Productive use of inherited fabric stash

Jun 28, 2014 6 Replies

I have many *many* small-to-large pieces of cotton prints from the



50s-60-&70s, inherited from my mother and mother-in-law. Many were used to make clothes for my DDs. I was constitutionally unable to leave them to be destroyed or donated. They have been maturing here now for several years.

Today, I serged the ends and machine washed & dried several pieces with cute small prints, and stitched them up into twelve (so far) of the Pediatric Bears I am donating to the local hospital where my younger DD works. They use them to distract/sooth/comfort little ones while they undergo uncomfortable procedures. The children keep the bears to take home, so they have to be fairy sturdy, and stand up to future laundering.



I knew I was never going to make any more children's clothing, so I am very pleased to have found a good project to use up my DM's and DMIL's perfectly good fabrics.


Pictures???? I would love to see these bears.

Here is the very first batch I delivered.

formatting link
I have to work with the constraints placed on me by the volunteer organizer. The pattern is very simple, and I deliver them turned and pressed, with an opening at the bottom so she can stuff them and draw on the "face". I'm getting the time down, running a production line of cut - press bottom-opening seam allowance - reinforce every inside turn with a small piece of fusible interfacing - stitch - clip corners - turn - and final press, using a template cut out of no-melt-Mylar. The first few took about 20 minutes each, I have it down to less than 15 each now.

It's a very cute pattern.

Those are just too cute and I'm sure they will be much appreciated! Love the patterned material; very cheery.

Thanks.

And a great way to use up odds and ends of stash! It takes a piece only about 11" X 24" to make each one. I may even decide to make a few with a different print on each side. ;-D

I can totally understand that.

a great project

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required