By the way, I have been sewing quilts for 30 years. It took me a while to be able to pick out fabric I liked and would actually use especially when going to a fabric store. I now know what I like and what I will actually use and can eliminate many colors and patterns in the stores just because I now know my own taste. I also don't follow trends, I just do what I like. It takes time and there are so many fabrics available now that it can be overwhelming. I get it. Mystery boxes are a good option for you!
I do like all the cotton fabrics, do not sew with polyester because I don't like it ever. I have purchased from Mood, and they do have nice fabrics. Happy to see you are enjoying the mystery box. You can make a fbulous cocktail dress for Christmas party from the gorgeous black sequins fabric.
Hello from France 🥰 i buy a lot of mystery boxes for the same reason and here in Europe there are lots of stores that propose some. I bought one from mood because i use a lot of their free patterns and wanted to thank them for that. So i went on the store but when there are too many choices i never know what to chose... I don't Care that the yardage is small because i'm small and skinny and i have children so i Always find something to do with my fabrics even the smallest ones. Bye ❤
Hello! Its nice to meet someone that shares my interest in mystery boxes. There are so many opportunities with scrap fabrics, including patchworks. Thanks for your comment!
I think it’s so fascinating to see how each person chooses to pursue sewing. I think fabric purchases can be a big part of that. There are lots of people who love getting subscription boxes each month. This is sort of the same concept in that you don’t know what you are going to get. I see some people thrive with that kind of challenge. It forces them to work with different colors (in solids and prints) and fabric types and even different lengths. I have seen some gorgeous creations occur because they were forced to think outside the box. There was a time in my life when I would have enjoyed this, but present day me would just be flummoxed not knowing where to even start. Even fabric I choose from the thrift store has to percolate in my brain for a while before I attempt sewing something with it. Every once in a while I’ll get a vision in my brain, and will have to visit the fabric store to find something (because there is nothing appropriate in my stash) and just like that it comes to life. Sometimes, I’ll choose a piece of fabric from my stash and mull over what I can do with it and will *eventually* make something. I’ve also seen people who start the whole sewing process based on a specific pattern. You’re clearly a person who likes thinking outside the box, and I can see how these boxes would really stimulate that creative thought process. You also don’t hesitate to alter a pattern, so the varying amounts of fabric would be more doable for you People who have to start with the pattern and never vary from it would likely freak out at the thought of using up a mystery box. My favorite garment of all time was made from a scrap of denim from the thrift store. How I managed to get a pair of shorts out of it I will never know. Of course I had to cut some against the nap, but you can’t tell. There was mark-up notations on the back, but you can’t see it through the dark denim. From the outside it looks like a nice pair of RTW shorts, but on the inside it’s a mishmash of oddball facings for the pockets, fly shield and hem and mark up notations written all. Everything in it probably would have been tossed into the landfill by the average person, but I made it into something useful and nice. I think that is what you meant about saving these offcuts from the landfill. It makes your sewn garments that much more rewarding knowing that they came from stuff nobody else really wanted, but you took the time and head space to make it something useful and beautiful. There’s a sense of satisfaction you don’t get with buying your fabric by the yard from the store. My brain can get past the idea of that velvet fabric being a sweat shirt or a cardigan, maybe even a color-blocked one. I have no idea why I am thinking that because it certainly isn’t traditional, but wouldn’t that feel cozy and be rather elegant. Of course it would depend on the care requirements of the fabric so it might be a totally stupid idea. For what it’s worth, I really enjoy watching your creative process and look forward to seeing some of these leftovers come to life. Don’t let the nay-sayers dissuade you from doing things your own way. Not everybody follows the beat of the same drummer.
Hi Nadine, Thanks for your thoughtful reply, I wanted to return the honor with some thoughts as well. I like the concept of how people choose sewing. There are so many different ways to approach it, from following patterns to creating your own ideas. I haven’t been sewing that long, so I think these mystery boxes are a part of my journey. For instance, I don’ t think I would have conquered the pants if I hadn’t had fabric that I was willing to waste. I still have fitting issues with the pants I made, and still want to tackle them, specifically the rear waist. When I buy fabric, I don’t have an idea in my head, I just buy it because it is pretty. I guess I am just as flummoxed as you in this respect, I don’t know what to do with it when I get home. It just sits on my shelf looking pretty and gathering dust. I have this fabulous rayon fabric that I am sure would make a good dress, but I have no idea which pattern to choose. I was thinking shirt dress, but I don’t know if it would take a button placket. When I started sewing, I was in love with linen, so I bought a bunch of it and never used most of it. Linen! It sits on my shelf. See what I mean? Flummoxed! (I love that word) Your scrap denim project sounds like a puzzle, trying to get all the pieces together. I like the idea of a puzzle, and this is why I want to try quilting, but I haven’t yet had the courage. Quilting seems like an easy concept, but for some reason, I find it very intimidating. For now, maybe I will try your idea of a velvet sweatshirt-that does sound elegant! I have enough velvet where I could try it out in several colors! I like the idea of rugged elegance-see you give me great ideas. I’m off to find that sweatshirt pattern! Have a great holiday weekend! -Karen
Velour: I would use it for something like the traditional Mandy t or grain line hemlock...if there is sufficient stretch...I have a number of stretch velour/velvet I've made because they feel luxe and cozy at the same time. Alternately a simplified Mood box wood like youtuber Katie Makes Stuff did a couple of months ago....all free patterns.
@@karenfrances Meg at Cookin and Craftin' blog did a comparison of the mandy and the hemlock a couple of years back. One of them has tighter sleeves so check the bicep measurement before cutting
Dayam, it’s nice to hear someone has the same problem I do. I pick fabrics for a project at the quilt store or online, and, just like you, don’t like how they look together.
By the way, I have been sewing quilts for 30 years. It took me a while to be able to pick out fabric I liked and would actually use especially when going to a fabric store. I now know what I like and what I will actually use and can eliminate many colors and patterns in the stores just because I now know my own taste. I also don't follow trends, I just do what I like. It takes time and there are so many fabrics available now that it can be overwhelming. I get it. Mystery boxes are a good option for you!
Thanks for your thoughts. We have so many choices, fabrics and patterns, that it makes it difficult sometimes.
I do like all the cotton fabrics, do not sew with polyester because I don't like it ever. I have purchased from Mood, and they do have nice fabrics. Happy to see you are enjoying the mystery box. You can make a fbulous cocktail dress for Christmas party from the gorgeous black sequins fabric.
Polyester is so hot in the summer. I like the idea of a cocktail dress for xmas and I have plenty of time to plan. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hello from France 🥰 i buy a lot of mystery boxes for the same reason and here in Europe there are lots of stores that propose some. I bought one from mood because i use a lot of their free patterns and wanted to thank them for that. So i went on the store but when there are too many choices i never know what to chose... I don't Care that the yardage is small because i'm small and skinny and i have children so i Always find something to do with my fabrics even the smallest ones. Bye ❤
Hello! Its nice to meet someone that shares my interest in mystery boxes. There are so many opportunities with scrap fabrics, including patchworks. Thanks for your comment!
I think it’s so fascinating to see how each person chooses to pursue sewing. I think fabric purchases can be a big part of that. There are lots of people who love getting subscription boxes each month. This is sort of the same concept in that you don’t know what you are going to get. I see some people thrive with that kind of challenge. It forces them to work with different colors (in solids and prints) and fabric types and even different lengths. I have seen some gorgeous creations occur because they were forced to think outside the box. There was a time in my life when I would have enjoyed this, but present day me would just be flummoxed not knowing where to even start. Even fabric I choose from the thrift store has to percolate in my brain for a while before I attempt sewing something with it. Every once in a while I’ll get a vision in my brain, and will have to visit the fabric store to find something (because there is nothing appropriate in my stash) and just like that it comes to life. Sometimes, I’ll choose a piece of fabric from my stash and mull over what I can do with it and will *eventually* make something. I’ve also seen people who start the whole sewing process based on a specific pattern.
You’re clearly a person who likes thinking outside the box, and I can see how these boxes would really stimulate that creative thought process. You also don’t hesitate to alter a pattern, so the varying amounts of fabric would be more doable for you People who have to start with the pattern and never vary from it would likely freak out at the thought of using up a mystery box.
My favorite garment of all time was made from a scrap of denim from the thrift store. How I managed to get a pair of shorts out of it I will never know. Of course I had to cut some against the nap, but you can’t tell. There was mark-up notations on the back, but you can’t see it through the dark denim. From the outside it looks like a nice pair of RTW shorts, but on the inside it’s a mishmash of oddball facings for the pockets, fly shield and hem and mark up notations written all. Everything in it probably would have been tossed into the landfill by the average person, but I made it into something useful and nice. I think that is what you meant about saving these offcuts from the landfill. It makes your sewn garments that much more rewarding knowing that they came from stuff nobody else really wanted, but you took the time and head space to make it something useful and beautiful. There’s a sense of satisfaction you don’t get with buying your fabric by the yard from the store.
My brain can get past the idea of that velvet fabric being a sweat shirt or a cardigan, maybe even a color-blocked one. I have no idea why I am thinking that because it certainly isn’t traditional, but wouldn’t that feel cozy and be rather elegant. Of course it would depend on the care requirements of the fabric so it might be a totally stupid idea.
For what it’s worth, I really enjoy watching your creative process and look forward to seeing some of these leftovers come to life. Don’t let the nay-sayers dissuade you from doing things your own way. Not everybody follows the beat of the same drummer.
Hi Nadine,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, I wanted to return the honor with some thoughts as well. I like the concept of how people choose sewing. There are so many different ways to approach it, from following patterns to creating your own ideas. I haven’t been sewing that long, so I think these mystery boxes are a part of my journey. For instance, I don’ t think I would have conquered the pants if I hadn’t had fabric that I was willing to waste. I still have fitting issues with the pants I made, and still want to tackle them, specifically the rear waist.
When I buy fabric, I don’t have an idea in my head, I just buy it because it is pretty. I guess I am just as flummoxed as you in this respect, I don’t know what to do with it when I get home. It just sits on my shelf looking pretty and gathering dust. I have this fabulous rayon fabric that I am sure would make a good dress, but I have no idea which pattern to choose. I was thinking shirt dress, but I don’t know if it would take a button placket. When I started sewing, I was in love with linen, so I bought a bunch of it and never used most of it. Linen! It sits on my shelf. See what I mean? Flummoxed! (I love that word)
Your scrap denim project sounds like a puzzle, trying to get all the pieces together. I like the idea of a puzzle, and this is why I want to try quilting, but I haven’t yet had the courage. Quilting seems like an easy concept, but for some reason, I find it very intimidating. For now, maybe I will try your idea of a velvet sweatshirt-that does sound elegant! I have enough velvet where I could try it out in several colors! I like the idea of rugged elegance-see you give me great ideas.
I’m off to find that sweatshirt pattern! Have a great holiday weekend!
-Karen
Very interesting
Very!
The pink would make a really cute robe, swimsuit coverup or loungewear
I like the loungewear idea, especially with such soft fabric. Thanks!
Christmasdress with Black sequens top and skirt of Black and red stripes 😉
Several people have suggested a sequin Christmas dress, I think it is time to plan. Thanks~
I will check them out, I have been buying boxes of fabric from a thrift store, mostly 1 yr or more cuts to make my quilts.
I wonder how many pieces would be quilt ready? It's worth a try, but you might not end up with too much cotton. Best of luck!
Haha. I thought of Sargent Pepper as soon as I saw those yellow tassles! As for the gold, it's time to make your Superhero costume.😀
maybe i can use the gold and tassels for my super hero costume. hah!
Velour: I would use it for something like the traditional Mandy t or grain line hemlock...if there is sufficient stretch...I have a number of stretch velour/velvet I've made because they feel luxe and cozy at the same time. Alternately a simplified Mood box wood like youtuber Katie Makes Stuff did a couple of months ago....all free patterns.
OH, I like that grain line hemlock t, nice and flowy! I might have to try that one. Thanks for the tip!
@@karenfrances Meg at Cookin and Craftin' blog did a comparison of the mandy and the hemlock a couple of years back. One of them has tighter sleeves so check the bicep measurement before cutting
Dayam, it’s nice to hear someone has the same problem I do. I pick fabrics for a project at the quilt store or online, and, just like you, don’t like how they look together.
Yea, especially buying online is tough
Some mystery box fabric that you don't like, ok to donate to Goodwill. I did.
good idea! i do have some sitting in the closet...
Gold long skirt.
nice idea!
pink velour robe or caftan
oh robe, yes!
Gold Lame raincoat or poncho !
raincoat, more challenging :)
Velvets could make a nice sweatshirt, very easy to make!
I like that idea. I need a good sweatshirt pattern