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Bust That Pile of Sewing Scraps!

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Bust That Pile of Sewing Scraps!

imageplaceholder Jill Case
Online Editor, Sew Daily
SewDaily.com

Over the weekend I was working on a Blitzkrieg of sewing projects. I cut out three skirt patterns and managed to sew two in various states of done-ness.

The last one has been cut out but that’s about it for now. But, I realize I’m rushing things a bit and need to just chill with the sewing. What better way to relax than with easy scrap busting projects?

Scrap busting projects are a great way to relive the tension of sewing complicated garments (two of my skirts are silk and I’m doing one with French seams, a futzy knit is the third one). I’ve been sewing long enough to know when I get that itch to have it done fast is exactly the time I need to SLOW down.

So I am off to take a break with an easy scrap project. How about you? Do you rush head first into sewing projects or do you try to take your time and enjoy the ride?

Leave a comment as to your sewing style and you will be entered to win two great books: Simply Sewn by Michiyo Ito and Sew Fun by Deborah Fisher! Both books have easy projects that will bust your scrap pile in no time flat! One winner will be picked Wednesday April 15th!

And, do check out this adorable phone charger kit, for those of you who haven’t built up your scrap pile (what!?) this kit is already to go with super cute Tula Pink fabric.

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Join the Conversation!

  1. Once I have my stuff together for a project, I tend to cut, stitch and finish in one session. No UFO’s that way. Kind of good that everything gets done, but the hubby does not understand the sewing at 3 am bit!

  2. I like simple projects, but do enjoy a challenge now and then! When I enjoy it the most is when I am making things for the ones I love. When I get frustrated if I’m having trouble with something, I just walk away for a day and then it seems to fall into place. I prefer smaller projects, but do enjoy making quilt tops with all the wonderful designs there are for them! Gets my creative juices going! I made cloth baby dolls for 3 of my young granddaughters and I loved making them. I can’t wait to see their faces when they get them. Two of them live far away so I have to send them to them, but hoping it will be a part of me to show them how much I love them.

  3. I like simple projects, but do enjoy a challenge now and then! When I enjoy it the most is when I am making things for the ones I love. When I get frustrated if I’m having trouble with something, I just walk away for a day and then it seems to fall into place. I prefer smaller projects, but do enjoy making quilt tops with all the wonderful designs there are for them! Gets my creative juices going! I made cloth baby dolls for 3 of my young granddaughters and I loved making them. I can’t wait to see their faces when they get them. Two of them live far away so I have to send them to them, but hoping it will be a part of me to show them how much I love them.

  4. It depends upon what I’m sewing. If it’s something more complicated like a purse I like to take my time and sometimes lots of breaks to think through the next steps. If I’m making something simple like American Girl or Barbie doll clothes I tend to go quickly to see how many I can get finished during my sewing time.

  5. I tend to rush in to projects. Especially when I find a new one. However I do not finish some as something else catches my eye. So many projects and with the internet I get so many more ideas

  6. I tend to rush in to projects. Especially when I find a new one. However I do not finish some as something else catches my eye. So many projects and with the internet I get so many more ideas

  7. I tend to have several projects on the go. One is usually a slow-and-steady that may be more complicated or need more patience for picky bits. Then I’ll usually have something that I can make quickly so I’m seeing some results – patience isn’t my forte so I need to see things happening!

  8. I am a scatter myself too thin…… start several projects and then don’t know which one to work on….. or think of a new idea and start on it instead of finishing what is already started. I try to give myself a goal of finishing 2 before starting one new but it never seems to work as I am afraid I will forget my “great this time” idea before I get to it…… (smile)

  9. I usually sew with short deadlines, so I try to do it as streamlined as possible. I frequently end up waiting for the 2nd garment for another occasion. But they are awesome when they eventually get finished!

  10. I sew slowly. I can’t rush or I will sew everything backwards and upside down. Currently I’m working on the canvas ends for my camper. Its taken me 6 months just to plan how exactly to do it. The angles are strange and its too heavy to drag back and forth to the camper to see if I sew each piece correctly. But I will get there before summer. Lol

  11. My intent is to enjoy the project/process, but I usually end up stressing myself out and getting paralyzed for periods of time. When all is said and done, I’m usually happy with the project and not sure why I allowed myself to get so wound up.

  12. I tend to jump right in no matter the project or time of day/night. Luckily I have a lovely stash of fabrics that grows because I sometimes can’t bear to cut into. But given the project and how I creative I am feeling, I surround myself with fabrics, tools and embellishments and get it done. If I am following a pattern I will make it as instructed the first time, but after that, I put my creativity into it and who knows what will happen! If I try to rush through a project I am not always satisfied with the end result. Take time to enjoy the process!

  13. I will try almost any sewing project. Right now I am buried in a huge living room drapery project and am anxious to finish so I can do some of those smaller, fun things until I am ready for the next “stretch me” project.

  14. I will try almost any sewing project. Right now I am buried in a huge living room drapery project and am anxious to finish so I can do some of those smaller, fun things until I am ready for the next “stretch me” project.

  15. I now live in a small condo and my sewing space is limited. I tend to work on several projects so that I can get all my supplies out and then put them away within a couple of days. I would love to have a room where I could just keep my project out and work on it as I have time. I still love to sew and still feel challenged as I try new projects.

  16. My sewing style is enthusiastic! I just love making things. Some projects are fast, some take longer, just depends on what I’m doing. And I like to mix it up by varying the difficulty of the projects, making small things and big things, and using different colors. Sewing is a very rewarding hobby for me.

  17. A lot of the sewing projects that I do involves sewing for my grandson and sewing many objects for NICU’s and cancer treatment center. I use scrap fabrics for baby quilts, walker bags, chemo caps, ostomy bag covers, and seat belt protectors. I also try and squeeze out shorts and rompers for my soon to be 1 year old grandson, who is in 18 mos to 2 T clothing.

  18. I usually need to sew fast for club outfits I make but when those are completed, I still want/need to keep sewing, I unwind from the ‘rush-it’ mode by cutting the scraps into long strips. Then I just sit 🙂 and iron them into bias-like tapes. Then on to small, but useful projects. (Fun totes or even something like the cell charger idea but not hanging over the outlet – that’s often far too dangerous depending on the outlet!)
    When a few small projects are completed, I can sew more complex projects again at a better pace.

  19. I usually need to sew fast for club outfits I make but when those are completed, I still want/need to keep sewing, I unwind from the ‘rush-it’ mode by cutting the scraps into long strips. Then I just sit 🙂 and iron them into bias-like tapes. Then on to small, but useful projects. (Fun totes or even something like the cell charger idea but not hanging over the outlet – that’s often far too dangerous depending on the outlet!)
    When a few small projects are completed, I can sew more complex projects again at a better pace.

  20. My sewing style is to hurry through a project. When I hurry though I always make a mistake, then I get frustrated and have to quit for a while. The timeout always ends up being too long and I never get my project finished.

  21. I’ve come to appreciate slow sewing as a means of relaxing and enjoying the creative process. Having learned to sew on my own, I often skipped steps or misinterpreted instructions in the interest of having a finished project. I learned from experience that finished projects look as good as the effort you put into them. Now as I am beginning to teach my children, I like being able to explain why each step is important and the consequences of skipping one. Plus, the longer it takes to do the more time I get to spend watching their delight at making their own projects.

  22. I’ve come to appreciate slow sewing as a means of relaxing and enjoying the creative process. Having learned to sew on my own, I often skipped steps or misinterpreted instructions in the interest of having a finished project. I learned from experience that finished projects look as good as the effort you put into them. Now as I am beginning to teach my children, I like being able to explain why each step is important and the consequences of skipping one. Plus, the longer it takes to do the more time I get to spend watching their delight at making their own projects.

  23. I’ve come to appreciate slow sewing as a means of relaxing and enjoying the creative process. Having learned to sew on my own, I often skipped steps or misinterpreted instructions in the interest of having a finished project. I learned from experience that finished projects look as good as the effort you put into them. Now as I am beginning to teach my children, I like being able to explain why each step is important and the consequences of skipping one. Plus, the longer it takes to do the more time I get to spend watching their delight at making their own projects.

  24. I do like to alternate complicated project (bridesmaid dresses) with more simple projects. I do have to slow myself down at the end of any project, as my mind starts to rush to what can I do next on my list? The other desire is to do a project that just uses up stuff in my sewing studio so I have more room…..for more stuff!

  25. My sewing style is keep it simple but change up the fabrics. I have a few basic patterns I use but change out the sleeves, collar, and fabric. Keeps my wardrobe up to date but simple.