They all were little girls when the depression hit and they were taught to not waste a thing. The generation that used flour sacks for dresses. And patched fabric until there wasn't anything left to patch.
So what can we take from them? What can we learn? Use that fabric until it's nothing, then use the shreds for stuffing.
If we can't sell clothes we have outgrown or just don't wear anymore, I try and figure out a way to repurpose for somebody else in the family. Sometimes the clothes go to thrift shop or another family that can use. But usually the clothes aren't fit for re-wear by somebody the same size.
I've repurposed some of my husband's old pants into skirts for me. I still love them, though I've added buttons because the ties just don't stay tight. Honestly that's the only project I can think of that I've made clothes out clothes lol.. Or that have actually turned out well. I've made a few jumpers, but they haven't lasted long.
When I sew, any scraps that are too little to do anything with go in a plastic bag hanging off my sewing table. Once that bag gets full I stuff a bean bag or I make a doll pillow. If I get a strip of fabric that's at least an inch wide, it goes in a different bag for crocheting-fabric works great for rugs or baskets.
Most of my torn up sheets are getting cut up for quilting. If I have a whole sheet that's still nice that we won't use, I save it for the backing of a quilt. Another way to use that up is to make a fitted sheet out of it. I haven't tried that yet, but I know there's tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube if you are feeling adventurous.
I've used flannel and fleece scraps to make nursing pads and feminine pads. Yes, using new cotton is best (I've had to put new tops on mine as the old cotton has fallen off), but if what you have is scraps, use it up. Find a purpose.
I'm working on a quiet book for Hannah for church. What a great use for scraps! And this felt I have. Plus it's helping me learn some basic sewing things-like zipper installing. lol
If you don't want to quilt, save up your scraps and ask around. I'm sure there's somebody close to you who quilts and would love fabric. I've taken some bags of fabric to the ladies who make quilts for families who need blankets. While I'm sure it didn't make one whole quilt, there was no way I was going to get to that fabric anytime so it might as well have been used. Hopefully it's keeping somebody warm.
Have old blankets that are falling apart? "Repair" them by encasing them in a sheet. Or fold it in half and top it with denim-instant rug, play mat or picnic mat. You name it.
Have an old flannel sheet that has gotten holes and you don't want to patch it? Kid pajamas!!! Seriously. I made two sets of pajamas for our girls from half a king size sheet that had seen it's last days as a sheet. Or pajama pants for you. Just trace a pair you already have, make sure you leave room for seam allowances and elastic at the waist.. otherwise they look funny (...not that I would know from personal experience.....)
I completely understand just wanting to get rid of stuff. I'm there. Believe me, I'm PAST there (just ask my hubby).. But I also know I need to be smart about this.. I know I want to make the kids quilts. So instead of just getting rid of all this miscellaneous fabric, I'm cutting it into squares to cut smaller later (maybe). I kind of have an idea of the patterns I want for the quilts for at least two kids, so that gives me an idea of which ones to sort by. Cut squares store a lot easier than miscellaneous pieces.
So before you purge your fabric, think about it. Are you going to be quilting? Clean out your linen closet to make room for new? You can make a toddler dress out of a pillow case or two depending on the size of your toddler. Barbies or baby dolls need clothes-that's an awesome use of fabric!
Yes, there are some things I think it is better to just get new fabric for (like the backing of a quilt).. But more often than not, using your scraps can work just as well, and save you a lot of money.
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| My fabric-3 1/2 boxes of flannel. Not counting the quilting material. The bag in the front of the pile is my crochet fabric bag. I need to get sewing. |
Have a great week!
~Tabitha
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