What can I do with a ton of fabric scraps?

Question

My mother, who was prolific in sewing and making artys fartsy things for church and was always sewing things, (making alterations on my clothes and other peoples clothes, etc) bought and saved lots and lots of boxes of fabric scraps, ranging from 1/2 a yard up to several yards of some fabrics. And now I get to have them, as she is downsizing her house. Any money making ideas ou there for me? I have 2 girls, 7 & 8, who migth take up sewing soon (perhaps when grandma gives up her machine), so I want them to make things for people, either to sell or as gifts. I could give them to Goodwill, but I fead they might just get tossed out as opposed to recycled (they don't do that here with fabrics yet). I don't want to waste it all,

Answer 1

Quilters are drooling over the thought of having those scraps.

Wal-mart is closing its fabric/sewing departments in small Midwestern towns. Those who don't drive and cannot get to fabric stores in larger cities are very distressed. These are often older ladies with limited income who can only afford to give homemade gifts to their grandchildren or friends (which we all prefer anyway). They have sewed all their lives, and shopped Wal-Mart from its beginning. Without Wal-Mart, there will be no place they can buy material, and thread.

But, I don't think your scraps can solve the problem.

Answer 2

I have a solution used by my mother during the depression. My mother drew simple pictures on a piece of washed burlap, then sort my quilting "bits" into color piles created many large rugs by filling in the pictures with her scraps of fabric. Your scraps can be as small as 1" by 1" (shape doesn't matter) just sew them closly together then give the rug a haircut when you are finished. (Some areas can be trimmed with a higher pile.) The results are beautiful. Bind the rug as you would a quilt. I once created a quilt and used the scraps to create a small rug to place next to the bed. I have also created matching bed pillows using muslin as the base fabric. A "green" solution from the depression.

Answer 3

Make quilts!

You could make afghans/lap robes for donating to retirement homes, particularly if there are some fabrics that you don't like and you want more practice sewing.

My quilting guild made a number of such quilts for our local hospice last year with 8" squares of fabric. It was easy and fun.

Answer 4

you could also make patchwork skirts, it you use a drawstring waist, and make the width wide enough it can be one size fits all. If you make them were they are mid calf length or longer your daughters can wear them for years to come, and even if they get donated, they will be used again. Just make sure you have 1/2 inseam to make sure it is made well and will last. I have a few skirts where the underside is another skirt and you can flip it inside out and you have two skirts in one, great when you are traveling light but want different looks. You could also make bathing suit wraps, with matching beach bags, a matching sash, a sun glass case, etc. to give as gifts or to sell.
The given would be quilts, maybe start out with small doll sized blankets to teach the art to your daughters. Be sure to sew one quilt piece with who made it, when it was made etc. so you have a keep sake for years to come.
i personally would be in seventh heaven if i were to inherit the jackpot you have. Your imagination is the limit to were you can go with projects, for years to come!

Answer 5

I hate to say this, b/c everyone says it ...but sell them on ebay. There is a huge market for that, due to the fact that quilters are always looking for small pieces. A lot of quilters don't have access to a lot of fabric stores and turn to the internet. I have sold a ton of fabric on there.

Answer 6

you can make a crazy or scrappy quilt. you can also use this method to make bibs, placemats....anything really.

or you can call local high schools and see if home ec departments want it.

OR, since I'm in Duluth every now and then, this quilter will be more than happy to take it off your hands. ;)

E-bay is a money making idea. Garage sales, etc.

Answer 7

A crazy quilt. Barbie clothes. Table runners. Decorative pillows. "Linen" napkins. An apron (cute for little girls to help in the kitchen), doll blankets, potpourri sachets, wine bottle wrapper bags, placemats,

Answer 8

YES! Make a quilt! Even a table runner...oh my goodness, makes me excited just to THINK of all the scraps you must have! YEA!! Make a quilt!!!!

Answer 9

since it's nearing valentine's day, this would be a great opportunity for a family project. the simplest (& quite wonderful) activity to do w/ scraps is quilt -making. i'm sure there r nursing homes or homeless shelters who would welcome these handmade treasures. ur girls will be perfecting their sewing skills, having fun, & giving back to the community...it's a win-win situation!

Answer 10

Make a quilt.