Fabric Samples Crafting - Repurposing

I have a couple of part time (or "as needed") jobs that I do when we're in our home area of Port Angeles, WA.  One of those jobs is working for a very talented Interior Designer... and I'm not even kissing up, as she doesn't read this blog. ~grin~  Currently, I'm working on organizing the office area (fabric samples and such).  I worked again today, which reminded me to make this post.


Last week, one of the reps for several designer fabric lines came by to discard old fabric sample books.  I mentioned that all that fabric would make for some  great crafting.  She told me I could have the old fabric sample books, as she would just be throwing them away.  I brought many home.


The fabrics range from sheers to heavy upholstery in weight, and most are sized in the 1ft x 1/2 ft (72 sq. inch?) range.  Also, most have a backing on them that makes the fabric stiff.


I thought of making some pillows, patchwork stuffed animals, and some applique' projects... but I sure would like to hear from you!  Any ideas?  What would you do with all those pieces of fabric? 


Michael wants me to make patchwork dinosaurs!  Help!  We don't want a sock monkeys vs. dinosaurs war on our hands! Although, Michael says we do!

Master Craft List

Several days ago we started a Vansteader Master Craft List.  Here is the updated list (now I'll start adding links to posts on these craft topics):

• Basketry
• Beading (on leather)
• Bowyering
• Calligraphy
• Candle making
• Cardmaking
• Crocheting
• Dying
• Engraving
• Etching
• Flint knapping
• Folk Art
• Genealogy
• Herb craft (not to include food hebs, as they will have their own category) - e.g. making various toiletries with essential oils, herbs, mineral salt body scrubs etc.
• Herbalism
• Jewelery Making
• Knitting
• Leather Working
• Macramé
• metaphysical arts
• Native American arts (dream catchers, medicine bags, etc)
• Net tying
• Painting
• Period specific arts, such as rendezvous or civil war crafts
• Photography
• Patchwork
• Quilting
• Rug making
• Scrapbooking
• Sketching
• Sculpting
• Sewing
• Soap Making
• Spinning
• Stamping
• Weaving (also braiding and fingerweaving)
• Woodburning/pyrography
• Wood Working

*All cooking, baking, and food preserving will have their own categories.


Please continue to add to the list in the comments area.  If you work in a particular craft, please let me know if you'd be willing to create a blog post on the topic.

Other Vansteader Posts

I just wanted to pause today and give everyone a chance to read some of the great vansteader posts that are being written elsewhere.


Hoboknitter (Kate):
knitting worms (worm composting and knitting):
http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/knitting-worms.html
and...

laundry (excellent laundry bucket):

http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/laundry.html

Celtic Gypsy (Kylie):
wood stoves:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/wood-stoves.html
and...
update on cost of little cob wood stove:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/update-on-cost-of-little-cob-woodstove.html


Brian:
Vermiculture (worm composting):
http://giffordsrvdream.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-2010-what-are-you-doing-to.html

Vanstead Crafts List

Yesterday we changed our plans at the last minute.  It turns out that we needed to be in Georgia today - and that's where we are.  We regret missing Virginia and North Carolina, but more so, the people we weren't able to visit on this trip.


I learned about the death of a family member yesterday.  This has me thinking about the finite time we have for *life*. I feel truly fortunate to *live* exactly as I choose, with exactly who  I choose to *live* with.  The vandweller/vantramp/vansteader lifestyle has filled my life with love and meaning. If my time were to end today, I'd not regret. 


Tomorrow I'll post the pictures I took (yesterday) of my favorite vansteasder cooking method.  Today, I'm going to start the Vanstead Crafts List. 

_________________________

Before I start posting on my favorite vansteading crafts, I want to start a master list.  Please join me in making a complete list of crafts for the vanstead.  These can be money making crafts or just for your enjoyment. I'll be posting about my projects and asking others to post on their craft of expertise.  I know a lot of really talented vandwellers/vansteaders!  I'm sure some of you already know what's coming... yep, I'll be coming by your blogs (or in your email boxes) asking you to blog about your skill, so that we can link to it and learn! 


I'll get it started (please comment or email me with your suggestions):


Basketry
Calligraphy
Crocheting
Dying
Jewelery Making
Knitting
Leather Working
Patchwork
Quilting
Sewing
Soap Making
Spinning
Weaving
Wood Working