Thursday, January 19, 2017

Sewing thingies for the sewing room...


New year, cleaner loft? ummm. No! But I did take time to brighten it up a couple days ago.

First, my pin cushion. Much loved, much used. I cannot tell you how nice it is to have a 'roll' that fits right in front of my machine. And is long enough for me to segregate my pins by type.

I made my first one back in 2011, and it was looking pretty drab after 6 years. So, a new one. I took the oldie apart, both to re-use the sand bag that was inside and to retrieve any lost sewing needles. The latter was gratifying - I rescued 12 needles, most of them self-threading needles that I use all the time to sink thread tails.

The pin cushion is easy to make. It's basically a rectangular bag, finished at about 7" x 3", with a opening on the side for inserting the innards.  Inside, on the bottom, I have a fabric bag of super-fine sand that I found at PetsMart (bird department). The bag is sewn from a high-thread count fabric and hasn't leaked at all. On top of the bag, poly batting and fiberfill, stuffed in until I just couldn't stuff any more. And the opening is just hand-sewn to close.

Those sewing needles. Usually they're on a magnetic card that's stuck on the metal base of my lamp. This works great, because they're right at hand and not populating my pin cushion. I still see this Singer notion at JoAnns, it comes with a few needles and is very inexpensive.


Next up, a notions tray for the little things I use constantly at the machine. Seam ripper, measuring tape, long tweezers, Frixion pen, hem gauge, 7" ruler, spool caps...lots of stuff :-) I've been using a pasta bowl from my dinnerware, which bugged me no end. Making a quilted fabric replacement was easy peasy, I should have done this sooner.



The materials are simple: A top, bottom, and batting layer, all cut at 10" x 12", then sewn as a bag, turned right side out, and quilted. 

Ta dum!

I've made these trays so many times as travel gifts. Most of them are smaller, about 7" x 5" - they pack flat and have snaps to close the corners. They're great for holding jewelry, change, and keys on a hotel nightstand. And in my living room right now, this one has the notions I'm using while basting a bunch of quilt blocks.


I'm glad I took the time to spruce up the loft, but it was just exhausting. LOL - actually I'd rather be sewing.

Bye for now! Coco

10 comments:

  1. Very cute. I love organizing my sewing space. I try to do it at least once a week. How do you like those thread snips BTW?

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    1. I.LOVE.THESE.SNIPS! I have them everywhere - by my serger, by my SM, on my end table in the L.R., in my hand-sewing basket...One pair was my Mom's, and after I inherited it, I ordered more online for less than $3 each. Hers is 'sturdier' but they all work great.

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  2. Oh my are these "sewing thingies" great! I've got make 'em especially the long pin cushion to segregate my pins. Thanks for sharing, Coco! Karen

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    1. Thanks, Karen. You will love a pin cushion like this one! I used to get so frustrated with the tomato cushions - they're hard and the pins are never on top!

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  3. What cute clever ideas! Do you think snips can be sharpened? I have my mom's but they are dull. I would like to keep them.

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    1. Thanks, Linda. And I admit I have no idea if snips can be sharpened - I've never even had scissors sharpened...it's easier to get new ones :-)

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  4. Ooh, great ideas. Such a fun way to use up some small, pretty, scraps of fabrics. I picked up some crushed walnuts at a craft show and they are supposed to be pretty good for pincushions too!

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    1. Thanks! I've read that crushed walnuts are good as well - if you make a cushion with them, hope you'll let us know how they work for you. Have always wondered, because they're so woody...

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  5. Wow, this is great! I'd love to see more of your work. By the way, I've also seen some pretty interesting decor ideas here: http://thehomeexpert.uk/offer/kitchens/ and I can't wait for my home to be improved soon!

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I love it that you came by...and thank you for your comments! Coco