sewing book prototype
February 7th, 2008
I’ve been thinking about this project for a while. All my hand sewing supplies are jammed into a crappy bag my husband got at some conference and it’s gotten so bad that I can’t even bear to look at it much less sort it out. I wanted something where everything I needed would be there when I had a minute to sew (and most of the time it is literally a minute). I just wanted to open it up and sew. Immediately a book came to mind and then I thought of these reader’s digest books. We have a couple (back to basics is my favorite) and you can get them at any thrift store. And low and behold next time I went there was this DIY one waiting for me. I was a little nervous at first because it looked like there might be a ridiculous amount of measuring involved, but there really wasn’t and it came together pretty quickly.
On the left there is one removable embroidery floss card, with spots for 4 more (it was getting late) and a big wonky pocket underneath. In the middle there is a little ribbon to tie a small scissors. On the right there are some pockets for pencils and a big scissors or glasses, a pincushion, and under the pincushion is a needle book. I think I may make a few more of these just so I can get it right and maybe even to sell (if you think there are people who would buy them). I think the big pocket should be two pockets that snap close and the needle book needs a snap or some kind of closure too. I have to totally redo the embroidery floss cards because they were a pain the the butt, but I like that they are removable. Is there something you would add? It is too matchy matchy? Should I use different fabrics for everything? I need some feedback over here.
I think it looks great! What a fun idea! I don’t think it is too matchy, and I love the fabric. Maybe it needs some kind of snap strap to hold the big scissors in. I have messed up a few pair of good scissors by dropping them accidentally!
FUN!!!
very cool! a similar “book” would be really great for bookmaking supplies! all of my supplies are in a toolbox. to have everything in a pocket or “spot” (the awls, the bone folders, brushes, threads, needles…) and easily accessible would be fabulous. i don’t have a sewing machine, and i have a backlog of projects (mobile swap being one!), but it’s something i can add to the list!
Love it change nothing! Now I have to go make one myself!
This is so rad!! A snap or velcro on the needle book is a good idea, and I like the way the removable floss cards will overlap. Is the pincushion removable? This book is brilliant!
I love it! What a great idea! My first thought was that you should definitely sell these, but then I thought maybe most of the sewers out there would rather try to make it themselves? I know that when I saw it I thought it would be fun to try for myself. Maybe you could sell a pattern/tutorial for it? I can think of endless uses for this sort of thing though, maybe as an art supply book for children.
Great idea – I would probably add in a few other fabrics but I tend to be a bit OTT at times. keep us updated as you make changes, I love seeing how things evolve.
the book cover idea is great. i really need something like this. my desk is a jungle. I’m not a great matchy person myself, but this almost has a “camoflague” flowery comando effect! The floss bars a useful. Does the pin cushion detach? I bet as you use it you’ll realise what’s functional for you, and it will evolve, and be patched and added to, and grow old gracefully. :-) I’m off to hunt some more head-lice!
Fab! I love the tied on scissors best – because mine will never stay where I put them.
Now that my friend is BRILLIANT!
I mean it.
I want one.
PLEASE! Xxx
What a great idea, I NEED one of these, my sewing box is such a mess and I can never find anything.
I love the retro fabric, wel done you:)
I love the fabric, and I don’t think that it is to matchy. I think that two pockets would be better than one, but I’m a woman who loves a lot of pockets.
Please make them to sell – you have a customer right here!!!!!!!!
Ooohh! I like. Not too matchy matchy. I’m envisioning one for knitting paraphenalia.
Genius! I absolutely love this!
This is so perfect! I love the way everything it matches, the one tranquil thing in the chaos of craft supplies. :-)
Very nice. I am thinking that my children would turn it upside down and shake it until those giant scissors fell out and stabbed their toes. Perhaps I would need to make another tie for the scissors or some type of box closure that would keep everything contained? Hmm.
Great idea and I love the book cover and fabric you chose.
I like how the pincushion is part of this book. I agree with some sort of enclosures. How about a ‘flap’ that runs along the long side and covers the entire book – then roll it up and tie. Looks great.
Oops – didn’t mean roll it up. Just FOLD book in half.
I love this project! I am kinda obsessed with needle cases right now. One thing that I would want would be a large enough pocket to fit some small embroidery projects. I’d want them to lay flat, so maybe a large pocket on one side that was situated behind one of the panels? It is so easy to suggest–but there is no way I could sew it up without a ton of hair pulling. I would definately be a customer if you were to make more for selling.
that is the coolest thing i have ever seen! you NEED to sell those in your etsy shop.
you’re so clever… but then we knew that already…
brilliant!!!love the matchy matchy but differnt pockets/fabrics would look great to!like the idea of securing the scissors.absoulutly sell them!!
this is such a crazy good idea. nice!
Fantastic idea, love the retro fabric. I think that just one contrasting fabric would be nice for the pockets… and you should definitely sell them.
thank you everyone! securing the scissors is a must–mine have fallen out a bunch already.
Jen S. I think a bookbinding kit is a great idea! But I don’t know what all the supplies are.
Carrie–the big pocket was supposed to be for small embroidery projects, but I feel like smaller pockets would just be more useful. If I could figure out how to add another “page” I would.