BBA Challenge - Scrap Heap

The September BBA (Blogging Business Artisans) Team Challenge involved trying a new technique.

My project turned into a scrap heap ---- but in a GOOD way!

You see, I have accumulated a LOT of fabric scraps in my decades of sewing and fabric acquisition, and I am constantly looking for ways to use those scraps and stash fabrics to create something useful. One large piece of cotton fabric in my stash (acquired at a garage sale with the intent to use it as a quilt back perhaps) has now been transformed into yards and yards and yards of pre-folded and pressed fabric strips, thanks to the NEW TECHNIQUE I used to meet this month's BBA challenge.

I chose to use a Clover Bias Tape Maker to convert 2-inch scrap fabric strips into "bias tape" (although mine was cut on the lengthwise grain rather than the bias) with two edges folded in toward the center to conceal raw edges.  Tape made with the tape maker could be used to make binding for oven mitts, my Etsy shop's best selling item.  But the tape can also be used to make crochet rag rugs.

 

It took me several attempts to come up with a workable way to thread the strip into the gadget.  I tried spray starch, which left unsightly marks on my ironing board cover.  Then I tried poking with a large pin (I didn't have a tailor's awl recommended in the instructions).  Finally, (third time's the charm) I tried trimming each side by about 1/8" for the first two inches or so of the strip to allow it to slide into place more easily. Once I got the hang of it, I quickly turned about 4 yards of blue and white cotton floral print fabric into 2-inch strips, and I then turned those strips into "tape" that I intend to use to create my first crochet rag rug.

Crocheting the rug will require me to learn yet another new skill.  I have watched and rewatched a Basic Crochet Rag Rug Instructional DVD available through The Rug Lady.   I think I can do it.

I hope that one day my scrap heap will become a blue and white flecked 24" x 36" oval rag rug.  Stay tuned for further developments.  If all goes well, rag rugs may eventually become a new product line for my Etsy shop.

Please forgive the poor photo quality.  My tried and true photo editing system on my old computer was lost when it crashed.  I downloaded Photoshop for the new computer, but I am a bit overwhelmed, and feeling totally inept.   There IS a Photoshop for Dummies book -- I'll be heading to the library after I finish three "made to order" orders.  In the meantime, I'm open to suggestions for user-friendly photo editing systems. 

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower