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Make Your Own Fabric – Project Run & Play Week 3

Thank you to everyone who has continued to vote for me in Project Run & Play!  If you like this week 3 look, please take a moment to vote for Call Ajaire: No Scrap Too Small here before Thursday night.

I recall this story one of my mother’s friends told us when I was in high school.  There was an older lady who had passed away and as her family was going through her sewing things they came upon bins of fabric.  One bin was full of teensy scraps and was labeled “too small to use.”  We all got a big chuckle out of that.

I think about that woman all the time and how she couldn’t bear to part with even the scraps she declared too small.  As someone who is a borderline fabric hoarder I can completely relate.  To a scary degree, hehe.  For those of you who quilt especially, you know how hard it can be to toss out the small bits that result from squaring up your blocks or for cutting triangles.  Well this project is basically a way to use every last piece of your fabric.

It started with an idea I had after watching an episode of Under the Gunn where I was going to try to use some tulle as a sort of netting to hold scraps down on a piece of muslin.  I was working out the plan in my head when my good friend Amy sent me this pin.  And it was PERFECT.  Without the tulle layer all the scraps would be free to shine on their own as their brightly colored selves.

I started with a big piece of muslin that was about 3 inches bigger than my skirt pattern piece on all sides.  I put two pieces of wash-away stabilizer over the muslin and basted along the outside edge.  Then I stuffed all the scraps under the stabilizer through overlap of the two pieces.  For the skirt piece I stuck to a blended rainbow pattern.

For the bodice pieces I used only the pink shades of scraps.  Once everything was where I wanted it to be I pinned a few spots and brought the whole thing carefully over to the sewing machine.

Then I stitched through the layers in a small grid pattern.  I used 3/8 inch so the squares would be small enough for the thread to keep everything held down.  Even that piece of cording leftover from last week‘s headband made it into the mix and the stitching was enough to keep it firmly in place.

You can see on the back of the pink piece how the grid looks on the muslin side.  Everything isn’t perfectly lined up, but it’s just right for this scrappy project.  You could also do free motion quilting with this process which would be really cool.

Once everything had been stitched it was time to soak the pieces so the stabilizer would dissolve.  This part was so scary.  I had already put in so much time and the project was down to the wire (I didn’t get the chance to start until Friday!), so there was no time for it not to work.  The stabilizer just melted away and after a couple of rinses I was left with just fabric.

Luckily it worked exactly as I had imagined it would.  In the picture above you can see how wet it still was, but the colors were so vibrant it was all I could do not to Instagram a sneak peek!

I just love seeing all of these fabrics I’ve used over the past few weeks.  I think this would be a cool way to do an “i spy” sort of quilt too.

It took a while for the fabrics to dry, so in the meantime I drafted the dress pattern.  I used the skirt from the dress I drafted here and modified the bodice.  I extended the bodice down so the dress would be drop-waisted and changed the armscye to allow for a faux cap sleeve instead of an inset sleeve.  I then split the bodice horizontally at the under arm so I could use the pink scrap fabric for just the upper bodice pieces.

Once the fabrics had dried, I cut out the pattern pieces.

The skirt looked so neat and I was really excited at this point.  The weight of the skirt fabric is about the same as a heavy denim.  The pink scrap fabric is much lighter since I didn’t layer it as much, but I wanted the skirt fabric stuffed with as many scraps as I could fit.

The bodice of the dress is fully lined with the same fabric I used for the lower bodice sections.  It’s a white stretch sateen which is one of my favorite fabrics.  It has a subtle sheen to one side that I thought would fit nicely with all the bright colors of the scrap sections.  I chose white so that the scraps would really stand out too.  And since sateen is a bottom weight it really helps hold up the weight of the skirt.

The sateen has a bit of stretch to it so the bodice is soft and Bean is really comfortable moving around in it.  The skirt fabric is just heavy enough to maintain a great twirly shape, but not so heavy that it pulls at the bodice at all.

I had hoped the daffodils would be up in time to take a pretty spring flower shoot, but the cold has stalled the bulbs a bit.  We lucked out with a sunshiny day at least.  Those daffodils will be blooming any day now.

I love how a drop waist looks with her baby belly.  And the extended bodice should mean Bean can wear this dress for a while.  After all the work I put in creating the fabric I didn’t want her to outgrow it before the summer even gets here.

The invisible zipper extends down below the skirt which will make it easy to get her growing body in there for some time to come.  I was worried the bodice top and skirt edges wouldn’t line up well across the zipper, but I was determined to make sure she could wear this dress with ease.

Everything lined up perfectly on the first try which really speaks to how easy this scrap fabric is to work with.

Finally, instead of hemming the circle skirt I used my favorite method to make some double fold bias tape and bound the edges.  The fabric is a cast-off from last week’s look.  I bleach-dyed some red fabrics to try to get the perfect color for the capri pants and this attempt ended up too berry to be a Nantucket Red.  It was just perfect for this dress and since I had modified the original fabric it fit in well with this week’s theme too.

Now the real danger is when my brain starts cooking up ideas of what to do with these scrap fabric “scraps”, hehe.

I am so pleased with how easily this whole look came together from concept to creation.  If you like how I interpreted this week’s theme please vote for Call Ajaire: No Scrap Too Small over at Project Run & Play through Thursday evening.  It’d be amazing to make it through to the final three!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. April

    April 8, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Oh my goodness. I love this and it is so unique and creative! Fabulous job!!

    Reply
  2. Raphaelle (deuxsouriceaux)

    April 8, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Beautiful dress! I've been wanting to try the scrappy fabric with stabilizer for a long time but never got around to it…

    Reply
  3. Donna Wucherer

    April 8, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Ajaire this is beautiful! I never would have thought to use the stabilizer

    Reply
  4. J W

    April 8, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    It's a good thing I don't bother to square up my squares when I quilt or I'd have way too many scraps. I love how it's like a water color and a collage rolled into one.

    Reply
  5. Shelly Morgan

    April 8, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Ajaire, this is phenomenal! Way to go!!!

    Reply
  6. Kathy

    April 8, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    this is the most amazing fabric project I've seen! Wow! And it looks great

    Reply
  7. Monica Swift

    April 8, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    Whoa!! How creative…! I had no idea something like this was even possible…and I think people would cringe at the scraps I throw away. 😉

    Reply
  8. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:26 pm

    Thanks April! I'm pretty happy with how it came out 🙂

    Reply
  9. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Raphaelle you have to try it! It's super easy (just takes time) and I know you'd do something so cool with it!

    Reply
  10. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Thank you Donna! I was so nervous when it came time to soak it, but it worked perfectly. Good stuff!

    Reply
  11. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Yeah I can definitely see the water color/collage thing too. I love seeing all the different fabrics in one place.

    Reply
  12. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Thank you Shelly!

    Reply
  13. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Thanks Kathy! I appreciate that 🙂

    Reply
  14. Ajaire

    April 8, 2014 at 9:29 pm

    Haha Monica, I think most people would cringe if they saw the state of the messes of fabric scraps I KEEP 🙂

    Reply
  15. Teri Olson

    April 8, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    You did a wonderful job of interpreting this week's theme! You actually made your own fabric using an idea that I have never seen before, and it turned out beautiful 🙂 It's actually more of a work of art than a dress … I love it!

    Reply
  16. Meghan McKenna

    April 8, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    Wow!! This is very impressive!! What a creative use of scraps and such an adorable little dress 🙂 Lots of luck this week!!!

    Reply
  17. Shino

    April 8, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    You are AMAZING, Ajaire. This is so beautiful.

    Reply
  18. Meriel Aho

    April 9, 2014 at 4:03 am

    Ohmygosh, this is so incredible! I am in love – so much work put into this, and stunning results! This technique is going on my "want to try" list for sure!

    Reply
  19. Emily Wall

    April 9, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    this is so awesome! Now I am going to want to keep ALL my scraps!

    Reply
  20. Karly

    April 9, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    That technique is awesome! I really need to try it!

    Reply
  21. Chelsea B.

    April 9, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Really cool Ajaire! It is amazing to see how you used all those scraps. Awesome!

    Reply
  22. OnceUpona Sew

    April 10, 2014 at 2:08 am

    I love the inspiration for this. How sweet, too small to use 🙂 The final product is beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Cindy

    April 10, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    This is so cool! I love the dress and hope that you make it through to the final three. You got my vote!

    Reply
  24. Marnae Powell

    April 10, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Ajaire, this is so unique and cool! I've never even used stabilizer…how did you come up with this?? I love the vibrant colors, and I hope to see you in the final three!!:)

    Reply
  25. Skirt Fixation

    April 10, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Wow, this is fantastic! I am so impressed!

    Reply
  26. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:25 pm

    That is the nicest comment Teri! I so appreciate it 🙂

    Reply
  27. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    Thanks Meghan 🙂 I hope I make it through to the final.

    Reply
  28. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    That's sweet shino! I hope you're feeling well?

    Reply
  29. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    Meriel it is super easy too. It takes time, but it's not hard at all. I'd love to see what you make 🙂

    Reply
  30. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    Emily, I am such a hoarder already. This has sent me over the edge 😉

    Reply
  31. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    I can't wait to see what you do with it karly!

    Reply
  32. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    Thanks Chelsea! It's so hard to throw anything away now! 😉

    Reply
  33. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    I cannot tell you how many times I've thought of that woman over the years Rachel. I could totally be her. Haha. At least technique gives me an excuse now 😉

    Reply
  34. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Thank you Cindy! I hope so too and thanks for your vote 🙂

    Reply
  35. Ajaire

    April 10, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Marnae I hadn't ever used wash away stabilizer either haha. I saw the technique on Pinterest and even though it was just for tiny pieces I crossed my fingers and hoped it would work for the big skirt panel. Luckily it did! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Breenah

    April 11, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    This has got to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

    Reply
  37. carin van den berg

    April 11, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    Just saw the results. Sorry to see you go – you did such a great job. I thought you did such a Fabulous job this week. One of my 2 favorites 🙁

    Reply
  38. emily

    April 12, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Thanks for linking up to Create Link Inspire, you are featured this weekend! I've shared it all around and would love for to as well if you get a chance ;o) Emily@Nap-Time Creations

    Reply
  39. Magda Estrela

    April 12, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    Oh my Ajaire, you were the only one who MADE fabric, not just design it. Although you were out this week – I was soooooo sad when I saw it =( know you were amazing, unique and nailed it.

    Reply
  40. RobyGiup

    April 16, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    It's incredible how you managed to use even the smallest scraps of fabric! What a wonderful idea!!!

    Reply
  41. Aubrey Hunt

    May 5, 2014 at 2:03 pm

    Woah! This is incredible. I just found you from the Southern Institute group, and I had no idea you were in Project Run and Play. I haven't kept up with it as much as I have in seasons past, but now I'm gonna have to take a look. Amazing!

    Reply
  42. Karen Marie Kedzuch

    September 22, 2014 at 3:05 am

    Ajaire,
    I came across your blog through Pinterest. I love using every bit of fabric. You just gave me a great way to use my scraps. Thank you!
    Happy creating,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    Reply
  43. Ajaire

    September 22, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Thank you Karen Marie! This was on of my all time favorite projects 🙂 Have fun with it!

    Reply
  44. Lyric

    September 27, 2014 at 11:42 pm

    Simply ingenious. Thank you for sharing this.

    Cheers,

    Lyric
    http://www.sewlyricallyvintage.wordpress.com

    Reply
  45. Lyric

    September 27, 2014 at 11:50 pm

    I'd like to use this process to make a lining for either a Minoru Jacket or Robson coat by Sewaholic! Yes, I think that's the ticket.

    Reply
  46. Ajaire

    September 28, 2014 at 10:52 am

    That'd be lovely Lyric! You'll have to post a link here if you blog about it as I'd love to see it! Thanks for coming by 🙂

    Reply

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Singing cards from Mimi provide hours of entertain Singing cards from Mimi provide hours of entertainment. If you can get past hearing them over and over and over haha. “Shake your bunny feet and your bunny derrière” 😆😆 #happyeaster
Good morning! It's time to test the newest patter Good morning!  It's time to test the newest pattern 😍😍
The Bacca Bootcuts are a traditional bootcut jean shape, with a low cut look yet a wide waistband to make them more of a mid rise. 
Testing will begin on Saturday the 3rd and end on Wednesday the 14th, with the fit muslin due by Wednesday the 7th.  I'll need everyone to muslin the view A pants length to be sure the legs are going to fit accurately, but your final can be either view. 
I'm excited to get started! 😘  Sign up here or in the link in profile:
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You'll need the following:
a bottom-weight fabric with at least 10%-20% 2-way horizontal stretch (even for the muslin)
2" elastic - enough to stretch across just the back waistband (this keeps everything snug in place and avoids any "plumber crack" situation 😁)
short zipper - I'll have the exact lengths, but even the largest size uses no longer than 5". I recommend a ykk #3 or #4 jeans zipper (#5 just looks too big with the kids sizes), but any zipper will work.  I'll also have info for shortening a longer zip. 
2 15mm metal snaps or jeans buttons.  The snaps look great and are easier than making two buttonholes, but with the wide waistband 2 smaller snaps/buttons works better than one regular sized one.
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Tester call coming this week for the Bacca Bootcut Tester call coming this week for the Bacca Bootcuts. These use a woven with 10-20% stretch and they’re amazing. Sizes newborn to 16years.  Be ready 😘😘💕💕
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And @raspberrycreekfabrics is having a huge giveaw And @raspberrycreekfabrics is having a huge giveaway to close out the Suit up for Summer tour so click over to enter there too 😘

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That’s a lot of pieces!! 😳😳 Sneak peek of That’s a lot of pieces!! 😳😳 Sneak peek of the next DbCA pattern. Keep an eye out for a tester call soon, cause it’s a good one 😘 

In the meantime @randi_parton is running a giveaway in our fb group so head on over to enter 💕💕 Link below or in profile. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesignsByCallAjaire/permalink/2875015182768651/

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And of course I made a Diamondback Cami in swim fo And of course I made a Diamondback Cami in swim for this girl too. Those blueberries are my favorite this spring!  I have some leftover and I already have some plans for it 😍😍
Scroll for the fun microstripe back detail 💕💕 Link with details in profile. 

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It’s my day on the @raspberrycreekfabrics Suit U It’s my day on the @raspberrycreekfabrics Suit Up for Summer blog tour and I’m telling you all about how I used the Diamondback Cami & Crop for swim! (spoiler alert: there are no mods)
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Putting “Santa Claus” to bed 😍😍
Also it’s been a perfect morning outside without our jackets!! 💕💕
I was working on what size Pom Pom to prep for a c I was working on what size Pom Pom to prep for a craft for our moms group next week and the first bunny tail was a little too big for what we’re going to make. So I grabbed some extra Cuddle© Sherpa and put together an Easter hoop 🐰 
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I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in.

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