Decluttering Meets Damask

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Posted on July 4, 2012

I have decluttered my linen cupboard several times over recent years but there were a couple of damask tablecloths which defied decision each time.

We now have a small round table which extends to an oval but both of the cloths are rectangular and one is quite large. About a week ago I had a blinding flash of inspiration. I am unlikely to ever have a large rectangular dining table again so I decided to cut the cloths to fit my existing table and enjoy using them rather than storing them for some vague reason.

This is the larger cloth on my oval table. My mother gave this to me and I am fairly sure it belonged to my great-grandmother. What would she think if she knew I was taking to it with a pair of scissors? Probably happy that it was going to be used rather than stashed in the back of my linen cupboard.

I made a pattern of the tabletop, worked out how much drop I wanted and set about cutting out my ‘new’ tablecloth.

Here it is hemmed, pressed and ready for use.

Then I started on the other cloth which I planned to make to fit the table when it is not extended and is just a small, round table.

This cloth was much smaller and when I cut the biggest circle that I was able, it was still a bit short on the overhang. So, I decided to increase the diameter by stitching some extra fabric on. I cut 12cm wide bias strips from the leftover fabric which you can see below.

I then sewed them into a continuous strip and edged the cloth with it. You can clearly see the join but I am not particularly worried as I now have a usable cloth for my round table that I did not have before.

I have now been inspired to re-look at my collection of tablecloths and see which ones I really should be keeping and how I can re-fashion them so that they are able to be used with my current table, either as a round or oval.

What have you given a new lease of life to?

Bag It Again

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Posted on June 12, 2012

Last week The Duke was given a bottle of wine. As usual, it was presented in a gift bag.

Unfortunately, the giver had chosen to write a message directly on the bag, rendering it unusable. Or was it?

I was about to dismantle the bag and put most of it in the recycling when I thought again and decided to make a smaller bag by cutting off the top that contained the writing.

Firstly, I removed the ribbon ties then marked where I need to cut.

I then cut off the top and refolded about 2cm to the inside and creased the fold to a sharp edge.

Finally, I punched some new holes and re-threaded the ribbon.

Here is the bag ready for several more uses.

End of Life

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Posted on May 24, 2012

Despite all the mending and repairs, there comes a time when things reach the end of their life. This pair of The Duke’s trousers is a perfect example.

I have previously posted about patching them and while the patches have survived there is yet another worn patch lower down the leg. These are not accidental rips – the fabric is simply wearing out and they are getting quite thin in numerous places. Therefore, it has ceased to be worthwhile mending them any longer.

My initial thought was to throw them in the bin but then I realised that as well as being mindful when we are purchasing items we should also be responsible for them at the end of their useful life. Many garments are cut up for rags or tying up plants in the garden but these are suitable for neither.

I decided to remove the zip and button for possible future re-use and decided that since these trousers are cotton they could go in the compost.

So that the fabric would mix with the rest of the compost I cut the trousers into strips and here it is ready to become part of the garden.

This is my seam ripper which is identical to the one that I broke while removing the zip from the trousers. I am not sure why I had two of these but now there is only one. The broken one went in the rubbish bin.

Shopping For Scraps

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Posted on May 17, 2012

Today I went to 2 op shops looking for fabric suitable for my patchwork project.

Here is what I found.

A skirt

A dress

A blouse

A single bed sheet

2 identical U-shaped pillowcases

And a ruffled single bed valance.

These will all be washed and unpicked ready to use. The valance is big enough to use for the entire backing of the quilt.

Although these items were not super cheap it will still be quite a frugal project. I will mix and match them with existing pieces from my collection.

Thanks to Froogs at Frugal Queen for the inspiration.

Sunday Sewing

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Posted on May 13, 2012

Today I took a break from the patchwork and did some other sewing.

First though, I did the ironing. While I was doing it I discovered a tear in the ironing board cover. I had noticed recently that it was getting close to wearing out.

So it was time for a new one. I decided that it could not be that difficult to make one so set about deconstructing the old cover.

Here is what I salvaged: padding which I reused and also used as a pattern, bundle of polyester binding from the edge, elastic and clip from the edge, 2 velcro straps from underneath, edge strip which I used as a pattern.

The fabric I used for the new cover is part of an op shop quilt cover that I bought last year. I used the front to make a tablecloth for a work event and I had the backing left over. I don’t think the quilt had been used and the fabric is 100% cotton.

This the almost finished cover. I just had to do some adjustments to the velcro straps which go underneath the board. They were not long enough to go across my board so I had not used them previously. I replaced the short end with some cotton tape so that I could use them.

Just like new.

This is the view under the board and you can see the modified velcro strap.

I re-used most of the original cover when I made the new one. The pile on the left is the cotton fabric which has gone into the compost. On the right is the rubbish pile – remnants of foam which has almost disintegrated in places, the polyester thread from the unpicking (not visible) and the 2 short lengths of velcro that I replaced with cotton tape.

And a preview of things to come – starting from tomorrow and continuing each Monday for several weeks, I will begin a series titled ‘Project Streamline’. It is a natural progression (for me) from my participation in Project 333. Please drop in and feel free to offer your thoughts/advice or you may like to join in.

See you tomorrow.

Sewing on Saturday

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Posted on April 14, 2012

As I promised to myself yesterday, I have been sewing today. I started with the pile in the mending basket. The socks and shorts were first – straightforward. Then I progressed to the more challenging tasks. My methods are far from orthodox but I usually get results that mean a garment can be worn for a bit longer.

This is a maxi-dress that belongs to Belle.

The tie at the back had pulled away from the seam so we decided on something a bit different.

I removed the tie and using some black satin from my collection I made a band and threaded it with wide elastic. It is secured at both ends and has enough stretch for the dress to be slipped over head and shoulders. This is much sturdier than the original flimsy ties but still in keeping with the rest of the dress and the black satin halter neck ties.

Here is Belle’s pink cardigan with a hole in the sleeve. There was no matching thread when the item was bought and the hole was too big to darn successfully. Since it is not suitable to be worn as is I decided that any repair would be better than the alternative fate – the bin.

I found a bit of material with some flowers the same colour as the cardigan so cut out a bit and fused it on using double-sided iron-on interfacing.

I fused some fabric on the wrong side.

The final step was to zig-zag around the patch.

Whilst it is definitely not invisible it does make the cardigan wearable.

I have finished all of the mending apart from some hand-sewing on Missy’s skirt and I will finish that this evening.

I then turned my attention to the bag I am re-fashioning. I showed you the patchwork strap the other day and here it is all finished and ready for use.

I am also making an apron for my buddy in the apron swap that I am participating in. This was from Rhonda’s blog, Down to Earth. I should have it finished tomorrow and then will be posting it later in the week.

The weather here has been cool and showery all day so it was perfect for a day of sewing. Maybe I will do some more tomorrow.

Crafting in Progress

Seedlings & Sewing

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Posted on April 4, 2012

As promised, here are some photos of my vegetable seedlings.

These are (from left to right) cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. The celery on the extreme right have yet to put in an appearance.

These are the first few beetroot seedlings.

I am hoping for great things from these humble beginnings. Keeping my fingers crossed.

As part of my participation in Project 333, I emptied out my wardrobe a couple of weeks ago and looked critically at everything in there. I have said several times before that I do not have heaps of clothes and accessories but I have been forced to consider every single thing in the cupboard.

One particular item which was carefully stored on the shelf was this carry-bag.

It was a hand-made gift and is a really useful size but the handles were not really practical for me, so I had only used it once or twice. So I took another look at it and found that the wooden handles are easily detachable so that the bag can be washed.

I have taken the handles off and my plan is to remove the press-studs and make a patchwork handle/shoulder strap. Once this alteration is made, I know I will use the bag all the time.

I searched through my stash of scraps and found these pieces which I think will work with the existing colours and patterns in the bag.

Project 333 Update

I have mostly been at home today so wearing an old pair of paint-spattered shorts and t-shirt. When I went to the shops I grabbed my 3/4 black trousers, red/white 3/4 sleeve top and my trusty sandals – easy! I can definitely see the benefits of a basic selection of clothes. I am finding it relatively easy as most of my clothes are mix and match colours and styles.

Please let me know how you are going or your thoughts and ideas, even if you are not participating directly.

Take One Pair of Trousers

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Posted on February 8, 2012

I have a pair of ¾ length lightweight travel pants that I bought about 8 or 9 years ago. I have been wearing them for some time with a patch just below one knee, however, the fabric around the patch has given way, too. I love these trousers as they are really comfortable and have several deep pockets.

I decided to salvage what I could from them. The latest buzzword seems to ‘upcycling’ but you could call it ‘refashioning’, ‘making do’ or just plain ‘thrift’. I cut the lower legs off and was left with a pair of knee-length shorts which just needed hemming. Since they are an existing garment I know that the fit and function of them will be perfect.

The bottom of the legs had drawstrings so I removed them and they will be used for the drawstrings in two of the Christmas gift bags I am making as they match the material rather well.

There were a couple of button tabs on the lower legs so I removed the buttons to add to my collection.

All I had left was the lower leg pieces.

So I cut them into strips to use for tying up plants in the garden.

Here are my ‘new’ shorts and nothing else has been wasted. I hope to get a few more years wear from them.

I would love to hear your thrifty/upcycling stories.

New From Old

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Posted on January 29, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, in this post I outlined what I was planning to do to rejuvenate an old bed.

Firstly, I covered the mattress in plastic, using one of the heavy-duty bags that was packaging from the new mattresses.

I stitched it to fit using my sewing machine. It was a bit awkward but I was happy with the result. Here is a close-up of the stitching.

Then I trimmed the excess plastic and set to making the fabric cover. I made it so that it fitted neatly and at the open end I made a velcro fastening.

Here it is on the bed and you can see the straps which go underneath to secure it. I don’t want to find the mattress at the other end of the verandah after we have a storm.