I have a wonderful collection of quilts that I would never consider cutting up for craft projects, but on the other hand, I also have quite a few quilts that are torn, worn, stained or damaged in some way. These are called cutter quilts and there are a number of projects that can be created from these over worked gems.
Pillows of all shapes and sizes are easily produced from the remnants of a cutter quilt. If the quilt was a family heirloom, this would be a great way to salvage it and share it with several family members.
Simple tote bags and purses sewn from a quilt will provide unique ice breakers when meeting new people and no one will have an identical bag like yours.
Need a special wrap for a gift? Sew an easy bag leaving the raw edges exposed. Insert the gift and tie the opening closed with a ribbon. Your unique bag can be used again as a gift bag or it might become a gift, in and of itself, as a lingerie bag or keepsake bag.
Spruce up sheers or lace curtains with a quilt valance. A shabby chic or country room will look clever with this addition.
Craft a make-do pincushion using a candlestick and attaching a stuffed quilt circle to the top for the cushion. This uses a very little amount of quilt scrap, so make one for yourself or several for your girlfriends.
For practicality as well as beauty, sew a sewing machine cozy to keep dust off you machine.
Design a one-of-a-kind wall hanging with pockets to hang above your sewing machine to organize patterns and supplies. You’ll never have to hunt for that lost seam ripper again.
Baby items are wonderful crafts to create from quilts. They are usually butter soft from years of washing, which will be a great tactile experience for a baby. A large piece can be re-cut and the edges bound for a baby quilt, while scraps can be sewn into burp rags and bibs. Cut six squares, stitch and stuff for a baby block or make several for soft fun play.
Reupholster chair cushions or footstools to give fresh life to a piece of furniture, as well as recycling a quilt.
Speaking of recycling, sew a plastic grocery bag keeper for easy access to reuse the hundreds of bags you accumulate everyday or batter yet, sew up a couple of grocery totes and eliminate the plastic all together.
Simple aprons will look a lot more complex than they really are because the hard part was is already done with the quilt design. Surprise your family with this fun gift.
Vests and jackets will be special reminders of days gone by and little girls will cherish matching outfits for their dolls.
Holiday decorations are always being given new twists with unusual materials. Why not get your favorite patterns out and make snowmen, stockings, angels and pumpkins for an original heirloom decoration?
Make a few of these treasures from remnants of the past as a beautiful tribute to their original maker and enjoy the results for years to come.
