Last month I showed you the start of the latest scrappy crochet bunting. With all the donated scraps it was easy to find enough so that each of the flags was a different colour and so that I had enough to stretch across the width of the shop. Since each triangle tends to curl a little, I decided to counter this by sewing a couple of metal beads (from a pre-loved collection) on the point of each.
My other scrappy activity in the shop this month has been to put together some texture packs from lots of odds and ends of yarn. I came across a few such packs in a stash that I bought and they proved popular with customers, so now I’ve started to make my own. Each one contains a minimum of 30 m (and generally much more) of yarn in lengths of about 3m (plus some extra shorter bits if there are scraps left over). I select interesting mixes of textures and put them together in colour-themed packs. The packaging is all reused: cardboard from boxes and polythene wrap from packs of wool or fabric. They get bought for use in embroidery, weaving and macramé amongst other things, giving crafters a range of interesting yarn without having to buy lots of balls that would mostly go unused.
So, I’m not just making things with scraps myself, I also feel like I’m spreading the love of scraps to a wider audience.
-oOo-
I’ve been inspired to write this (and future) ScrapHappy posts by Kate, Tall Tales from Chiconia. On the fifteenth of every month lots of folk often publish a ScrapHappy post, do check them out:
Kate, Gun, Eva, Sue, Lynda, Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Tracy, Jill, Jan, Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys, Claire, Jean, Jon, Dawn, Jule, Gwen, Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera, Nanette, Ann, Dawn 2, Carol, Preeti, Debbierose, Nóilin and Viv
If you fancy joining, contact Kate and she’ll add you to the list. It would be lovely to see more non-sewing posts, but any use of scraps is welcome.
The Snail of Happiness 
katechiconi
/ September 15, 2022What a good idea! You’re both reusing scraps and preventing future scraps, win-win! If you find a minute, could I trouble you to update your list of links using the one on my post? We’ve had some drop-outs and additions since the one shown above.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 15, 2022All sorted with the links.
I’m so pleased with the way that customers are responding to the use of scraps and the idea that we can be inspired by the things that other people discard.
LikeLike
katechiconi
/ September 15, 2022Thanks 😊 I’m really happy the shop is proving to be a success, it’s such an excellent scheme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice Piece of Work
/ September 15, 2022You keep coming up with new and brilliant ideas! And the shop is looking really stunning. SO WISH I could swing by!
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 15, 2022Thank you… I wish you could visit too, and that I could come to some of your lovely craft markets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Susan Nixon
/ September 15, 2022The banner is great, and so is the idea of spreading scrappiness.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 15, 2022I’m dropping pebbles into the pond and watching the ripples spread out!
LikeLike
Going Batty in Wales
/ September 15, 2022The bunting is such fun! And I am tempted myself by those packs even though I have no idea what I would use one for! I know the shop has to be financially viable but inspiring others to use up scrap and be creative has to be a very important spin off.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 15, 2022I’m so keep to educate and inspire and making a living out of it will allow me to continue with it, if we can get that far
LikeLiked by 1 person
nanacathy2
/ September 15, 2022What a great idea for the yarn packs. I just love one with mixed threads like this.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 15, 2022They are proving popular and they are fun to put together too.
LikeLike
Jule
/ September 15, 2022Love the yarn packs, great idea.
LikeLike
onesmallstitch
/ September 15, 2022The shop looks so inviting, wish I could drop in. The yarn packs are a great idea, if only we were close enough I would love to make you some.
LikeLike
Quimper Hitty
/ September 16, 2022You are spreading the love, and it’s wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 16, 2022I’m trying to do my bit in my little corner of the world
LikeLiked by 1 person
rutigt
/ September 16, 2022Great! Love your flags and the leftover yarn idea!
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 16, 2022The bunting was surprisingly quick to make
LikeLiked by 1 person
mlmcspadden
/ September 16, 2022Great idea on the yarn assortments, I’ve bought ones like that for use in my postcards and crazy quilting. And nice bunting.
LikeLike
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2022I really like putting them together, so its good to hear how they can be used.
LikeLike
Born To Organize
/ September 17, 2022I love everything about your shop. It’s a beautiful idea. Your crocheted banner looks terrific in the window while providing a festive and inviting entry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Snail of Happiness
/ September 17, 2022It’s hard work, but we are hoping that it will become a profitable business in time.
LikeLike
Born To Organize
/ September 20, 2022I hope so, too. It takes time to bring any business to that level. Sending you best wishes for success.
LikeLike