Do you save your scraps from quilting or sewing projects?  If you don’t, you might be missing out.

I have been saving scraps from the many aprons I’ve sewed over the past two years.  I also borrowed a few scraps from my Mom to make these darling Pink Fig Patchwork Skirts from Pink Fig Patterns for Lily and Emma.  We had so much fun making them that my Mom also made the Girly Stripwork Skirt and Embellished Shirt for my niece Ellie.  Doesn’t she look darling?

You could pay big bucks for your girls to look this fashionable… but we did it using leftovers.  That is some seriously good Make it Do!

I just need to mention Chelsea, the owner and designer of Pink Fig Patterns.  I read her bio while doing this project.  She is the sole provider for her family while her husband is finishing school.  With four kids, she is definitely “Making it Do” by creating all her wonderful patterns.  She is so talented and my hat is off to her.

To make this skirt, you will use some beginning quilting techniques.  My mom is an expert quilter and teacher and here are a few lessons I learned from her this week:

• Always press your fabric before cutting.  This will improve your accuracy.

• Accuracy really matters when cutting.  Always line up your ruler carefully.  An old carpenter will say “measure twice and cut once.”  And old quilter will tell you the same thing. (No offense Mom!)

• She also taught me to use a “scant 1/4 inch” on all my seams.  Find this by experimenting with your machine.  Then measure to see that your seam runs just inside the 1/4 inch line of the ruler.

• When you are sewing, use your presser foot as your guide.  If you watch your needle, your stitching won’t be straight.

I loved making these skirts.  They did take a little more time, but they are worth the trouble.  These outfits will be perfect for our Spring photographs in the tulips.

I haven’t finished using my scraps either.  The smaller leftover pieces are just perfect for my next project: making journal covers.  I can’t wait to show you how darling they are.

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