A wee while ago Karen at Did you make that? began writing a segment entitled True Confessions so I thought I’d jump on the bandwagon and confess something. Here goes … I love fabric remnants. I don’t know what comes over me but when I see those little rolled up pieces of fabric but I’m like a magpie. I dive in and rummage around and i always find two or three that I like and want to buy … Including the fabric that I actually intended to buy for the project I had already planned.
Which brings me to my next point – it’s always unintentional. It’s not like I go out intending to spend an extra few dollars on additional fabric. I just can’t help myself.
I think I can put it down to a few reasons. First, it’s so cheep – what’s a few more dollars when I’m already spending double digits on fabric? Second, I can find selecting material to be a bit intimidating. All that selection, and so much potential to make the wrong decision. Smaller quantities at the discounted rate is a lot more appealing to someone who is easily scared off, like me. Which feeds in nicely to my third reason – who doesn’t love a discount? Amirite?
My favourite of all the remnant baskets out there is undoubtedly the one at Global Fabrics. They have the most amazing fabrics in Auckland so naturally they also have the most amazing remnants basket too!
This year I made/ attempted these three projects below spontaneously simply because I found the right fabric for cheep in the basket. The cape, admittedly, is still and UFO
Are you a fan of the remnants?
Dresses & Me 
I used to be a remnant fiend, but then my fabric collection started to get out of hand so now I only buy if I have a specific project in mind. Don’t worry, I still have a fabric problem – it’s just with larger pieces!
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I love remnants too, some of my best projects have come from remnants. I do have to be strict with myself though – it must be enough to actually make something! 🙂
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This is true. At the beginning of the year I didn’t look at the measurements I bought some real fizzers!
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I always look at them, but rarely buy them – there never seems to be enough fabric in the bunches for me. Of course, if I had a GREAT fabric store close-by, then I’d have more opportunity to see remnants. As it is, I have to shop online most of the time. You obviously have made some great finds!
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That’s interesting because there’s generally about a meter left so not heaps but enough for say a top or skirt. Truth be told I’ve never bought fabric online. I’m too scared!
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I must say that I am a remnant horder too! they ARE so tempting, so inexpensive and often the last bits of that fabric availible…what if I decide that I ‘need’it later…I would kick myself if I left it there for only a couple of dollars. Space does become an issue but I always manage to find use for them and have just the right thing that I need for my projects. I particularly love the $3 floral fabric-yum! I can’t wait to see what you do with them. xx Shauna
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By the way, the coat pattern is fabulous. Is that a vogue design? I’d love to have the number.
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Yes I think it’s a very easy vogue. It’s v8776 🙂
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I adore fabric remnants. I shop at a store that has New York sample cuts which are remnants from design houses. This has been the source of some of my absolutely most interesting fabric finds. And then of course, my business name is RemnantWorks chosen because of the small pieces of fabric I use in my work. 🙂
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Ooh I’d love to find some designer fabrics!
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Sounds like something I’ll have to check out at my local stores! I guess I’ve always assumed there wouldn’t be enough for a project; then again I haven’t been sewing for very long.
But I do have a similar relationship with yarn: I used buy all different colors and brands of yarn because they were soft, or pretty, or .. you get the idea. I haven’t bought any in a while, pretty much since I started taking sewing classes. It’s probably a good thing since I have a HUGE tote filled with yarn that barely closes! 🙂
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Yes you’re right sometimes there’s not enough left for the project I want to do but there’s usually around a meter which is enough for a skirt or simple top 🙂
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That’s good to know! I’ll have to check out the remnants at my local stores for sure!
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I have become a remanent fan. I’ve got a precious piece from The Fabric Store that I want to make into a bolero. I’m almost too nervous to cut it!
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What’s a bolero? Yes I have several that, although they were discounted I’m still afraid to cut!
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In essence a cropped little jacket -think bull fighter 🙂
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Love them, and love squeezing in the pattern pieces. So satisfying!
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I totally agree!! Immensely satisfying
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I like how remnants encourage freedom within form. The “bonanza box” from the Fabric Fairy were remnants I couldn’t even choose, but I ended up with so many treasures I can’t wait to work with. Remnants rock!
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You’re right, remnants rock! Yeah they do give more freedom – I don’t fret so much when I’m sewing with a remnant
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