Sewing Caddy

When knitting or sewing, it seems like embroidery scissors, a measuring device, pins, knitting bead markers, etc. never seem to be quite within easy reach. While browsing craft ideas, I came across a clever sewing caddy which could be made fairly quickly and inexpensively. When I saw the picture of this sewing caddy, along with a supply list and directions, I decided to make a similar one.

Here is what I found at the website Sewing:

Neck Ribbon Caddy Supplies:
1 1/8 yard (103cm), 1½” (3.8cm) wide blue plaid ribbon
1 1/8 yard (103cm), 1½” (3.8cm) wide blue grosgrain ribbon
½ yard (45.5cm) 3/8” (1cm) wide blue grosgrain ribbon
1 tape measure, 1 handful polyester stuffing, red felt scraps, embroidery scissors, thimble, sewing gauge

Directions:
1.Cut: Make a heart pattern. Cut one 1 1/8” x 4½” (2.8 x 11.5cm) pocket strip and 2 hearts from felt scraps. Cut 3/8” (1cm) wide grosgrain ribbon in 2 equal lengths. Cut tape measure off at 39½” (100.5 cm).

2. Assemble: Center and pin felt pocket strip to one end of plaid ribbon. Zigzag or use a decorative stitch along sides of felt pocket. Loop one narrow ribbon through scissors. Pin ribbon ends at raw edge of plaid ribbon and machine baste. Layer heart motifs together. Edge stitch, leaving 1¼” (3.2cm) top opening. Fold other narrow ribbon in half; center and tack fold to inside heart pocket. Center and machine baste ends to other plaid ribbon raw edge. Center tape measure on wide grosgrain ribbon. Edge stitch tape on all sides. With right sides together, stitch wide grosgrain to plaid ribbon with ¼” (6mm) seam across “heart” pocket end. Turn and press. With wrong sides together. Edge stitch ribbon sides.

3.Pin Cushion: Measure 4¼” (11cm) from open end, stitch across. Stuff tightly. Turn ¼” (6mm) raw edges inside and stitch closed.

I already had a small pincushion, so I did not need to make one. And instead of felt for the pocket, I had stashed pink flannel which I sewed on for a reading glasses pocket. The pink valentine heart bows were previously bought for my doggy, but she does NOT like to wear head ornaments. So I incorporated the bows as extra bling on the neck caddy.

The picture below shows supplies purchased for the project, and my resulting caddy is the bottom photo.

Now how neat is that?!

Memorial Day Birthday for Evan

My nephew's birthday party over the weekend...fun was had by all!

Make Fabric Switchplate Covers Fast

From Bella online:

Switch and outlet cover plates can be covered in fabric; just a very small fabric scrap works! Just use your decoupage skills to cover the plastic plates with fabric scraps.

Cut out your fabric scrap just ¼” larger than the outlet itself. Apply decoupage medium to the back of the fabric. Apply to outlet cover, smoothing out any wrinkles and turning edges to the inside of the plate. Let dry, and then add the decoupage medium to the outside of the plate. Once dry, cut an “X” in the rectangular hole for the light switch or outlet space, and turn to the inside.

From the inside cover use a small amount of hot glue to tack down these small turned in edges.

I made several (pictures shown)and liked the results. Small squares of fabric can be purchased at craft stores, or cut up bandanas or napkins in your favorite colors to cover switchplates. Kids' favorite critters or movie themes can be used as decorating sources for a quick, fun room accessory.

For the red switchplate, I took a photocopy of an oil floral and decoupaged it onto the switchplate using ModgePodge glue...a simple and colorful project!