What to make with precious textiles in your stash? The biggest dilemma sewists encounter is what to make using cherished pieces of fabric. These could be lengths of cloth that hold memories and evoke emotions around people, time and place. They may have been a gift from a loved one, acquired when travelling or collected as vintage pieces. Do you hold on to them in their natural state, or turn them into wearable pieces? Before turning them into garments read these tips!
-Firstly establish how much fabric you have?
-What type of garment would the fabric be suitable for? Shirt, coat, dress?
-Keep the garment style classic and simple to allow the fabric to standout. This also means the style will not date dramatically and can be worn and kept for longevity.
-Select silhouettes that allow for body-shape changes, or modifications to the garment.
-Always make a toile or prototype of the sewing pattern first to achieve perfect fit, to understand and practice the making process and garment finishes-measure twice, cut once!
-Use good quality trims and haberdashery that will match with garment style but will also last the life of the garment.
What have you made out of your precious textile stash?
Image and textiles: Authors collection.
>Cotton Ikat table cloth find in Delhi markets turned into skirt (pattern available soon)