I’ve been reusing fabric for many years now – after all, fabric really can’t be recycled like metal or plastic can!  Fabric is a big issue for many landfills, so if we can prevent it from ending up there in the first place – why not?

My next “big” sewing project is a new winter jacket for my hubby.  While I did buy new fabric for the outside, I’m trying something different for the lining.

My husband is a big fan of lightweight nylon blankets, lined with Thinsulate.  We’ve got one blanket that is losing the outer binding.  The rest of the blanket is perfectly fine, but the binding has shredded apart in places.

Instead of buying new nylon fabric and Thinsulate, I’m going to use the blanket to make the lining of the jacket from.  Why toss the blanket in the garbage if it can be repurposed?

So how can you be creative with using fabric?

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

Rethinking Old Materials In The Sewing Room

It’s Earth Day my lovely readers, and do you know what that means?  The end of the De-Stash Challenge!

I’ve kept my promise, I haven’t bought any fabric since the challenge began, on March 17th.   Those of you who know me well, know that isn’t the easiest thing for me   I’ve only been seriously tempted once, but I was good and put the fabric back…  Unfortunately, I haven’t had as much time to sew as I would have liked.  I did manage to complete a shirt for my DH and sew two shirts for myself.

I also found some great stash-busting projects.

We played with our fabric stashes.

One of my friends suggested a great place to donate part of your stash to.

I created a reversible, recycled totebag that’s perfect for reducing your stash and your closet!

Dyeing fabric can be a fun way to use some of your stash that you don’t like the color of anymore.

Did participating in the challenge change any habits or make you think about how much fabric (or yarn, or beads…)  I’ve gotten better about not wildly buying every piece of fabric I love (working for 4 years in a fabric store was bad for the stash!).   Just being a little more aware of what we’re consuming is a good thing

Post from: Blisstree

De-Stash Your Studio challenge – the final check in

Hello my lovely readers – it’s the last week of the De-Stash Challenge!  I haven’t bought any fabric, but last week was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to make anything either.  Don’t get me wrong, it was a fantastic week – but I was out every single day and my studio definitely got ignored.

How is your challenge going?  I’ve set up a new poll on the right sidebar to vote for how you’ve done

My friend Terri suggested a great place to donate your time or yarn to: Blankets for Canada.   Some craft stores even have drop-off bins for them too – very worthwhile!

Post from: Blisstree

De-Stash Your Studio challenge – week four check in

So my lovely readers, how is the de-stashing going?  I’m still being a good little de-stasher and haven’t bought any fabric for myself.  I will however need to buy some fabric to complete a commission…  I’m not sure how this works into the De-Stash Challenge, but since it’s technically not for myself, will you forgive me?

So what happens if you’ve got fabric that you don’t want anymore?

You’re not going to just throw it out, right??

There are lots of different organizations who can use second-hand fabric!  Ask your local women’s shelter, play schools, artist co-ops – there’s even a re-using center in my city that accepts fabric.  Some stores even have a fabric recycling program – MEC will accept polyester fabric and turn it into fleece garments.

Post from: Blisstree

De-Stash Your Studio challenge – week three check in