I think we all like the idea of recycling and in my time as a designer I have reused and recycled my fair share of fabrics destined for the waste bin.
It occurred to me the other day that the more unconventional the fabric or the more used it is (meaning it's in the throw away bin at the second hand store) the more I love the challenge of giving that fabric another life. I try to use as much as possible and even the little bits that are left over seem to be useful for something so really there is no need for the amounts of the textiles ending up in our local landfills to be there as there are an increasing number of sewers and designers beginning to utilise this waste.
Often I am the recipient of bags and bags of unwanted fabric scraps and clothing that somehow I find really hard to part with because I literally see something in every piece I get and quite frankly that can be a curse. Over time though I have taught myself to deal with the bags immediately and pass any unwanted items onto someone else which is always appreciated. Seriously the hoarders den in my sewing room was causing mayhem for my family.
So what do I do with the fabric ?
It occurred to me the other day that the more unconventional the fabric or the more used it is (meaning it's in the throw away bin at the second hand store) the more I love the challenge of giving that fabric another life. I try to use as much as possible and even the little bits that are left over seem to be useful for something so really there is no need for the amounts of the textiles ending up in our local landfills to be there as there are an increasing number of sewers and designers beginning to utilise this waste.
Often I am the recipient of bags and bags of unwanted fabric scraps and clothing that somehow I find really hard to part with because I literally see something in every piece I get and quite frankly that can be a curse. Over time though I have taught myself to deal with the bags immediately and pass any unwanted items onto someone else which is always appreciated. Seriously the hoarders den in my sewing room was causing mayhem for my family.
So what do I do with the fabric ?
 Waste Denim and Textiles |  Off cuts of fabric from other projects |
Bits and pieces of other interesting fabrics that can be cut into trim
Well the answer to that is I make lots of things ... but one of my favourite items I like to make is "little skirts for little girls".
My collection entitled Amber Rose by Denise H is named after my young niece and she was the recipient of the first ever Amber Rose Skirt. Everyone skirt is different ("One of a Kind") and they don't seem to stay around long before they end up being worn by some little girl somewhere.
They can be made from pieces of fabric left over from other projects, jean legs, table clothes ... anything really - there are definitely no rules. I also use lots and lots of other scrap fabric as trim to give each skirt is own unique look along with acrylic wool, lace, net curtains - again the list is endless - all donated or rescued of course.
Here's just a few examples.
My collection entitled Amber Rose by Denise H is named after my young niece and she was the recipient of the first ever Amber Rose Skirt. Everyone skirt is different ("One of a Kind") and they don't seem to stay around long before they end up being worn by some little girl somewhere.
They can be made from pieces of fabric left over from other projects, jean legs, table clothes ... anything really - there are definitely no rules. I also use lots and lots of other scrap fabric as trim to give each skirt is own unique look along with acrylic wool, lace, net curtains - again the list is endless - all donated or rescued of course.
Here's just a few examples.
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Waste Denim, Torn Lace Doilies, Furnishing Fabric Samples ... all you need to buy is elastic and cotton.
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Frills of adult clothing, duvet covers and scrap lace donated by a friend
An old sheet, sleeves off my husbands business shirt, donated vintage trim and waste fabric.
Sway modelling for me at a local event ... she was stoked with her little skirt
All of the above styles are available for purchase via my facebook page - do it your self packs with everything you need to make your own Amber Rose skirt for your own little girl will be available online shortly.
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