blankets, cushions, and even coasters out of tiny remnants.
It will not be made in a day, but it will help you control anxiety, get more space for what really matters, and come to terms with the fact that no matter how much we save from year to year, or how ‘new and quality’ those jumpers look, we need mental space.
We do not have to execute herringbone stitch, nor basket stitch every day. We can add buttons, or we can use an old round ball needle and pearl threads that have stood for years in that browned box…
We can get rid of old yarn, and we can take our own time while sipping warm water and looking at the rain fall on a cold winter night.
We can cut the jumpers, cardigans, etc., and leave them for next time when we have time, but hey, it has saved us a bit of space already.
And above all, we can be accountable for that emotional state of anxiety that led us to save clothes for over one decade for that special occasion, or because it still looks good. If it does, then we have to stop buying or accumulating.
Should you start now with me?
Ready, set, go!
For the crazy quilt below, you just need to cut the wool fabrics to your liking. I do not like felting my old wools in the washing machine as I feel that the more volume, the better. I also like to have a backing fabric—not a light material but something cotton or heavy synthetic—as a base to my work. This way, I can do the runner stitch prior to quilting and enjoy the moment when I am doing my favourite stitching without having to worry if the pieces will fit or the fabric will crease excessively.
I like to vary the borders and colours of the squares and triangles and, whenever possible, to add embellishments, buttons, and different joining and embroidery stitches.
Blankets are my favourite items to make from old jumpers and cardigans.
What about you?
I hope you enjoyed my suggestion. If you feel that this is a bit too much ‘pauperism’ and that you are being driven back in time to the austerity of Victorian times, just think this way: your hobby won’t be costing you a penny, and you’ll gain more mental space to focus on what really matters.
Thank you for reading my blog post.
I hope you are on board, and if not, why not? Do comment below.
Best wishes,
Ariane Crafts
ARIANE CRAFTS 