Getting Back My Sewing Mojo

Since attempting to declutter the sewing room the other week, my thoughts have kept returning to my stash of fabrics. I have even started thinking about how I'd like to start using some of the fabrics, to make some items for around the house.

New cushion covers and runners for the reception rooms would be nice, as the current ones are looking a little tired, although I still do like them a lot.

I think this is going to be my priority when I get some free time in the New Year, namely to spruce up our home, at very little or no cost. It seems such a shame that some lovely fabrics are tucked away in boxes and drawers instead of being appreciated whilst in use on a daily basis.

Spurred on by my efforts a couple of weeks ago, the  weekend before last, I decided to declutter more of my fabrics and on Saturday afternoon, I worked my way through two of the drawers where I store my less favoured fabrics.  I probably halved the contents of the drawers and when put with the fabrics I'd set aside the week before, I managed to collate this huge pile for donation.

I really hope someone else will get the chance to use these fabrics and make something functional or decorative with them. I could, of course, keep them and try to do that myself, but I have so many that I just know I never will get around to using them all.

It felt good to thin things out a little, a bit wasteful though if I'm honest with myself. I really dare not think about how much I've spent on buying all of these fabrics in the past.  Luckily, most were purchased very inexpensively from car boots, jumble sales, eBay, markets, etc., but it was still a waste of money that could have been better spent.  I  don't want to make this mistake again. Anyway, I have no real regrets, as it is now time to look to the future and move on.

Having sorted through my fabrics, I came across a few pieces that I decided could, with very little effort be made into something useful and I actually got around to getting a bit creative and making a few things.

Firstly I made this fabric bookmark from scraps, which I'd already cut out and just needed to sew together. I always need a good bookmark, as I'm always reading some book or other and need to keep track of where I am.  It's nice to have one I've made myself too.

I also made a table runner out of this lovely piece of African cotton fabric.  It had already been hemmed around three sides, so all I needed to do was hem the fourth side and it was perfect for this chest of drawers in our second reception room.  I really love the designs of some of the African prints, they are so vibrant and alive.

Finally, I made a scarf that I bought at the CS into a snood, as I find this is just the easiest way to wear scarves these days, and especially good in the winter as you can snuggle your face into them.  It took two minutes and I'm now enjoying wearing it.

It felt good to get the sewing machine out and make a couple of things that I can use immediately. No amazing creations or anything, but the fact that I'm making use of things I already have is enough for me.