I do love to use up my larger offcuts by putting them together into something else, and I especially love print blocking, when it's done right. I don't sew with too many solids so don't do a lot of solid colour blocking -- just because I don't have many of those scraps to work with.
I was thinking about some of the ways in which I might use some of my larger remnant pieces for this September's scrappy challenges, and that led me to investigate which patterns I already own that might fit in well with this technique. It turns out I have quite a few. So I thought I'd share them with you for inspiration. If you have any patterns that you find helpful for this kind of project, please share them in the comments.
This is a pattern that I just bought; couldn't resist the silhouette or the scrappy potential!
Now this is a pattern I've had for a very long time, and I've made View A before. It might be time to try the short sleeved View B and use up a few interesting pieces of scrap fabric.
I just bought this one is our local fabric store's amazing moving sale. I had missed it altogether so was happy to pick it up now that I am thinking of scrappy sewing. It's made for lightweight fabrics but I'm thinking that maybe some velvety bits might work too...
McCalls 7466
It's obvious in this pattern that View D is specially created for scrappy goodness! I can imagine it in wild print blocking -- that would be fun. There is a denim version like the pattern cover over on PatternReview; someone actually made this one and it is so fun.
It's obvious in this pattern that View D is specially created for scrappy goodness! I can imagine it in wild print blocking -- that would be fun. There is a denim version like the pattern cover over on PatternReview; someone actually made this one and it is so fun.
Another pattern that I just picked up in our local sale. I'm not a huge Marcy Tilton fan, but I'm willing to give this one a try. I really like the simplicity of View C -- maybe this one could use up some of the larger solids in my stash, of which I have only a few!
This might be perfect for some of the smaller pieces of lightweight fabrics like challis or crepe in my scrap pile. I like a nice oversize pullover top and this one looks cute to me.
I've had this one for ages, a pretty Zandra Rhodes design that I bought thinking of a Christmas dress. But many holidays have come and gone and I still have not made it...Perfect for those glitzy bits!
You can't quite tell with this one unless you look at the line drawings, but there are
multiple seam lines here to help you break up the fabrics you choose. I think it would look
nice with some subtle scrappiness in the fabric choice.
Obviously the jacket is the leftover fabric project in this wardrobe pattern. You could make
all the other pieces and then use the leftover bits to make a matching jacket.
Or just make a jacket on its own with all the remnants currently in your stash.
Any of these patterns would be fun to try! Maybe it would reduce my scrap stash.
Then of course, I might always try a Bargainista copy of my favourite Dior dress of the past few years:
Take a look at the whole show for more inspiration!
What about you? Do you like print blocking? Colour blocking? Do you like to save and use your scraps?
What a great post! I have so many scraps, just can't throw them away, and in my head I have so many plans and ideas.
ReplyDeleteHave you looked at Koos van den Akker designs? There is a book - Koos Couture Collage Inspiration and Techniques written by Linda Chang Teufel. There was also an interesting article on his work and techniques in Threads magazine, January 1990. It is not so much that he uses 'scraps', but he mixed and matched so many fabrics with beautiful results. He knew how to put fabrics together.
I have never made a garment like his, but would love to have the courage to do so, and wear it.
And I forgot to add ... I really like your choice of the Marcy Tilton pattern above. Summer is coming here soon (I hope) and that could be a good pattern in readiness.
ReplyDeleteI saw the feature on him in Threads, and have a simple scarf pattern of his, so I really should try his techniques and see how it goes! So far I haven't really made a patchworky style pattern, as I am a little scared it might come out a bit cheesy ;) But maybe one of these will get me past that.
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