Food and Fiber Friday - Can't Say No!

So...

I found a listing on Facebook Marketplace for fabric samples. They are all drapery or upholstery fabrics. And immediately my pea-brain starting humming with ideas. 

In the 90+ heat, I set off to go through several boxes of samples. And the gentleman who was giving this away was super nice and we had a great chat while I fished through boxes. I was also thinking of my quilting friends who do a lot of sewing for child organizations - thinking pencil pouches, book covers, etc. 

Four boxes later, and sweat pouring down my face, I loaded up the boxes and headed back home. I stopped by the center where my friends spend a lot of their time, we had a great time going through the boxes and sorting through the samples. 

 

A lucky 'score' with these samples were several actual drapery panels. These are suitable for a single window if you just want to cover the window. The group was actually looking at making some Roman shades for a series of narrow windows at the center to hide the ugly mini-blinds. With the colors coordinating, they now have the material for the shades. Just attaching the ropes for the shades and they are done! Cost - very, very little!

The drapes are all shades of grey - from dark to light. I kept a few of the drapes as I plan to make a jacket and at least one would make great lining fabric (shades of Scarlett O'Hara!) And I have a window in the house I just want a panel up to block a south-west facing window during the summer. Foxy will get a couple of panels for windows in her new apartment. There is also a panel which I want to make a tote bag out of. Actually, I can make several tote bags out of what I have!

I left 2 boxes worth of fabric with the quilting group and brought the rest home with me. And this is where I have been peering at and plotting what I want to do with it all.

There is a lot of thin wool. Really soft and flowing. Can we say 'patchwork skirt'? The wool is mainly dark, earthy tones, perfect for a fall/winter outfit.

There is a lot of cotton velvet. This is what actually sent me down the rabbit hole. I want to make a loose patchwork jacket with it. Or at least part of it. I will probably combine with other fabrics. I also have in mind the start to a crazy quilt out of the velvets, something I have wanted to do for years decades. 

Another thing on my radar with all this fabric is some 'gifts' for my bookish friends. I want to make planner covers, book envelopes and the like. Plus, there is a lot of vinyl/faux leather which I will use for accents on projects. Another idea is to make durable bookmarks with them - adding a ribbon or beads. 

In short, lots of plotting, planning, and sewing to while away summer heat. Anything I have to purchase, like thread, zippers, ribbons, elastic, will be minimal compared with the amount of items I can make. This is also my plan for holiday gift giving - a low cost gifting season is on the horizon!