{how to} Patchwork from Scrap
Scraps are patchwork. Or at least, they are at the root of so much of what I love about the patchwork art - making do, being resourceful, creating something out of what would otherwise be discarded, beauty from trash, whole blankets from trimmings. When a sewist comes into scrap sewing for herself it's as if her world opens wider. She sees her fabrics, however limited, in new ways. She buys new fabrics with a keener eye for second-hand sewing opportunity. I think this is when she becomes a patchworker.
I've lately had the sweet pleasure of witnessing this transformation in some of my local friends. We've talked through all the basics, many of the sewing habits I take for granted, and they've discovered my efficiency systems by simple observation. Their questions, their "aha" moments and their enthusiasm as they learn have inspired my next online class.
At first I thought it was a class about sewing with scraps. But, as the class has developed, I've seen it's more broad and far-reaching than that. It's a class about patchwork, practical and hands on. It's a class that sets a strong and efficient foundation and then flows into several weeks of actual scrap sewing, on both small and large scales.
In short, I think this class has become sort of Stitched in Color 101. It is the perfect sewing-focused compliment to my Color Intensive. This is how I sew and how I think about sewing - fabric, habits and organization from the ground up.
And it's almost done! I'll be offering this 5-week class twice this summer, first in July and then in September. The first wave of registration will open June 20th. Until then I'll be showing sneak previews most weeks, like this Machine Cover project.
Machine Cover appears in week 3, Small Projects. It's sewn quilt-as-you-go and includes three-dimensional sewing, thus introducing two foundational skills sets for up and coming patchworkers. I made the cover for my trusty little Kenmore in my current color crush - mint green. Love.
I hope you enjoy the project previews, whether or not you'll be joining us for Patchwork from Scrap. And now, I do believe your trimmings, your scraps await! Happy sewing.
xo,
Rachel