Stash Buster Projects - Part 1

I’m sure many of you have a similar problem to mine… too much fabric, not enough projects to even begin to put a dent in the pile! I am forever trying to find ways to corral the ever-growing stacks, but the only way I seem to be able to reduce the stash is finding projects that will allow me to use not just large pieces, but those pesky scraps that I just can’t bring myself to discard! A couple of years ago, I read a tutorial by Sherrie Spangler that described how to make really fun scarves, using Sulky Solvy, a water soluble stabilizer, and scraps of fabrics and yarns. Sherrie does a great job of describing the process in several posts on her blog, http://sherriequilt.blogspot.com/. If you visit her blog and search on “scarf” you will find the tutorials that got me started making scarves as a stash buster. Sherrie and I have since met in person, and we marvel that, even though we both use the same process, we each have developed our own personal style, making our scarves very different in appearance!

Here is a photo of one of Sherrie’s scarves:

And below, one of mine:

These are very enjoyable projects that help use up the stash, but warning:  I have added back as much in new purchases as I have decreased the stash making these scarves… they are addictive, but have been a very popular item at the craft shows where I sell!  Another project I have enjoyed making to use up fabric is notepad covers:

This is a fairly simple project, but a great way to use up small pieces of fabric.  The above example is using 2 pieces of hand dyed fabrics, but you could also piece together or fuse smaller scraps to create the cover.  I used double sided fusible stabilizer to create the structure, then a heavy zig-zag stitch around the edges.  The notepad is a standard 5” x 8” lined tablet available at office supply stores.  There is a pocket on the inside of each cover – one to slip the notepad into, the other for notes and/or pen.  I have one I made several years ago that I use a lot, and it’s still going strong!  These are great gift items, and they help use up some of that fabric!  For more complete instructions, check here for the tutorial by Beth Wheeler!

I will be posting about another great stash buster tomorrow, so don’t forget to check it out!