Gifting projects that take up a fair yardage

[CorpusCallosum]

Next year we are planning on some extensive house renovations and I'm cutting down on stuff in the house. I have a stash of fabric I've accumulated and would like to use it up rather than recycle. It's predominantly upholstery type fabric, cotton and some synthetic.

I stopped dressmaking when DD came along as I just don't have the time to do it well. Can you guys come up with some gift ideas that are simple and take up a lot of fabric?

So far my ideas are:

• Table runner and napkins for DM
• Personalised embroidered cushions for DNieces
• Beeswax wraps for anyone everyone

[itsawonkydonkey]

I'd love a set of beautiful tea towels, please.

[CorpusCallosum]

Deal! That is actually a brilliant idea, love you forever now!

[TheWoollybacksWife]

Bean bags?

Drawstring bags for packing shoes?

[Sgtmajormummy]

What about
Drawstring Lego bags that turn into play mats.
Strips of fancy fabric along towels to make a matching set.
Fabric backed beach towel that folds into its own bag. Like a “quillow”.
Cushion covers.
Pump bags (showing my age!).
Reusable shopping bags. Lots of patterns online. I make them and offer them to people I see struggling at the checkout.
The Japanese folding cloth (forgotten the name) Knot it different ways to carry all sorts or use as pretty gift wrapping.

[Sgtmajormummy]

Furoshiki

[Sgtmajormummy]

If you’re planning on moving house, I recommend making your own version of the Blue IKEA Bag. They’re basically a big rectangle (120 x 100?) of strong fabric with a square cut from each corner and cotton tape for the handles.

Brilliant for bundling up soft toys or clothes that don’t need a protective box. And much easier to lift.
DC1 now uses them for traveling to/from digs as they fold down to nothing.

[nicknamehelp]

rag wreaths I made last year went down well

[AdaColeman]

Drawstring bags for packing shoes in when travelling.
Slip on cushion covers.
Shopping bags, especially if you can incorporate a tube shaped inside pocket to keep a wine bottle upright (it doesn't need to be fixed to the base of the bag).

[CorpusCallosum]

Brilliant ideas everyone, those mats that whip up into a bag would be perfect for my DB and DSIL, their daughters leave stuff everywhere 👏

@nicknamehelp do you have a link to a pattern or tutorial for the rag wreaths? I have some lovely tweed that would make a nice wreath maybe for other DSIL 😃

[Sgtmajormummy]

Pillowcases are always the first part of a bed set to go. If you Google “burrito cuffed pillowcase” they take 15 minutes and with a small amount of character print look very impressive.
I made some with “Hipster Barber” patchwork fabric for an older nephew as a housewarming present.

[MumbleJunction]

Oooh I'm on the same mission, unfortunately I've been given loads of scratchy polyester!

[VanillaSpiceCandle]

Any type of quilt uses a phenomenal amount. I’m always surprised at how much I need. Table runners are also good and you could use a wide variety depending on decor or seasons.

[CorpusCallosum]

Thanks @VanillaSpiceCandle quilting is a good idea, I've only done patchwork quilts before which were time consuming but just quilting up some fabric would be a great idea.

I've just ordered some beeswax for the wraps, I asked DM if she'd like some and turns out she's bought some for Christmas stockings - d'oh! 🤦‍♀️

[VanillaSpiceCandle]

I have the opposite problem! Not enough fabric for projects. Often run out halfway through. Yes I should have said I do patchwork/traditional quilting and it takes so long!

[HasaDigaEebowai]

pretty facemasks are obviously needed by everyone atm

[StillWeRise]

washable sanpro

[Searchesforhipbones]

Laundry bags for travelling - big rectangle with simple drawstring - are so useful! Lovely with a couple of smaller ones that can be used for shoes or undies.

[PickAChew]

Storage baskets

Simple ones www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas/sewing/how-to-sew-fabric-storage-baskets
Really nifty IKEA compatible folding ones
www.sewcanshe.com/blog/fabric-storage-baskets
More complex with handles and pockets. There's a similar one to this on one of the sewing magazine websites, iirc www.etsy.com/uk/listing/102090963/easy-to-sew-fabric-handle-basket-pdf?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_easter_Craft+Supplies+and+Tools&utm_custom1=k_Cj0KCQiAkuP9BRCkARIsAKGLE8UT2HtmUd9RFjj-K8pROW91CuD02IkTCYy80MByNVY12pnT1KjLF98aAgebEALw_wcB_k&utm_content=go_1714082377_75506723268_333557028917_aud-371913912633:pla-295462056867_m__102090963engb_169451494&utm_custom2=1714082377

[CorpusCallosum]

First project complete! Half a yard down 😅

[EatsFartsAndLeaves]

Proper duvet cover with matching pillowcases in cotton please, double for me and singles for the kids. With a beanbag cover to match the kids ones and a bean filled smaller cushion to match mine. And a cat bed please.

That's a fair few metres used up I reckon 😁

[Mumdiva99]

Cute pillows. Well done.

[VanillaSpiceCandle]

I love those cushions. How are the letters attached please?

[CorpusCallosum]

It's applice cut out the letters, pin then tack stitch, then machine zig zag stitch round the edge. A bit time consuming to get it neat but easy. I am not usually very good at applice but I was pleased with these 😊

I also made my first trial beeswax wrap today, it was so easy! My friend recommended this You Tube tutorial: 👍👍👍

[CorpusCallosum]

... I do wish I'd got white beeswax so it didn't make the fabric look well, like that 🤣

[VanillaSpiceCandle]

Thank you for the tip. Sounds a bit beyond my skills but definitely something to aim for.

The beeswax wrap looks great!