Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Using It Up

Since the new year, there has been a lot of talk about not buying more crafting and art supplies until using up the huge mounds of things we already have. Then Mary at MaryRichmondDesigns asked for people to make things out of material they already had and blog about it today. Well, I have fabric. In fact I have three good sized bags of awesome fabric. It's leftover pieces from aprons and totes and pillows, and it's nice...really, really nice...and it was killing me to have it sitting on the shelf unused.

I had already started using some of it for my new fabric clocks. All three of these are made using leftover fabric. I did have to purchase other things to make the clocks, but at least the fabric is being used. Some of the pieces I had wouldn't work for the clocks, but I still wanted to use them up.

That's when I decided to start making the Itsy Bitsy Tote Bags. I showed you this one on Sunday. I don't know about you, but when I go to the store or to the mall, I do not take a big bag. I need my hands free so I can pick things up and look at them. You sure can't put your purse down anywhere or leave it in a shopping cart, so I prefer a small, lightweight bag that I can "wear".

Here is my second Itsy Bitsy. I had this fabric left from a regular sized tote bag I had made a while ago. I'm going to keep playing around and come up with some other styles, but I think it's a great way to use up fabric that is just sitting here.

Are you being run out of your workshop by bins and boxes and crates and drawers and closets that are overflowing with leftover supplies and materials that seem to multiply all on their own? What do you do when you have more leftover materials than you know what to do with?

9 comments:

Bluebell said...

Hi Kathy, I just love your clocks especially the one with the birds on, where did the idea for the clocks come from I wish I had such imagination. Yes I have loads of scraps in my sewing room I am using some to make Hearts as favours for Kate's wedding but some of course is not suitable, I will have to have a think about those.
Love Jillxx

whyte said...

Kathy, love all these! Hope this challenge of Mary Richmonds takes off and hope I can participate often.

jdavissquared said...

Oh, the never ending battle of too many supplies. I know what that's like!

love the zebra print!

Cathryn said...

I really like the celestial clock! It's so bright and colorful!

As far as supplies go, in a way--YES! I still have to do an inventory to see what I really, really need before I can justify buying new beads. I know I'm low on findings and stringing materials but it's beads that draw me...It's an addiction!

Oklahoma Granny said...

I have so much scrapbook paper I could probably open my own shop. Not really, but I could probably scrapbook for at least a couple of years before running out. I probably look at paper much the same way as you look at fabric.

Lanyardlady said...

Love the clocks, especially the musical notes. I've been trying to use all my beads and just buy necessary findings, but once in a while I have to get some new beads. I'm weak that way.

Anonymous said...

I'm no craftactular...so I give my stuff away to those who are. Thank goodness for girlfriends who quilt, scrapbook, stamp and sew!

Unknown said...

Oh! I love the clocks! Where is Mary's challenge? I would love to join in on it sometimes!

Angela said...

I am trying to use up a bunch of old supplies I have- to make room for more!!!

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