Scrap Fabric, Ideas Apply Here

So I've been trying to clean out the garage, again! The question is always, "how small is a scrap of fabric TOO small to use?" I do have a few ideas of what to do with some of my scraps; tote bags, pincushions, pencil cases, tissue holders, draw string fish bags, and quilt squares (if I ever get around to quilting that is). But these still use a sizable amount of fabric. Of course, the question plagues me the rest of the day. Then off I go to the trusty (insert sarcasm here) Internet! My results are inconclusive.

Basically nothing is too small. Look at postage stamp quilts. And the basic premise of quilting is to use remnant fabric scraps. Which is why the idea of quilting, even though I've never quilted, is so alluring to me. So now I'm back to square one. Having to trust my gut instincts may just leave me with my garage fuller than before. It's a fine line between pack rat and hoarder. Sometimes, I don't know which side of the line I'm standing on.

On a brighter note, all my research gave me a two projects I'd definitely like to utilize with my scarp fabrics.

Fabric Curlers by Life with Monkey - These fabric curlers are soft and great to sleep in. At least it looks like a better alternative than those plastic pink ones everyone usually uses. I'm definitely excited to try this one out.

Jewelry Wrap by AgricanKelli - This is a traveling jewelry holder for the women on the go. I was just thinking I needed something like this since I've been traveling a little more this year. I was having problems with all my necklaces tangling up.

There were a lot of other good ideas, but they were either things that were similar to ideas I've already come up with or they didn't tickle my fancy.

Plaid Cape

I found this plaid fabric, with some digging, for $2/yard. I thought it would make a cute cape for Grip N Flip. So I tried to employ the techniques I learned from my Jacket to this cape. I don't know if it made a difference but it was fun nonetheless.

I ended up with some curling at the bottom since the fabric stretched a little. I trimmed it the best I could, but I guess it wasn't good enough. It doesn't bother me too much since this was for fun and a good learning experience. It also helps that this was one of the projects I started in the new year with the resurgence of my sewing mojo. I somehow lost my sewing mojo in the Autumn of last year and was afraid it wouldn't return. But all is well, it's come back with a vengeance.




Here's a closer look at the closure. I really like how the asymmetrical closure turned out. You can also catch a glimpse of the lining fabric. The lining has the cutest animal motif. I love the bunnies, ducks, dogs, cats, and chickens speckled throughout. I thought it would give the cape a more whimsical vibe. I know that no one would actually see it, but that's part of the fun. Having something only the wearer can appreciate is well worth it.


I found 3 of these buttons in my garage and decided they had to go on my cape. I haven't placed them yet. I wanted to see how the cape falls on Grip N Flip and place my buttons accordingly.

And now for the fun surprises. Inner pockets!!! I was able to sew a welt pocket for the inner breast pocket. It didn't turn out perfectly but I was going on gut and memory. I couldn't find my tailoring book for the instructions, I think I need to work a little harder on cleaning the garage.


There's MORE!! I also have a secret side pocket that isn't evident at a glimpse. This is what makes the cape special to me. I love adding secret pockets.


I really like how this cape turned out, I hope Grip N Flip likes it too!!!