guernseyjane ~ Leave a comment

Our library has a ‘fab lab’ where you can play on machines such as 3d printers, sublimation and sewing machines. I decided to see if a serger was something I might find useful.

A one hour session making up assorted bags and pouches was enough to convince me NOT to buy one. Fiddly to thread, scary to use and I can do a mock overlock with my standard machine.

Thanks to the library for the trial run though.