Us crafters are often keen to top up our hobby shelves, yet find ourselves at a loss when it comes to those few strays that are lying around in our remnant piles. With shops offering an abundance of seasonal stock but our purse strings tighter than ever, we thought we’d give you a few ideas on how to watch those pennies and use up what’s hiding in your stash.
Pumpkin Spiced La-tray ☕
These little sofa trays have been quite the popular homeware item over the past few years. Used either on the arm or flat, these quaint trays are not only handy, but cute also!
Yet depending on what you use them for, they can scratch easily or be susceptible to debris settling in the grooves, which can prove tough to remove.
Making a tray insert offers a quick and stylish solution to the above issues. Simply measure the inside of your tray, add your seam allowance and cut out your fabric. Sew right sides together, leaving yourself a gap to turn it the right way out. Press, top stitch around the edge making sure to close the gap and voilà!
Oh Sew Gourd-geous! 🧡
Another great way to use up some of your fabric that’s tucked away is to make some cute little gourds and pumpkins!
We’ve seen many people filling bowls with fresh ones of different varieties and colours, but why not minimise the waste to reuse these year after year?
Perfect for the beginning of the season and Halloween, all you’ll need is some twine or thread, your scraps, stuffing, a couple of twigs for stalks and a trusty glue gun where you see fit.
There are a wide range of free patterns available on the internet, yet where your stash allows, this freebie from Lewis & Irene will give you a good idea on how to get things started. To view and download, simply click HERE.
A Witch’s Brew 🫖
Sometimes we’re a little better off than we think when it comes to off-cuts. You may be able to have enough to make yourself some coasters. Rather than buying new seasonal set, a little rummage through those remnants could tick them off your wishlists.
Using scrap wadding, fabric and a few stitches, it’s hey presto! Once cut and assembled, making a stack of four will take you no time at all. Not only are they handy, they serve as a great way to rotate your decor around for each season, keeping things fresh and fun year after year. Just as an author’s note, I’ll also utilise my spares as a somewhat candle or tealight coaster. It’s always handy to find other uses for the same make!
A Change Of Season 🍂
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – and probably even another time after that. Bunting is a relatively quick and fun way to spruce up any space. Perfect for a quick change round for any season, making a set or two for autumn or Halloween can really help you get into the spirit of things – no pun intended.
Once you’ve had a ponder over the size of your remnants and the size of the pennants you wish to make, they’re easy to assemble and whip up in an afternoon.
Each year, you’ll be able to grab yourself that same set and drape your home with some serious autumnal vibes. But hey, we won’t judge you if you’re hoping to kick off the season with a ghost or two!
A Sweet Treat 🎃
Knitters and crocheters – how many little balls of yarn do you have left over and stuffed on one bag, all in hopes to use it for that elusive project one day? We see you. Don’t worry, we’re just as guilty!
This free pattern from Red Heart is perfect for Halloween! This cute little trio of Halloween Gift Bag Trims will get you using those bits of yarn one magic ring at a time.
Designed by Salena Baca, crocheting these are an effective way of using up those odd balls lying around. It’s also a winner for using those random bits of felt up, as well as being a further little bonus for trick and treaters. It’s winners all round with this one!
For more information and the full download for the Red Heart Halloween Gift Trim Pattern, simply click HERE.
That’s it from us for now – be sure to check back soon for some more festive tips on how to thin out that remnants box! If you’ve selected some pieces to use, we’d love to see! Tag us in your photos using #WoolWarehouseScrapSearch and we’ll share some of our favourites 🧡✨