Upholstery sample ideas
 

Our group as been blessed with an over abundance of upholstery samples. We make quilts for QOV and QFK's. And as a fundraiser we make other things with the upholstery samples.

The more masculine fabrics we make bags for the QOV's. Bigger pieces make pet beds for the local no-kill animal shelter-we use the small scraps from our quilting to stuff them.

We have made a bunch of tote bags in various sizes and styles.

And we still have a bunch of fabric. How have you used your upholstery samples? I figured we have a lot of new people since the last time this topic has come up, see if they have some ideas.


A lot of the samples have the big round metal circle in both corners-any ideas what we could do with this? One lady started sewing them together, matching the melel loops and then put some ribbon through it and called it a wine bag....it was cute but I don't know if we should make 50 of them.

I suggest walker and wheelchair bags. People who need their hands to navigate with can always use something sturdy to carry things IN. Last time I was at VA hospital I realized how many people in wheelchairs were struggling to carry paperwork, etc.

I make purses out of mine. I find a couple of fabrics that blend together and use coordinating fabrics for flaps, handles and then line them. I also use that purse batting to make them heavier. They are cute.

Wood carriers ----for people who carry in firewood. Sturdy dowel thru each end - stack wood in between on heavy upholstery fabric. If they are pretty, I have seen people hang them by their wood stoves for convenience and deco.

I thought about wheelchair/walker bags but wasn't sure the best style. There are several patterns available. Do any of you guys use them? which style works best? The ones that tie on seem to be the easiest but how well to they actually stay attached? Seems like they would come undone easily.

I've seen patterns for wood totes, but wasn't sure if people actually used them.

I use mine in appliques on wall hangings

We've made a whole lot of different totes and stuff. Our county is starting a 5 cent tax on bags in a couple months so we thought grocery style bags would be good to sell. That's been our focus so far anyway.

Would you please show some pics of your purses. I have been thinking about making a purse with some samples I have.

you could make bags for walkers by using the round metal loops at the top of the bag. Insert a shower curtain hanger and the bag hooks onto the walker.

Glasses casses and cell phone cases. I made one as a sample to show a group and I love it!! I have reading glasses and it is great to be able to slip them into the case after looking at directions or a price label
Mim

I recovered a couple of extra chairs my mom had. They were similar in design and color and they looked great. I have also used them in purse making. I think they would be good for arm covers for couches or chairs.

Walker and wheel chair bags would be great. My hubby was on a walker for about a year and having the bag to help him carry things gave him back some of his independence. It also saved me a lot of steps.

there is a source closeby that has thousands of upholstery fabrics for pennies!
i have a few pieces & considered making a heavy duty "throw" with it.
lots of folks make bags/purses with them....wheelchair bags are a great idea--there used to be a tute on here somewhere for just that very thing--think blueteddi did it...........

I made Christmas stockings in crazy quilt design

I managed a fabric store for a few years, and found that you can make some great quilts out of these samples. I found that you need to watch the wt., not all people like the wt. But they don't fall off the bed as easy. Also made lap quilt for the foot of the bed.
Good luck and enjoy.


Snooks

Wow,, this is ironic. I just bought a bunch of these at an estate sale and am excited to get started. I have a long list of possibilities. I have wabted to do an old fashion crazy quilt, need to start collecting different fabrics, color, texture, etc. This will be perfect. Also.....pin cushions, wallets, electronic sleeves (ipod/ipad/cellphones), knook covers, mug rugs, and o and on and on... now I wanna get up and get started.