The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Fun with Fabric => Topic started by: Celia on October 22, 2021, 10:10:46 AM
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I went to a WI meeting about climate change along with that and a comment by Patric Grant i am looking at what we have left when we sew garments. Apparently home sewers waste about 30% of all the fabric we buy.
My problem is I use a lot of stretch fabrics, at the moment i have 2 lots of left over scraps i am about to bin but have stopped myself and am going to make something from them. Would anyone join in?
Could we set up a thread for something like this?
Let me know what you think?
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Sure, I have had interest in this in the past, happy to share ideas.
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Sounds like a good idea but will you wear or use the items?
I used to keep left overs but last week I realistically looked at them and thought it's a waste of my time as I wouldn't wear or use items so they either were binned or a couple of large pieces went into the Oxfam bag. I felt a lot better after they were gone!
It's all very well to blame us for waste but the pattern companies very often exaggerate the amount you need and we don't always buy with a project in mind.
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Scraps used for cards
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr1Nj_bh_gs/VGaNx-V7S2I/AAAAAAAAG9Q/QHGb8921neU/s1600/Christmascards%2B(1).JPG)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSlg9zqnUu4/VJM25_3wh3I/AAAAAAAAG_0/juuFGYX43Dk/s1600/Raincards%2B(2).JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PotNpJFNY2M/UN3p3GneyFI/AAAAAAAAFH4/AolFroBpzyo/s1600/rsbuntingcards3.JPG)
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more cards
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-we9HL9-UMWk/VGZoabQwSTI/AAAAAAAAG80/EGKg5iRK4XA/s1600/HouseCard%2B(2).JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4GQZJ9KcAI/WBz5hLnK20I/AAAAAAAAJZM/5yv0su92SjUmMowDjz5xHE1fh_jcpkMTQCLcB/s1600/ChristmasCards%2B%25281%2529.JPG)
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Knit scraps
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cawY7qXlIjQ/W3EyGA0gtQI/AAAAAAAALi4/b5qNppYDkqgiRyE2cHaZBZD0kVfVO4d2wCLcBGAs/s320/PatchworkTee.JPG)
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More ideas for garments fabrics
https://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-use-scraps-for-other-garments.html (https://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-use-scraps-for-other-garments.html)
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T shirts from multiple knit leftovers
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccn56DnYq4s/Ub92wRSJk6I/AAAAAAAAFsY/GTvjabv1SRw/s320/turqanimal2.JPG)
Or a pouffe made from and filled with scraps
Closet Case Patterns - https://closetcasepatterns.com/fabric-floor-pouf-free-sewing-pattern/
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Little cushions
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCugQ6B3xiw/U4C6VBzD9II/AAAAAAAAGhw/zB80AByfddo/s1600/cushions+(2).JPG)
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Christmas decs
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBUmNPz1iyE/UJ1jI0Bff7I/AAAAAAAAEvU/IoNCMQFweyc/s320/Minitrees.JPG)
Hats gloves and belt
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0ALcSos_Kw/TljHo-8FfqI/AAAAAAAADtw/KltAKHqcl0w/s400/BrownExtras2.JPG)
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Some are usable for appliqué.
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Little cami tops - pieced
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvduegtDoHg/YLPGjuXekBI/AAAAAAAAOng/qbH0cbtjXkoxnM78sCIZU07JGlDNE0E8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GBSBCami.jpg)
Mini bunting
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsGTHNNrdD4/XIF_GqmoQeI/AAAAAAAAMMI/CJOpgZtfE2Mo7UN9LCTvZFVveInDEN1YwCLcBGAs/s320/MiniBunting%2B%25286%2529.JPG)
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I've been lucky just lately, I've matched the leftovers with remnants and been able to make a second. I would have had enough to make another top on my latest, if it had not been for having to make another sleeve. But there was enough left to make, in my opinion, a jumper for a child, so I've offered it on my local Nextdoor site, which is where my leftovers go, not straight away, I hang onto first.
I must admit pattern companies generally exaggerate the mount required. Fortunately when I started sewing I was cash poor so I soon learned how to put a pattern on correctly and not waste fabric. I think they round it up 1.7 lets call it 2 meters.
I have done tops and used a different fabric neckline, which works well but doesn't use much. I've yet to go with @SewRuthieSews idea, but have considered it.
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I think I'd be up for a thread like this as I hate waste, and save even the smallest pices which 'may come in handy'.
Jessie
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Great thread! :thumbsup:
I’m hoping to piece some of my knit fabric waste and make them into a Beanie style hat. I’ve seen a picture on Pinterest but haven’t worked out how to make it yet. Might try that next week.
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I’m interested in this and have bags of scraps I’d love to use up.
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Great ideas. Sometimes you just need to think a bit differently.
I bought Sew Over It's Cora Top pattern. I won’t go into what I thought of it! But after having spent time sorting that out I have now made at least 4 of them. Pattern says 1.75 fabric required. But during this peculiar time we are in and wanting to use some stash fabric I found I only had 1 metre of anything suitable. Turning the fabric round and cutting it crosswise meant I could get it out of that and had very little waste. I think I used a separate fabric for the facing. Of course yk7nhavr to make sure the pattern will work sideways! ;)
I’ve also recently wanted to make long sleeved knit tops. On one of those I turned the sleeve round and cut crosswise. Again some fabric design won’t work but this did. I also found that by adding a decorative design and piecing the front I could get a long sleeved top out of just over a metre!
Trousers can be a problem and very wasteful. By piecing the crutch fork to the main body instead of cutting out all in one you can save a fair bit of fabric. I had been doing this for a few years and then DH actually bought a pair in M&S that had that same detail!
Very small scraps go in a bag and go to recycling. Large pieces are kept to mix and match if possible. I’ve managed this with several knits. Small pieces are kept in a box to use in my Appliscapes as even 1” pieces can be useful sometimes. I also pass on some leftovers to a friend for her granddaughters to make clothes for a model they have. Her DIL also takes bags of scraps for the school she teaches at.
I find there is a problem with ordering online as so many places only sell in whole metres or even half metres and that is so wasteful. I see Minerva now do it in 10cm increments so that’s good.
I generally do a layout before ordering as most of the patterns are my own anyway.
Interested to see what other people do.
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I am a big fan of https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/womens-patterns
Her clothes seem it fit me and suit my lifestyle, think long tunic type things.
She has lots of patterns designed for colour blocking and I have used loads of off cuts making these. For some patterns she has printable sheets with line drawings so you can colour in the drawings to play with colour placement
This weekend’s project is to make DD and myself some fingerless gloves from knit fabric. I use this pattern
https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/womens-patterns
and they are a really good way of using up knit scraps.
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Really loving these ideas here is a photo of my latest leftovers, the animal print I do have some more of but the other two are definitely left overs. I am going to sew the too in the animal print this afternoon and will look at the ideas for the bits.
Do we need to start another thread somewhere else if this is going to be ongoing? Help any admin people
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There was a charity stand at Sewing for Pleasure a couple of years ago who were asking for unwanted fabrics but when I emailed them for further details I didn't receive a reply. I assumed that they were either not interested or already had sufficient stock.
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Great ideas here @Celia @SewRuthieSews and everyone else. Must try more pieced items. I tend to pass small pieces on to a local charity shop and they make up quilting packs. I was very saintly today and left the Harris Tweed pack on the shelf for someone else to enjoy.
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... I was very saintly today and left the Harris Tweed pack on the shelf for someone else to enjoy.
Where???? :scream: How long will it take me to get there?!??
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@Acorn well I could run in tomorrow morning and get you it! As I'm in Cheshire I think you might find it rather a long journey... :laughing:
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Hmm. I suppose I'd probably better do something with all my Welsh blanket offcuts before I branch out into Harris Tweed. :thinking: And I'm going to the Welsh Quilt Centre tomorrow too... I think you had a point, leaving it there! :thumbsup:
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I've just bought a knicker pattern to use up some of my Jersey scraps.
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I've just bought a knicker pattern to use up some of my Jersey scraps.
That is something I was thinking about I have done it in the past and worn matching dress and knickers
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If the bits are smallish I generally make toys for my dog or my sons cat, bigger pieces if they look like they will cut into fat quarters I take to the charity shop.
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A local charity shop used to take all my scraps for pulping but that stopped a couple of years ago. I compost the little bits, only hoarding pieces at least a handspan wide. I still have too many of them :scream: @SewRuthieSews posted some great ideas on here, I like the cards & may try making 'fabric' for a bag.
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I adopted a local primary school for fabric scraps I’ll never use. I’ve also taken scraps to H&M and given the vouchers to teenage neighbours.
CR :angel:
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Medium weight woven fabrics that are mostly cotton go into the Patchwork stash, not a problem. This one earned me a TSP winners badge 0_0
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Sometimes bits of synthetic find their way into something too.
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I've made two patchwork jackets. This one was truly made from all sorts of silk scraps and I used a pattern that was designed for multiple scraps (https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/644978634/zambeesi-jacket-womens-pdf-sewing?ref=shop_home_feat_4).
For this one I joined squares of denim (old jeans) into pieces big enough to cut each pattern piece from.
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Jersey fabrics are more difficult to find uses for, the only real successes I've had are with a basic tee shirt pattern which I slashed diagonally and added seam allowances.
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For ideas using several fabrics together have a look at Joe Browns (https://www.joebrowns.co.uk/) as they often have multi fabric garments.
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@BrendaP these are fabulous, I wish I had more non stretch fabric scraps, I am looking at the tee shirt idea very seriously.
Really love this thread it has given me lots of ideas, I would like to keep this thread going for ideas and things people see but should we start a thread as a bit of a sew along for things people are doing now or just keep it in this thread?
I think I started this in the cafe not too sure if that matters.
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@Celia I've moved it over to 'Fun with Fabric' and left a redirect in the Cafe so no worries there.
Great ideas @BrendaP
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@SewRuthieSews Thank you :hug:
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Just reminded me. This time of the year I get my box of Christmas fabric (and other colourful fabric) to make Christmas stockings. Just made of strips, and odds and ends of embellishment.
Jessie
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Jersey fabrics are more difficult to find uses for, the only real successes I've had are with a basic tee shirt pattern which I slashed diagonally and added seam allowances.
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Marcy and Katherine Tilton spring to mind
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I used to donate my scraps to the primary school I worked at, as well as using them for embellishment on panto costumes. When we moved I downsized all my fabric to just what I would be likely to use and have only just started to acquire scraps again, they are moving into a drawer that was previously full of larger amounts. Glad to see some ideas on how to use them, especially the knits as I have only recently started using them.
BB
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The trick is to get the perfect match with the scraps. Quite a lot of RTW tops have a plain back and patterned front. Not sure I'm keen on that.
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Y'all realise you are all amazing???
For me, the wovens are easily incorpoated into other things, mostly darkside.
The knits are either sewn as undies or, when smaller, used for stuffing.
WD
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@Celia This is a fantastic thread. <3
@SewRuthieSews I love those cards and your cushions <3
@BrendaP Love your patchwork clothes. Very clever. <3
@Gernella I agree with you. The trick is to get the right match. :rolleyes:
I have a few scraps of jersey that I'm keeping for contrasting necklines.
I have some cotton scraps that I may use for the inside of collar and cuff bands on shirts or perhaps for the inside yolk. I may also use them for pocket bags. .... I've also been making bias binding just incase I want to use Hong Kong seams in the future.
I know, very safe and not very creative. :rolleyes:
I would love to try something more adventurous. There's a trend at the moment for making quilted patchwork jackets. I'd love to give it a try.
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I've got a Tamerack pattern you can have if you want @Lemon Syllabub . I never cut it out, just transferred it over. It was a success, apart from the fabric was more brown than beige, so tried on but never worn because I don't like brown. If I were honest it was the wrong fabric altogether, too lightweight and a wool mix.
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@Gernella Thank you that's very kind. <3
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I went looking at current patchwork coats after @Lemon Syllabub mentioned them and found this lovely at HeyByeShop of etsy on another website. Long gone, the combo of plaid, floral and leopard are whimsical. What I really like is the simplicity of what I'd call a barn coat. I think it would be fun for knocking around on lazy days or working in the garden.
Does anyone know of a similar very simple, no darts in front jacket like this? Easy of course to eliminate pockets or add side seam pockets. Or a simple patch pocket or two to the lining.
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@Renegade Sewist I found this round up of patterns (https://patchworkandpoodles.com/quilt-coat-pattern-round-up/) if any of these are any good? There's also this (https://www.fibremood.com/en/patterns/660-molly-jacket) very simple one from Fibre Mood.
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Love these patchwork jacket ideas.
Yesterday I sorted the left overs from my too and cut out a pair of knickers so a bit more used up only took about 20 minutes to make them I used this pattern but cut them about 1 inch deeper https://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/acacia-underwear-sewing-pattern
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Actually I've been looking at pattern weights on line to use instead of my hammer, laptop battery, spanners and other little items. I look a bit sad when they are on the table, so I might try my hand at these sometime in the future. Just need to buy a couple of pounds of rice. The ones on line weren't weighty enough and cost around £15 and I'm feeling mean (Dritz have around 4 ounces in each one). Got lots of fabric for these as I save everything that could be possibly used again.
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Just catching up with this thread gain after my enforced exile from the web. I especially like the colour gradated patchwork jackets; food for thought there.
The tee shirt pttern I used was Kwik Sew 3766 (https://www.minerva.com/mp/1007230/kwik-sew-sewing-pattern-3766) but any plain tee would work. Just slash front and back diagonally, add seam allances but make sure that the dividing seams match up at the side seam.
It works best if you can find co-ordinating fabrics with a similar amount of stretch. My black and yellow one is fairly well matched, but the red is rather more stretchy than the pink mix.
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Pattern weights sounds like a good idea, I use the yellow ones that Pam made they are good but I don’t like the spikes on them for somethings I make. If you do make them I would be interested in how big and how heavy you make them @Gernella
I love that idea @BrendaP at the moment my left overs are actually too small for something like that but I will remember her for future use.
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I thought it was a good idea @Celia just need to find some spare time to do them, as larger jobs are far more interesting and I can wear them. I've probably got some leftover denim that will do nicely, when I eventually move my butt.
I have found a nice easy how to video, but I think the link is on my tablet. Basically a long strip, folded and two sides stitched, turned, rice put in and remaining sides brought together (loop already inserted), held with clips and hand stitched and presumable overstitched to make sure rice didn't creep out.
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Made some more masks, a bit bigger than the ones I've done previously, doesn't take much fabric.
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Specifically knits: I have made scrunchies, and neck warmers in different sizes - from the 'Buff' (https://www.buff.com/gb/neckwear.html) kind to slouchy ones (some of which I have 'patchworked)
Nice for me, and the odd gift. This Xmas I am making some to donate to a fundraiser, and will see whether they are wanted by anyone else.
We have a 'posh' charity shop near us and I might ask if they want them.
I give larger scraps to a creative mum who lives near me and makes leggings for her daughter.
I find the trouble with patchworking knits for clothes is getting them at the right weights - and somehow they never look right on me (my default mode is 'bag lady'!)
You can also use knit scraps for stuffing toys and door sausages - but again, the amount you can use up is a bit limited.
I have also put '2 large bags of fabric scraps' on Freecycle and have had takers. Best of all were some lovely wovens that I couldn't see how to use up. Someone took them to decorate the shalwar kameez she makes, and was so delighted she turned up with a big box of samosas to thank me!
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@annierose i had never thought of neck warmers, I think I might like the slouchier kind any chance of a photo or at least the sort of measurement you use, my neck is often cold but I don’t want to wear polo necks indoors, it would be great to have something easily removed.
I do knit them but sometimes knitted ones look too heavy indoors
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These might be helpful @Celia
https://www.kreativekiwiembroidery.co.nz/blog/Free_Neck_Warmer_Tutorial
https://www.madeformermaids.com/product/neckwarmer/
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@annierose i had never thought of neck warmers, I think I might like the slouchier kind any chance of a photo or at least the sort of measurement you use, my neck is often cold but I don’t want to wear polo necks indoors, it would be great to have something easily removed.
I do knit them but sometimes knitted ones look too heavy indoors
I think Ohsewsimple's (made for mermaids) might be easier to follow. The other link is for a rather 'smart' neck warmer, but thank you - I am going to look at it. I love scarves, but now sometimes have to use a crutch, and they can get in the way (well with me they do!)
This is what I do:
For one that doubles as a headband & fits closely (useful for the gym) I use a piece approximately 20-30 cms wide and 50-60 long
For a really slouchy scarf substitute, about 60cms. wide and 80 long
Of course you will adapt the measurements to suit your size & taste.
Fold in half and sew up the long side, so that you have a tube.
Turn inside out, you then need to sew the tube ends together, which you can't do completely, but I usually manage about 1/2 - 2/3 of the circle, then handsew the remaining seam.
As I do this with knits, you don't need to put elastic in, but some do for a snugger fit.
I think this is just about experimenting with what suits you.
I did a 'fancy' one with 2 pieces of stretch velveteen in 2 different colours (each piece about 30 x 80) then when I sewed the final seam, I twisted them, attaching the purple to the black and vice versa. The neckwarmer then showed the 2 colours with a nice slouchy twist.
Sorry, I can't do photos, since switching to Google to save photos, it doesn't like me! I know that I should sit down one afternoon and sort it out, but I haven't yet!
And I thought that I would post a fantastic example of an original painted 'circle scarf (https://carolewaller.co.uk/product/trees-grey-velvet-circle-scarf/)' by Carole Waller
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Well that was the encouragement I needed, maybe doesn’t go with the jumper but nice and snug.
Thankyou @annierose and @Ohsewsimple
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Yes, that's lovely. I am going to make a few more as well
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Well that was quick! Sometimes that’s just what you need.
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I've just binned a dustbin bag full of scraps - sorry, but I needed a therapeutic cleanse of the room in order to look for the missing sewjo. I'm not keen on patched fabric for clothing for myself, I'm veering more and more towards clean unfussy lines and away from anything boho.
I'm considering undies though but the days when I could wear bikini briefs have long gone so if anyone has a T&T pattern I'd be grateful.
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I have been looking at this pattern as it seems to have lots of scope but I haven’t yet checked out how they are made, https://jalie.com/products/camisole-and-panties-sewing-pattern. I like the way the other one I posted above is made.
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I’ve just made these fingerless gloves. I’m starting to have problems with my thumb joints in cold weather so I thought I’d make something to help keep warm.
All made from scraps given to me earlier this year. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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Ellie & Mac Feel Frisky panties get good reviews. $4 this week. The child's camisole & panty pattern is on Wacky at $1.
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I did Michelle Pye's knicker making course, which shows you how to measure and draft your own pattern. I know it will seem expensive to some, but I know I have saved it in the knickers I have made, and it's a fun day:
https://englishcouture.co.uk/event/briefly-covered/2022-02-07/
I am keeping away from making my own bras (or I'd never be out of the sewing room!) but I buy very good expensive bras when on sale, knowing I can make pretty knickers to match / contrast (I am fussy about my underwear!)
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@annierose
I did Michelle’s bra making course many years ago and also her trouser one. I thoroughly enjoyed them but unfortunately never really got to grips with the bras, the trousers were a huge success and gave my confidence an enormous boost.
I would love to treat myself to another of her course’s but I don’t think I am quite up to driving so far in a day now, which is what I did before. Maybe next summer as I am not expecting to be able to go on holiday it might make a nice treat.
I am very tempted to try making bras again but now cannot wear wires so would have to start from scratch with pattern etc.
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I know Michelle has some nice B&Bs that she recommends, and in normal times you can have a nice break with a concert at the De Montfort, or a meal out, and even visit King Dick, or take in a Tigers' game.
I live about an hour's drive away from her, so return home.
If you already know the basics of bra-making, i wonder if one of her 'make your own' courses would suit?
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Undies and bramaking. On Craftsy there are multiple classes on both by Beverley Johnson that I have heard rave reviews about for years. If you're not currently a member or don't have access to a great discount you can inexpensively subscribe for a single month at $7.99 USD , roughly 6 pounds or 7 euro.
I've watched the basic knicker/undie class as well as the boy shorts version. She is an excellent instructor and gives you tons of ideas. IIRC you easily draft your own personalized fit pattern from clear instructions.
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The 'pop up shop' / bazaar at the church went well - it's only a small event. We usually have a bigger 'Xmas shop' at the pub, but that hasn't gone to full opening yet, and has other queries around its future.
My scrunchies and various size neck warmers were well received, but I've only had one serious piece of feedback - that the circle scarf is lovely. The wearer pointed out that if one uses walking stick / poles / crutch, conventional scarves flap & tangle.
Nothing constructive yet about the other things, but I will keep you posted.
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i had never thought of neck warmers, I think I might like the slouchier kind any chance of a photo or at least the sort of measurement you use, my neck is often cold but I don’t want to wear polo necks indoors, it would be great to have something easily removed.
Im with you @Celia I find my neck needs to be warm to be comfortable and to this end I used to wear a B&W voile scarf bought for me by my neighbour. Sadly I lost it on the journey from the car park one day this summer. I keep trawling the charities looking for it as it was generously sized, not a mean thin rectangle, but as yet to no avail.
At the moment Im donning a thin silk number but its more a Kerchief sized thing and keeps floating away.
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You could always sew one @Iminei :devil:
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Some other uses;
1) If you make anything that needs to be stuffed (toys, pillows) small scraps can be used as stuffing.
2) Medium sized pieces can be used to make pockets.
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Undies and bramaking. On Craftsy there are multiple classes on both by Beverley Johnson
I have three of her Crafts classes; two on bra making and one on swimsuits. Excellent classes but they did nothing for using up scraps. Bra making especially needs a variety of specialist fabrics which resulted in more purchases rather than using what I had.
Cowl/neck warmer, fingeless mittens, wrist warmers, leg warmers and hats are ideas for thicker knit fabrics (old sweaters?) but all I can think of for finer knits is knickers. Other than that it's save all the scraps until you have enough scraps of similar weight and stretch to make something colour blocked.
Woven/non stretchy fabrics are much easier to use up; bunting, small bags and pouches, oven gloves, appliqué, cards and any arty uses and of course medium weight woven cottons go into the P&Q stash.
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@Sara-S I think soap would make for quite a lumpy stuffing! Predictive text eh? It did remind me though, when I was younger, making towelling mitts with a pocket in the palm, to use up ends of soap. The mitt got wet and ready lathered, in the bath. Does anyone else remember that?
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Woven/non stretchy fabrics are much easier to use up; bunting, small bags and pouches, oven gloves, appliqué, cards and any arty uses and of course medium weight woven cottons go into the P&Q stash.
If you have knits why not interface them so they become stable pieces and could then be used with wovens?
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@Sara-S I think soap would make for quite a lumpy stuffing! Predictive text eh? It did remind me though, when I was younger, making towelling mitts with a pocket in the palm, to use up ends of soap. The mitt got wet and ready lathered, in the bath. Does anyone else remember that?
Darn autocorrect!
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@toileandtrouble i remember those soapy flannels, I think they worked quite well but not sure I want to go back there :laughing:
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Put the little scraps in the bin @Celia . They'll rot down in landfill. You'll feel so much better when they're gone. Unless, that is, you want to make new fabric as described by @Kad . In my experience, knickers need a lot of fabric, not suggesting your a**e is as big as mine of course.
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@Lachica I love that the bin wins :laughing:
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I’m doing a one day knicker making course next month, I ve made them before but am going for the chance to meet up with sewing friends.
The course outline asks us to bring leftover scraps of fine knit fabric with good recovery. I for one will need quite large leftovers :scream: :scream:
Also I have just checked and in the week preceding we will be asked for our measurements so there will be the correct size pattern waiting for us.
Does anybody know how to drop 2 dress sizes before the 9th of Feb?
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Put the little scraps in the bin @Celia . They'll rot down in landfill. You'll feel so much better when they're gone. Unless, that is, you want to make new fabric as described by @Kad . In my experience, knickers need a lot of fabric, not suggesting your a**e is as big as mine of course.
Natural fabrics will rot down, but sadly nylon, polyester etc are plastic and will degrade into the tiny bits of micro plastic that get into the water systems, fishes innards and the food chain generally. :(
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Yes @BrendaP I know that but I think @Celia has previously mentioned that she prefers natural fabrics. I agree that disposal of polyester etc is a big problem. Burning it would prevent it degenerating into microplastics in water courses but that's not environmentally sound either, unless in a sophisticated industrial furnace with carbon capture. I suspect Celia's neighbours wouldn't appreciate a bonfire. Until a few years ago my local charity shop accepted all types of scraps to be made into blankets for disaster zones but they now won't take them. It's a problem but personally I find having lots of small scraps hanging around waiting for a project drags me down. My compost heap is nowhere near a water course but it takes a couple of years before fabric is no longer recognisable.
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Yes you are right @Lachica my scraps are natural fibre, we are also lucky here that our local council pick up clothes, shoes, towels etc for recycling so bigger things can be sent that way.
I did discover that my scraps needed to be quite large to make knickers :rolleyes:
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Apropos of the breakdown of plastics, I posted recently about my son and his horror of tap water. He has been trying for years to get me to have a water distilling machine like his (think steam and hot kitchen). He recently sent me a photo of the sludge that is left after distilling. He pointed out a whitish substance that has recently appeared in it. My son-in-law,who is involved in medical research, on being shown it said "Oh, that'll be the micro-plastics in the water supply. My head is still in the sand.
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Scary @Greybird.
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Woah, that is scary @Greybird. I've always been of the opinion that calcium & other minerals in tap water are useful micronutrients but no thanks to plastic. Off to look at filtration.
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This is it. I did point out that most of it will be minerals which are necessary for health but he's having none of it!
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Yuk. If your son lives in a naturally soft water area some of that will be organic peaty stuff though. The sort of thing that gives whisky its flavour. Water here is hard (450-500 ppm) so we have a softener to keep pipes, showers, washing machine etc clear of limescale but don't drink it.
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@Lachica he's near Guildford, so hard water I would think?. It can't all be harmful though can it? This thread seems to have got a bit high-jacked - apologies @Celia !
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Don’t apologise @Greybird look where I live :scream:
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@Greybird yes, I think Guildford water is hard. 4 decades since I needed in depth knowledge of this though.