Closet Case Pouf

As I sew, I toss my thread clippings and scraps of fabric in a bag. Every few months I take my bags of scraps to H&M because they recycle textiles. It feels like such a waste to throw it all away.

Recently, Closet Case Patterns released a floor pouf pattern that is the ultimate scrap buster! The pieces are cut from various fabrics and it is then stuffed with scraps!

I got cutting! I cut up so much of my larger scrap pieces and then I started to gravitate towards some fabric in my stash.

Testing out the different fabrics together

My stash of fabric isn't very big, but a large portion of it is colorful fabric that I had no plans for. 

My mom travels a lot and often brings home a yard of fabric for me, my brother, and my sister (we all sew!).

I thought it would be so fun to make a pouf for her with some of the fabric she has brought back from other countries.

Finalized the layout!

In the final selection of fabrics, I have included fabric from Guatemala, India, and Ethiopia. 

After interfacing each piece, I followed the instruction for sewing it all together.

Seams pressed 

I was tempted to leave out the piping, but I'm so glad I didn't. I purchased neutral piping for next to nothing and I feel like it adds more stability, reinforces the seams, and adds a cohesiveness to the project with its neutral color. 

The bottom piece is two half circles of the blue and white woven fabric with a zipper down the middle. 

Stuffing the pouf with all the scraps

My brother gave me his giant bag of scraps. before stuffing the pouf, I would have guessed we had too many scraps, but it proved to be just the right amount.

I quickly sewed together a drawstring bag with some more fabric in my stash that I had no plans for. it worked perfectly to hold the scraps and will make it easier when the pouf needs to get washed. 

The finished product! Photo from my Instagram

This little beauty will be heading to my mom's house later this week for my mom's birthday. I love handmade gifts, making them and receiving them! My mom is so happy and loves to wear bright, pretty clothes and she loves to visit new places. I think she will love it!

Goals for 2019

Happy New Year!

In 2018, I was more motivated and inspired than ever to create! I made 30 items for myself and 15 for others. I see no end in sight, so I am hopeful that 2019 will be another great, productive year!

I have three major goals this year in regards to sewing:

MORE PATTERN MAKING

I love pattern making! Up until May of this year, I made all of my patterns and loved it! Its so fun being able to come up with an idea, design it, and make the pattern. It is challenging and so satisfying. In May, I made so many items (inspired by Me Made May) and became consumed in the construction side of things rather than the design side. I want to start pattern making again so that I can exercise my own creativity. I don't want to lose the skills I have obtained.

Self-drafted dropped shoulder top with ruffle - one of my favorite makes of the year

MORE REFASHIONS

I have so many clothes in my closet that never get worn. Either they don't fit well, need a modification, or I feel to guilty to donate them. I want to go through my closet this year and make those items work for me (or for someone else!). 

A thrifted dress I've never worn turned into a True Bias Ogden Cami

NO BUYING CLOTHES

I participated in a Ready to Wear Fast for 2018. My mother-in-law told me she was doing it so I jumped on board too! At times it was challenging, but overall, I don't have the desire to purchase any clothes. I love being able to make clothes that fit and that I love. This year I want to challenge myself by making anything I might need (I'm due for some jeans and a bra).

Self-drafted skirt and self-drafted top