Back in 2007, I started to collect the selvedges of fabric I purchased. I wasn’t sure what to do with them but I knew their coloured edges could feature in some future projects.
Soon, friends started passing their selvedges on to me and my collection grew. It was time to start using them!
At the time, I was making a lot of postcard-sized projects for swapping with friends. This little one featured a tulip shape made from selvedges.
In 2009 and 2010, I focused on making pretty pincushions. It was such fun to play with colour arrangements.
In 2009, I made my quilt, On the Edge. It features zig-zag strips of selvedges on a linen background, with a wide border of a print fabric from my stash. The quilt is 91cm x 114cm.
I used hand stitching with Perle thread to add texture.
I moved on to different projects after that and, when I was packing to move houses in 2019, I found two plastic bags full of selvedges in my sewing room. What to do with them? I took them to my Sydney sewing group and offered them to my friends. Happily, they were all taken. I wonder how many have been used in sewing projects since?
I was so pleased with my new pincushion purchase from the Red Hill Op Shop (in Victoria) today. The teal colour scheme took my eye. It was only when I got it home that I noticed you label attached. I’ve just googled you to see if there was any reference and if you lived close by and I found this post! Just thought I’d let you know that your pin cushion is now in its 2nd life and will reside at my Quilter’s retreat for others to use and admire. It looks as good as new!
Wow Louise! Thanks so much for getting in touch. I wonder how the pincushion made its way to the op shop? It has a story to tell. 😀