Last week’s post on being held hostage by my scraps and my brave deed of consigning some of them to the dark inners of a draft excluder generated lovely comments from you, dear readers, and got me thinking some more about scraps. I did not confess that I had saved the small slivers when squaring off the blocks for the blue scrap quilt. I then converted them into thread fabric. The following photograph is dedicated to you, Laura.
Confession number two: I collect threads in bowls — one beside my hand stitching couch and one beside my machine — and have converted some of them into thread fabric. Here’s the photographic evidence:
It has struck me that these threads contain the history or traces of the projects I was working on. I have plans to continue turning the contents of the thread-holding bowls into bits of fabric and to collate them into a book.
Then I also collect really special bits in bottles — one for shiny fabrics, one for bright cotton bits and yet another one for threads and cords.
Since last writing I have made another draft excluder and in the process of stuffing them both I did rescue some exceptional scraps. Here they are:
It has struck me that the word “scrap” has mostly negative connotations. Off the top of my head: to scrap is to fight; to be given scraps is to be given the dregs of the meal; to produce a scrappy piece of work is to show lack of care and effort. Of course I had to consult my trusted OED and was reminded that the word can also refer to a waif. The dictionary confirms that the word is usually used “in negative contexts”and refers to “useless remnants”. Ha! I beg to disagree.
Finally, in preparation for the class on Kantha stitching that I will be doing at the National Quilt Festival, I unearthed a bag of silk scraps that was kindly given to me a while ago. Just look at this treasure trove! (most certainly not useless remnants).
Oooh, more scraps! I’m very taken with the idea of your “thread fabric” – what a cool way to use all those little bits. And I never throw away ends of thread either – my pincushion has a stash of saved bits for tacking and sewing short seams!
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A girl after my own heart! Here’s to thread thrift
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Fantastic use of scraps! The piece in the blues and greens is amazing as are the other photos of scrap yumminess!
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It’s just as well we can’t eat fabric scraps !!
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You have just reinforced my hoarding of scraps and thread! 😁 I have made a couple of fabric journal covers with thread and scrap fabric that I made. It is such a good feeling to create something out of things that usually get thrown away.
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Scrap and thread collectors of the world unite!
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Looks like you’re having fun! So many interesting scrap projects. Can’t wait to see your Kantha project.
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Indeed I am having fun. Have now done the first Kantha class and have fallen in love with it
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How amazing – I am impressed! I admit I usually throw out tiny scraps and threads but I always cut them into short and even tinier bits ever since a wild bird rescuer and rehabber told me that a number of injured birds brought to her had been entangled in threads with many having severe injuries to feet (toes) and legs.
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Oh, the poor birds
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I wish I could incorporate those threads into a pot- the top 2 pics would make a fabulous glaze!
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I suppose the threads would just burn away in the firing?
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