My Dad's ways of using Leftover Fabrics

Today, I am excited to share the captivating ways my father ingeniously repurposed leftover fabrics during my childhood. Each word carries a mix of emotions—tears and smiles—as I express my gratitude to readers for allowing me to reflect on his extraordinary works. I hope this journey sparks numerous ideas for making the most of remaining cloth bits.

A heartfelt welcome to my blog! In my recent post, I shared the initial part of my sewing journey with my dad. During my early school days, he skilfully stitched all our uniforms alongside managing his business. Despite his insistence, my mom declined to learn sewing from him due to his strict stance on studies, particularly mathematics. His belief in the transformative power of education made me a super student, excelling in academics, sports, and stage competitions. Yet, his expectations always pushed me to strive for more.

Returning to the main theme, the surplus fabrics from his dressmaking ventures became a treasure trove in our home. We never purchased pillows; instead, all in our home were crafted from pure cotton using these leftover fabrics. His creativity extended to a remarkable five-feet sofa bed, undetectable as made from remnants. He even brought handmade pillows to my home. Additionally, he enjoyed crafting pillow covers, sofa covers, and screens by seamlessly joining cloth bits.

I fondly remember the dusters for school, tiny cushions for my nephews’ cycle carriers, and stool cushions for our boutique’s tailors—all crafted by him to ease their long hours of stitching. Raincoats made from thick polythene covers, numerous cloth carry bags, and room curtains adorned with multiple attachments showcased his diverse skills. The mix-and-match pillow covers he presented to others remain etched in the memories of close friends and family.

Financial struggles spurred his resourcefulness. Unable to afford dresses, he utilized cloth bits to create skirts for me. Surprisingly, these became my favorite printed skirts, superior even to my brother’s shirts crafted from at least three different fabrics. His unique shirt designs—collar, sleeves, and body parts each from distinct fabrics—became a subject of amusement for many, yet he embraced their charm.

Not limited to family, he extended his creativity to crafting 3/4 pants, hats, and beautiful baby nappies with intricate piping. Inspired by an online set, he replicated various items—baby towels, kerchiefs, lunch towels, sewing machine covers, grinder covers, bed covers, and more. His hands stitched these practical items, predating the current DIY trend on social media.

Reflecting on his passion, I can envision the love he poured into honing this skill and how he saved money for our family through his creations. He shared his love through the art of sewing, making it a heart-touching aspect of his persona. There’s much more to share about his profound impact on my sewing journey, and I look forward to exploring it in upcoming blogs. I hope this narrative kindles your interest and fosters a newfound appreciation for the art of sewing. Your engagement and thoughts are always welcome.