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Weaving Alchemy: Destash Pillow Project

Earlier in the year, I hit a bit of a slump with my weaving - things just weren't turning out the way I imagined, and I found that I was avoiding my loom as a result. This made me think about the things I like to weave, and why I took up weaving in the first place. Some of my favorite projects were simple, plainweave scarves that use up leftover bits of yarn. Light bulb!

After a complete dishtowel fail, I decided it was time to get back to destash weaving (someone on Instagram calls this weaving alchemy, which sounds way cooler). I used a skein of Berroco Vintage that was left over from one of Tyler's sweaters as a warp, and then collected several bits and bobs, mini skeins, samples, and handspun leftovers to create a long piece of fabric to sew into pillows. I tried not to overthink the color sequencing too much, but that's just kind of how I roll.

When I reached the end of the warp, I had quite a substantial piece of fabric (naturally I forgot to measure it - doh):

After giving it a nice wash, I broke out the sewing machine and sewed this pillow over the weekend:

Not that you can tell, but each time I cut into the yardage, I first used a zigzagstitch to secure the woven fabric so that it didn't fall apart before I had time to sew the pillow together:


I still have enough yardage left for at least 1-2 more pillows, I just need to buy a few more pillow forms and then find some time to break out the sewing machine once more. I see many more alchemy pillows in my future!

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