Muslin Mania

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So, I was just wondering, what do you guys do with your muslins? I’ve been sewing up several test patterns and now have another pile of stuff (the muslins) that needs a home, at least temporarily.

My sewing area (sanctuary) is divided into uncut fabric, patterns envelopes, patterns (filed numerically), and drawers with cut fabric, pattern, and notions waiting to be sewn. Where do the muslins fit into this system? My first instinct is to toss them, but I hesitate because I haven’t made or cut out the real garment yet. Then there are some that just didn't make the cut. Do I keep them as a reminder? Do I keep them just in case I run out of other things to do and I want to try again? Help they’re taking up valuable space!

Comments

LindaNan said…
If it's a 'wearable muslin' that just "isn't me", I complete it and donate it to the Salvation Army. If it's a 'muslin' muslin that doesn't work, I salvage the fabric for another muslin or interfacing (if applicable).
August 15, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Dei said…
I pretty much do what Linda does. If it's a muslin from a test fashion fabric and just doesn't work, I'll either wear it, disassemble it and use it for another project (if enough fabric) or finish it & donate it to Salv. Army. If it's a true muslin, I salvage as much as I can for future use. Scrap fashion fabric, I cut swatches for reference information,use to line pockets, facings, or future projects. You can donate scraps also to a few charity projects that sew blankets, quilts, etc. I hate to just toss fabric.
August 15, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Summerset said…
It is rare that I make a muslin in anything other than real muslin or $1.00 per yard fabric. If it is real muslin, I will take it apart and save the larger pieces for cutting smaller pieces for future muslins, the small pieces get trashed. If it is $1.00 yard fabric it get trashed. I also transfer the changes to the pattern tissue and write down the changes, too, so I don't need the muslin anymore.
August 15, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Gretchen the Household Deity said…
Muslin? What's that? LOL My solution is not to muslin...though this is a poor solution for sure.
August 15, 2008 at 10:28 PM
cidell said…
I pitch mine. Mainly because like Sommerset, I use cheap fabric or muslin to just test fit. I've heard of people who keep the muslin and use those to make up the next garment. But, alas, I'm not that organized!
August 18, 2008 at 7:27 PM
West Coast Boomer said…
If the muslin is usable - that is-- I finally got a decent fit out of it - I keep it and generally use IT rather than the original pattern. But I stuff the pattern, the decent muslin and little snips of fabric I am going ( my gonna do it stash) to use all in one large ziploc bag.
If it's junk, its' junk and can go in the wadder or scrap pile!
August 20, 2008 at 3:13 AM
Kat said…
I throw away most of mine. Sometimes I'll hold on to one or two for whatever reason, but it's usually a very specific reason why I'm doing it.
August 20, 2008 at 6:41 AM
Audrey said…
The honest truth. When I make muslin, it is out of fabric I dislike because of color, feel, or fiber content. It will only have the critical pieces needed for fitting, like one sleeve or the top collar piece. The muslin gets thrown away soon after I make the real garment. Or if I don't get to that point, I keep it around in case I want to make the real garment some day, which I never do. I keep it until it gets in the way one too many times, at which point I throw it out.
August 21, 2008 at 12:48 PM
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