These short films show you how to re-use scrap fabric to make gift pouches. Method 1 uses scrap shapes and Method 2 uses arms and legs of worn out clothing eg leggings and tops… you know, the ones that are so stained or have so many holes in that they simply cannot be passed to charity or on to anyone else to make use of first before scrapping..well now you can transform them into reusable gift pouches! Whilst this may not seem a particularly nature based craft, there is some serious nature sense in it. Creating gift pouches from scrap clothing/fabric helps reduce waste and our carbon footprint - this in turn helps the environment, be that the animals, insects, plants, soil & of course therefore ourselves. Reusing the fabric prevents it going to landfill where, despite the efforts to recycle, they often stay and will refuse to break down -especially if it has a synthetic content in it- for many centuries. Creating gift pouches reused from fabric scraps may also mean less need for wrapping paper, which - unless simply plain paper - is also often non-recyclable. Again, what an environmental winner these pouches can be. Use these clips to re-learn the basics of sewing (no machine necessary -unless you already have one set up for use) and teach your family this wonderful transferable skill for later in life by making something nifty and creative today. This activity is suited to those with starter sewing knowledge - usually age 7 upwards, but if you have a younger interested child, then take the time with them to learn together, it's possible. The gift pouches can be made in whatever size you would like, or need them in, from super small to extra large - larger are better for younger ones to learn with - try using an old t-shirt perhaps. You can of course also use bought fabrics but these will not help close the waste chain, so I urge you to always check if you or a friend doesn’t already have some scrap fabric sitting about that you can use up! Items required: scrap fabric
ribbon/cord/elastic - re-used where possible
needle & thread of choice
scissors - the sharper the better for fabric
dressmakers chalk or pencil
ruler
Whilst using this resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing by:
2) Keep Learning - use this session to learn how to hand sew using two basic stitches - running stitch and back stitch. Learn how to tack and sew neatly. To further your knowledge consider looking up and learning about how clothes can be recycled and reused and also how many are already in landfill, what can your family do to prevent adding to this waste?
3) Be Mindful- Imagine you are planet Earth and your soils are being used as a dustbin - imagine yourself being filled with things you can't digest or remove!!?? How does that make you feel? Feel that sensation, take the time to notice it and begin to understand how important it is to reduce, reuse & recycle. This is how Earth must feel.
4) Practice Kindness- Having a waste reducing/reusing/recycling agenda can make you militant in your approach once you understand just how important it is. Aim to involve the whole family in the changes you make, but make the changes with kindness, and make them sustainable changes for everyone - maybe change just one thing a week. Agree what the one thing to change is and stick to it and get each other to kindly point out if someone forgets. Discuss how that can happen so no-one feels accused.
5) Think Community - These gift pouches are made to be shared. Next time reach for some wrapping, consider using a fabric gift pouch to package your gift instead. Hopefully whoever you gift it to can reuse it too and continue to pass it on or give it a purpose. Post your wonderful fabric gift pouches/bags below and share any tips you may have.
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METHOD 1: scrap fabric
METHOD 2: scrap fabric arm and leg ends for smaller pouches