Endless Shades of Orange
- Sharon Prigan
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
For the past few weeks, I have been immersed in a sea of orange. Each piece of fabric I uncover in my scrap boxes reveals an incredible variety of shades that this fiery color can offer. Who knew orange could be so complex and varied? From soft corals to bold suns, the possibilities are endless..
My fabric collection started as a simple way to keep my creativity flowing while reducing waste through upcycling. I initially experimented with creating patchwork bags, inspired by bohemian and rustic fashions. However, this exploration of orange fabrics has become more than just a colorful addition to my inventory; it has become a challenge to see how many different shades I can discover..
Upcycled Fabrics - Endless Shades of Orange
Upcycling means transforming discarded materials into something beautiful and useful. This concept has always resonated with me, as it embodies creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness. I am challenging myself to see how many different things I can create with the orange fabrics that I am finding.
As I sifted through my fabrics, I encountered endless shades of orange in many different textures ranging from smooth silks to rugged denims and corduroys. Each piece tells a story, carrying remnants of its past life. That’s the magic of upcycling: every scrap has its own character, and they unite to form something new.
My recent search for orange fabrics has sparked a newfound appreciation for the diverse shades in my scrap boxes. I found muted, earthy tones reminiscent of autumn and bright, tropical hues that evoke summer.
Creating with Purpose
As I began to design with the orange fabrics, I knew I wanted to make something special for a friend whose birthday is next week. She has always admired my patchwork bags and orange, any shade, is her favorite color, making her the perfect recipient for my latest upcycled creation.
I envisioned a multi-tonal strip rag bag filled with a mix of many shades of rustic oranges.
Sewing the strips together felt like painting with fabric. Layering the shades created an interesting unique visual display. Throughout this project, I worked on balance and contrast, ensuring no shade overpowered another. It was all about bringing harmony to the many shades of oranges from my fabric stash.
The Joy of Giving
What excited me most about this creation was not just the act of making, but the joy of giving. As I stitched the last pieces together, I could already picture my friend's reaction when she opens her gift. The thought of her face lighting up at the sight of the vibrant orange bag fills me with happiness.
Gifting handmade items feels more personal than selecting something from a store. Each thread carries a personal touch.
This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of both bohemian fashion and sustainable living. Each bag tells the story of its materials while showing individuality and creativity—something I strive to embody in every piece I make.
To all my fellow bag makers and sewists, I encourage you again, to dive into the possibilites of upcycled fabrics. You will uncover a hidden world of colors and textures.
Remember, every piece you create makes a statement, one patchwork bag at a time!
Happy sewing, and may your orange journeys be as bright as mine!
To create your own bag like this one find the tutorial here on Etsy
and here on the site
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