Uses for Fabric Samples

Janette wrote after ordering my Panadiere Pattern which is made from upholstery sample book pages to ask if I had any other patterns using upholstery fabric samples.

Sure do! I thought some of my other readers might be able to use them as well.

When you run out of sample book pages, any heavy fabric remnants you have lying around can be put to good use with these patterns as well.

1. Double Eyeglass Case: These slightly oversize eyeglass cases are stiffened with the same clear plastic uses in the panadieres. They have a soft cloth divider down the center to accommodate two pair of glasses.

No more need to rummage in your purse for your reading glass case and invariably come up with the sunglass one, or vice versa.

2. Quilted Trivet: A very easy to make trivet that can match your panadiere.

3. Quilted Lap Robe: The lap robe measures 33 ½ by 24 inches because Margene, who wrote asking for directions, had fabric sample pages measuring 17 by 24 inches.

Normally, wheelchair lap robes are between 34 and 36 inches long. See how, with a little imagination, you can use upholstery fabric samples for just about any project that requires such heavy fabric?

Of course that’s why decorator and upholstery stores have started charging for the books. If you know anyone in the business, offer to take the old books off their hands in return for one of your finished products.

Fabric Bread Basket Uses

I received a brief note from Sandy who also purchased my panadiere fabric basket pattern.

"I was very satisfied with your pattern.  I have made several for gifts."

I thanked her for letting me know and let it go at that.

Then I had a brainstorm - well maybe it was just a sprinkle. The fabric baskets make great gifts. I’ve given and sold more than 80 myself over the years. (Yes, I keep count. LOL.)

Don’t think of them simply as fabric baskets, as I did at first.

My customers and friends taught me that they have many other uses: for corralling letters on your desktop or in the entryway; as clutter collectors anywhere in the house; for cosmetics or toiletries in the bedroom or bath; jewelry; ... and so on ...

In return for her unbiased feedback, I offered Sandy her choice of a second pattern free and held a month-long Buy One; Get One sale on all my original patterns.

This is what we’re all about at The Artful Crafter: "Crafters Helping Crafter to Be"!

Tip: The photo above shows how I organize everything when I want to make several baskets.

Two coordinated sample sheets are pinned together along with cut lengths of bias tape for trim and ties.

I also cut out the plastic interlining pieces and print up the instruction bread slice cards before even turning on my sewing machine. You’ll find the bread slice card graphic here.

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