Lady_Mame
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 3/11/07
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Date: 8/31/12 12:29 PM Well, I got a new roommate (long, complicated story) and well, let's just say he's getting trained in a hurry as to what is suspiciously disguised as garbage but is actually a sewing notion once it's fulfilled it's original purpose!
I had mentioned I was planning on making a fez for New Years, and was devilishly pleased to notice that a double-box of frosted flakes had been purchased. All that cardboard was for me, to make that fez, right? What a guy!
Imagine my HORROR when I found it in the garbage!
Well, I fished it out and explained that thin cereal box cardboard is RARELY a trash item around here. What, did he think I would buy BUCKRAM when there was all this nice cardboard to be had? Perish the thought!
What do you 'rescue' from the garbage? ------
Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales |
Annie- oh
Intermediate
CO USA
Member since 2/7/04
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Date: 8/31/12 12:36 PM I think it must be a hoot to be initiating a new and totally unsuspecting roommate into the ins and outs of what a sewer does with his 'trash.'
Is he still there? You didn't scare him off rescuing the cereal box with a lecture about sewing notions?
May I ask: what is the fez for? ------
I try all things. I achieve what I can. "Moby Dick"
We stand here confronted by insurmountable opportinities. Pogo |
Lady_Mame
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 3/11/07
Posts: 2074 |
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Date: 8/31/12 1:11 PM He is still here, and he's catching on in a hurry! In fact, just last night he found some pins on the floor and looked at me "Where is your *squish squish hand gesture I use when looking for my pin cushion*?" I looked at him slightly blankly and he DUG THROUGH THINGS AND FOUND IT ON HIS OWN.
 I'm so proud of him!
The fex is for New Years, to go with the wrap I plan to make. ------
Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales |
Annie- oh
Intermediate
CO USA
Member since 2/7/04
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Date: 9/1/12 3:19 PM Hahahaha - he sounds like a great roomie, congratulations for finding him! ------
I try all things. I achieve what I can. "Moby Dick"
We stand here confronted by insurmountable opportinities. Pogo |
tourist
 
Intermediate
BC CANADA
Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 5423 |
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Date: 9/2/12 12:14 PM Lady Mame - I have a group that make yoga bolsters and we buy huge bales of cotton upholstery batting to stuff them. I use the thick clear plastic and heavy kraft paper they are wrapped in for patterns. The nylon strapping that holds the bale together makes good "boning" for home dec projects
I have big computer boxes on their sides under my cutting table to store fabric. Nice body butter pucks are good for elastic, snaps, rhinestones.
Gotta love the garbage. ------
http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown. |
Sweetsong
Advanced
MI USA
Member since 12/26/05
Posts: 956 |
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Date: 9/2/12 3:26 PM I have saved oatmeal boxes, plastic coffee containers and egg carton. The coffee cans, while not exactly for sewing, are used for used ink cartridges; they have snap on lids and I like the red ones--neat shape, too. I think the oatmeal box is for a craft/handbag sort of thing. Still thinking on it.
I think seamstresses and crafters were into up-cycling/recycling WAY before they were in vogue.
-- Edited on 9/2/12 3:28 PM -- |
Lady_Mame
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 3/11/07
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Date: 9/2/12 11:23 PM Sometimes, garbage is just unrecognized potential.
Right now, for example, I'm looking at an empty carton of ice cream bars and a messy desk.
Solution will arrive at two in the morning, doubtless. ------
Needle Needle Straight and Slim, Dust and Sweep the House for Him! --Grimm Fairy Tales |
AdaH
Intermediate
IA USA
Member since 11/21/09
Posts: 2139 |
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Date: 9/2/12 11:35 PM My favorite is the thin cardboard that comes in some shirts or sheet sets. I have not found a good use for it but I save it anyhow.
I have an old white cutting mat that I have been using for purses. It makes great purse bottoms. I use an awl to punch holes at each end then sew the bottom to the fabric. Keeps it from moving around.
------
Ada
|
Miss Fairchild
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USA
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7003 |
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Date: 9/3/12 8:15 AM The old white cutting mat for purse bottoms--oh my! I now have a use for mine... Brilliant idea.
I keep cereal boxes for quilting templates or folders to hold patterns, the plastic zippered cases that sheet sets come in for sewing projects, half case beer boxes (empty, of course) that are covered with wrapping paper and are used for storing my fabric scraps, large plastic bags to slip over client's alterations, and vodka in a spray bottle with water and essential oil for my linen spray. (I don't drink hard liquor so this is easy) ------
"We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker
"And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln
My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic
My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com
Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair |
Canadian Jane
Advanced Beginner
AB CANADA
Member since 10/30/10
Posts: 1159 |
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Date: 9/3/12 10:58 AM I kept the round cardboard bottoms from the frozen pizza. They are great templates for the casserole caddies I want to make. Then I kept the box to make "wonky stip" templates for quilting projects. Last year, I made a Chistmas table top runner using wonky strips and quilt as you go method. It turned out beautiful. With the strips, three sides are straight like a rectangle, the forth (and second long side) is angled.
-- Edited on 9/3/12 2:59 PM -- |
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