For the Smithsonian’s Craft2Wear show coming up in a few weeks, a new trench coat. Pieced from leftovers.

A while ago I went through my piles of scraps and put together a group of white and blue that I pieced into a jacket. I posted pictures of it a few weeks ago. At the same time I had also gathered red, black and white scraps. Those pieces found their way into this trench coat.

Below, in process, the finished parts laid out, the front pieces, sleeves and collar.

‘Mottainai’, a Japanese word which translates to ‘waste nothing,’ it’s not only about frugality, but also about respect and appreciation.

All of us who sew and piece together our scarps know this well. We save every little bit and piece because, you never know, you might need it. It might be small, only a few inches, but it’s the exact and only thing that works. That little piece you’ve saved for all this time is what pulls everything together.

The back.

This and my other coats, jackets, skirts, tops and scarves will be finished in time for Craft2Wear. Preview party Thursday October 3, the show October 4 and 5. See you there!