Internal Contrasts

As you may already be aware, recently I’ve been thinking alot about sewing with my existing stash of fabric rather than buying more, and I’ve been trying to encourage others to do the same. Tackling the larger pieces of 2 metres-plus is proving easy enough, but so much of my stash seems to be comprised of smaller lengths and nice largish scraps. I’ve been thinking of ways sewers can use these stash-fillers in garment making projects and I plan to share some ideas with you over a series of posts.

Taking a look at some garments I had previously made I remembered two ways you could use smaller pieces of fabric to create a fun contrast. Skirt and trouser facings, or inner waistbands depending on the style, look much more interesting when made from a sweet check or ditsy print. This works best when you’re sure it won’t peak out and become visible from the outside. Similarly, pocket bags can be made from an alternative fabric. It’s often better to use a lighter weight fabric rather than the main outer fabric for pocket bags anyway, so why not use something cute? As long as you create a facing for the pocket mouth in the main outer fabric, the rest of the pocket can be as crazy as you fancy!

As I’m sure you are aware, these kinds of contrasts can often be found in manufactured garments, but usually only in more expensive lines, as cheaper clothing producers cut costs as much as possible by avoiding costly unnecessary internal details like this. With all the love, time and effort that goes into sewing clothes by hand, why not take an extra step to make your creation even more different and special?  What I love the most about contrast internal details, like nicely finished seams, is the buzz I get when put the garment on and I see them. They are a pretty secret added just for my enjoyment, with no practical purpose other than to make me smile! Have you used contrast fabric as a ‘secret’ detail before? I would love to hear how.