Pattern Mixed Scarf...your thoughts please

Pattern mixing is a big trend right now, stripes and florals, polka dots and plaid, leopard and stripes. I am a bit on the fence when it comes to pattern mixing.  I think that it can be done well, but that it can also be a bit overwhelming if done incorrectly.  What are your thoughts?  

I was sewing through some of my chiffon, trying to get a head start on all of the craft fair craziness that is bound to be even crazier this year with the addition of another baby.  I had a few short pieces of material and decided to combine them for a mixed pattern scarf.  

I love the polka dots, but am not quite sold on the houndstooth/polka dot combo.

  As I've been piecing these together, I've thought that it could be fun to offer a few different combinations for the mixed pattern lovers out there. Do you have a favorite mixed pattern combo?

Shirred Scarf tutorial

Tutorial: Shirred Scarf

I had some requests for  a more detailed explanation for the shirred scarf, so hopefully this will help.

Materials:
1/2 yard of material (you'll only use 14")
coordinating thread
elastic thread
sewing machine
serger, or rolled hem presser foot.

Selfish Sewing: Shirred Scarf

You can see the bobbin side of the shirring in this shot.

In an effort to expand my wardrobe, and bust my fabric stash, I've been sewing a bit more for myself lately, and may I just say that it feels great. I've made a couple of scarves lately, and I love how quick and easy they are to make.  I also love that one size fits all. If you are trying to think of something to give a new mama, a scarf is a perfect option.

This particular scarf is a shirred scarf.  It was made by using two widths of material that were sewn together to form a long strip (I believe that I cut my material to be 9 inches wide).  I used a narrow rolled hem to finish off the edges, and I then shirred two rows using elastic thread. My shirred rows are roughly 3 inches from each edge.

You can find my tutorial for this scarf here.

One thing that I'd really like to do this year is use up the fabric that I've collected over the past couple of years.  I've picked up fabric on sale, but unfortunately it seems that I've collected it quicker than I've been able to use it up.  This particular fabric I've only had since June, but still that is 6 months. I'd like to use the fabric I have before I decide that I no longer like it.  

So, what are your favorite stash busting projects, and how long do you hold onto fabric before passing it on?  I'm thinking that eventually I'll have to have a fabric stash swap with some local sewists.