Maximizing Your Sewing Remnants

Transforming Leftovers into Practical DIY Projects

Author

Jade Elise
May 07, 2024

Welcome to my newsletter! Each week, I’ll be recapping some of my recently shared content (with a deeper dive on the important details), in addition to exclusive content.

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Maximizing Your Sewing Remnants…

Watching HBO's documentary "Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion" left me feeling a range of negative emotions, especially after seeing the impact of fast fashion in Ghana.

My journey into sewing began at a young age, driven by my desire to create clothing I couldn’t afford. It wasn’t until much later that I learned the effects of fast fashion on cities such as Accra. Which left me with this question: What negative consequences might the sewing and DIY community contribute to?

While we await research on the final destination of the crafting community's extra scraps, I'm always looking for ways to repurpose them. In San Diego, we have the option to donate bags labeled "For Recycling Only" to any thrift store. Or you could use a service like Trashie…though they are currently limited to recycling 98%+ cotton scraps.

Until better options come along, I'm exploring projects aimed at utilizing fabric scraps into useful/wearable items. Because let’s be honest – stashing scraps for stuffing dolls doesn’t quite cut it for everyone! Here are some projects on my list:

  1. The Makeup Bag (yes, I’m plugging my own pattern BUT it was designed to use up scraps!!)

  2. Free Dahlia Hair Tie (this is a knitting pattern, and you have to subscribe to their email list to get access)

  3. Fabric Bookmarks (I think these would be fun to give out to friends/just little cute gifts)

  4. DIY Quilted Jacket (I recently did this but as a tote!)

  5. Toasty Oven Mitt (how cute! I might have to do this one next!!)

There’s A Pattern For That

Below you will find links to each TikTok video, the product, and the sewing patterns discussed in each video:

Wow, what’s next!?

Wow, you’ve made it to the end! My main goal with this newsletter is to provide value to YOU. So if there is something you’d like to see in this newsletter, please let me know!

You can leave me a comment on any of my channels or email me at [email protected].

🫶🏻 Jade