"making do" - aka "improvising"".
 

I am - noting - how many people "make do" or "improvise" - instead of buying the "regular" item.

Light boxes

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...x-t288067.html

is the thread that made me start wondering what else people improvise.


What else have you noticed or that you have made/do?

I have learned to piece together scraps of batting to use in my QAG blocks as long as they are all the same material. I have also used the pieced batting for coasters and placemats.

i do the same as madamekelly

Went to local hardware store and had them cut some templates from plexiglass --templates that I use a lot. So much cheaper than buying quilting templates.

I made do with my sewing table. $40.00 for the heavy banquet table, $25.00 to a cabinet maker to cut the hole and build the brace. Utterly absolutely perfect, and it didn't cost $2500.00 :)

In years past I used up a lot of batting by piecing for a few twin to full size quilts. Once quilted no one knows it. I don't make small items and would feel bad about tossing them.

I use an old desk as my sewing table and cutting table.
1. Painted an old rake, hooked it on the wall and use the tines for thread.
2. Covered a wooden TV tray with towels and iron my blocks on it.
3. Took off the folding doors from the closet,
4. put in 4 shelves for my fabric,
5. placed a shower curtain rod,
6. made curtains with a set of twin size sheets that i bought at a thrift shop for $1.
7. use a cardboard box with cutout of sewing machine arm for some projects

I hung a (broken leg) ironing board top on my wall. My rulers go behind it and I have hooks on the face of it holding things that go on hooks. I also have a few magnets to hold some notes and cards, etc. The shower curtain hooks with big balls on one end work great in the big holes.

I refer to it as MacGyvering

I use up odds and ends of thread when I sew scrappies together. Also piece together with a wide zig-zag my leftover pieces of batting. Just little things but a way to use up what I have. Also making bridal dresses for granddaughter's American Girl dolls from my wedding dress.