stash enhancing
I'm always looking for ways to 'use what i have' in the fabric department, and feel quite satisfied about being able to make things using exactly what is in my craft room, rather than having to make a trip to the store. But for some reason, I don't seem to have much self-control when it comes to buying new fabric... but luckily I don't think I'm alone there! Here are some new additions to my fabric shelves this week:
quilting-weight cottons
linen
little embroidereds
linen/cotton from Japan
And here is a way I'm making space on my fabric shelves: recycled wool jackets for my market stall...
These are to fit a girl approx. 2-3 years or older. To make these, I cut up old merino and cashmere jerseys that had holes or marks- and used the good pieces of two to make each jacket. The edges are finished in home-made bias tape from vintage cotton and there are ties inside and out. The best thing about them is, I think I have finally worked out how to apply bias tape without crying and/or throwing the garment to the other side of the room in disgust. hooray!
They look like great additions to your fabric stash. The little jackets are gorgeous!
Posted by: Sue | June 29, 2007 at 03:12 PM
I like that- in one end out the other (or is it out one end and in the other?!)I like to think that buying "pre-loved" fabric (and tea towels and pillowcases) doesn't really count anyways. And those wee jackets are just beautiful- your bias binding looks great. I hope your still doing your thang when I have little ones come along!
Posted by: Jessicah | June 29, 2007 at 03:20 PM
those are amazing!!! i love the sweaters! i'm seriously stash busting right now. love your new additions!
Posted by: heidi | June 29, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Ooooh - share your bias binding secrets! I SUCK at binding.
And no, you are absolutely not alone with the stash enhancing. Sadly, I too suffer from the affliction :)
Posted by: alisonmc | June 29, 2007 at 04:56 PM
fabric is an additction...but at least it's a healthier one than some! The first bag I ever made from your pattern was using that rose-print linen : )
Posted by: esther | June 29, 2007 at 05:18 PM
Wonderful little jackets - love the bias binding. Iseem to want to put it on everything now I've worked out how to make it!
Posted by: Kate | June 29, 2007 at 05:38 PM
You're so creative, Melissa! I love to see what you can come up with, always reinventing old clothes into something cozy and wonderful and unique.
Posted by: Taryn Domingos | June 29, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Melissa, I think you have outdone yourself with those jackets! Yet another thing for me to blog lift for my own children's benefit!
Posted by: Allison | June 29, 2007 at 06:30 PM
Hi Melissa, I love your newest creations - and they are just the right size for my daughter who is nearly two. How much are you selling them for as I would like to buy one.
Posted by: Vanessa | June 29, 2007 at 06:57 PM
these jackets are just perfect - I'm desperately trying to think of friends with children that age -always too old, too young or not born yet! I'm interested in this guilt thing that I think we all share when we see lovely fabric.. perhaps we are looking for a 'reason' or justification rather than the pure pleasure of serendipity and being provided something by the Universe which inspires us to be creative!! It's not like we want ALL fabric, just the stuff that stirs our passion. Go for it! Cx
Posted by: caireen.todd | June 29, 2007 at 08:20 PM
You are such a clever thing. I'm pretty sure thst if fabric had feelings it would all be very happy to live on your shelves for awhile (but let's hope fabric doesn't feel a thing what with all the scissors and sharp needles).
I think that I maybe am over caffinated.
Happy weekend and I hope you sell out your stall xxxR
Posted by: rachael | June 29, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Those jackets are beautiful!
You do great work.
Posted by: kat | June 30, 2007 at 12:20 AM
I love those wool jackets - very unique. And I love that they are made from recycled sweaters - absolute genius :)
Posted by: Kirsten | June 30, 2007 at 02:02 AM
Those jackets are darling. Your designs are ingenious! I always feel so inspired by seeing your creations.
Posted by: Laura | June 30, 2007 at 02:14 AM
those jackets are seriously amazing, you've been doing some great stuff lately!
Posted by: kirsten | June 30, 2007 at 03:01 AM
Those jackets are beautiful!!
Have a great weekend :)
Posted by: Hege | June 30, 2007 at 03:41 AM
wow... you have done it again. i love the jackets. i appreciate so much the way you selflessly share the method for making your creations... i am so inspired every time i read your blog!
xo
g
ps. fill us in on how to not cry while using bias tape :)
Posted by: ginny | June 30, 2007 at 04:13 AM
Lovely new fabrics!
Posted by: Chara Michele | June 30, 2007 at 08:16 AM
I am with you on the fabric stash thing! That is always my comment to people (my husband) when asked why I have so much fabric.
Posted by: Penny | June 30, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Really, whenever I see your creations for little ones, I so wish I could just tell you I want this and that immediately to dress up my own. :) The jackets made my heart melt!
Wonderful looking fabric too. It's never too many when it comes to fabric, in my opinion! :)
Posted by: Fiona | June 30, 2007 at 02:21 PM
love love the new little creations. so dang cute!
Posted by: joslyn | June 30, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Totally love love love those jackets. How very cool to breath new life into something a little tired. Lovely!
Posted by: Jo | June 30, 2007 at 09:12 PM
wow Melissa...it seems we are sharing a brain these days....the jackets are much like one I have been thinking on for a bit...cept with a couple different twists.
So cool how you used recycleds for them!
Yay for you!
Posted by: Lori | July 01, 2007 at 04:09 AM
i know everyone is saying this, but those sweaters are SO SO adorable. I love the fact that they are recycled. my friends and I go to recycling centers and see piles, bins, and shipping containers full of old clothes and think, EVERYONE JUST STOP MAKING NEW THINGS!!! and lets all just use these up first:)
-kimberlee
Posted by: kimberlee | July 01, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Self control and buying fabric - just don't go together in my mind. Those little jackets are so very beautiful. You do have such talent. Mary x
Posted by: Mary @Sew to Sleep | July 01, 2007 at 07:33 AM