From Stashing to Crafting

Something practical this week, summer crumb patchwork placemats. I found some summer crumb pieces and I decided not to store pieces anymore. Rather to create finished items and keep if I need, and gift the rest - Life is too short to hoard.

As summer shines with its longer days and vibrant colors, I find myself reflecting on the remnants of past sewing projects. Instead of letting these pieces gather dust, I had an epiphany: it was time to transform my treasured but unused summer crumb pieces into something beautiful and practical—summer crumb patchwork placemats.

Creating these placemats embodies my belief that life is too short to hold onto fabric scraps and I decided that it is time to move from stashing to crafting. My crafting focus has shifted from hoarding fabric to creating finished pieces that bring joy, whether for myself or as gifts for others.

Square Feet of Patchwork Fabric

This week, while sorting through my fabric stash, I stumbled upon a box of summer crumb patchwork sq feet that I had created a few years ago when I had thought to sell pieces - before deciding to devote myself solely to teaching :)

I had created boxes of sq feet of crumb patchwork fabric in all 4 seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. What with moving the studio and what has been going on in Israel I had forgotten about them.

I had originally created them as ready made patchwork fabric which could be used to create a number of different items. Sq feet of fabric are perfect for a number of items, patchwork quilts first of all, tote bags, backpacks, pillows, zippered pouches and of course fabric placemats.

I needed some placemats, so instead of creating simple ones I decided to use the patchwork fabric to create padded placemats.

The Patchwork Placemat - From Stashing to Crafting

I had enough sq feet to create patchwork pieces for both sides of the placemats and decided to use 2 layers of sheets for the batting which would create a dense, thick enough placemat to even place a hot pot on it.

Sandwiching four layers. Crumb patchwork piece on top 2 layers of sheeting inbetween and another layer of summer patchwork underneath.

. As I stitched them together, I recognized fabrics and rememberd their origins. That is one of the fun things about using upcycled fabrics, they have a history. I decided that once I was working to create an additional 2 sets for the gift box.

What is the gift box? Its a box where I place the samples for the tutorials that I create. They can be fabric art pieces, tote bags, aprons, zippered pouches, fabric jewelry. I don't sell any of my creations, most of them are gifted and they sit as finished items in the gift box waiting for a recipient.

Waiting for binding

Now to Create the Patchwork Fabric Binding

The placemats are multicolored, random, summer scrap crumb pieces. I decide that I wanted a continuation of the look for the binding so I chose random summer scrap pieces in the width of 12 cm and decided to sew one very long piece of patches. Which will then be ironed and folded.

Sewing the pieces together to create one long piece of summer patchwork fabric binding to edge the placemats.

Seeing how long the patchwork piece is.

I think this will be enough

Embracing the Philosophy of Letting Go

My decision to stop hoarding fabric scraps has changed my approach to sewing. It's not just about saving pieces for a hypothetical future project; it’s about living in the moment and making the most of what I have.

This philosophy rejuvenates my creative process with intention and purpose. With each stitch, I remind myself to enjoy using materials that were once just stashed away. And its amazing that once I think this way I find all the fabrics that I need in my stash.

This week I needed pinks and oranges and I found 2 boxes of upcycled sheets in the store room. Washed and dried them of course The shift from stashing to crafting gives purpose.

Stop Hoarding - Use that Fabric

This week has been an enlightening journey, prompting me to focus on creating items rather than simply collecting fabric for another day - today is the day..

I invite fellow quilters and sewers to examine their stashes. Is it time to let go of unused materials and embrace the joy of creation? At the heart of crafting lies the belief that every piece of fabric, no matter how small, can become something beautiful and also practical

Its time to enjoy creating now - one stitch at a time.