Proto-type

Today my hubby dropped me off at YTOC so I could visit with the girlies while he went to the allotment. There is still so much work that needs doing there and I haven't been able to help him much this year. He is doing a grand job.

While I was visiting, Marilyn showed me her latest sewing project - a crafters 'catch all' for putting all your craft rubbish (trash) into like scraps of paper and cut-offs plus adhesive tape backing - that kind of thing. I don't know about you but I can create a HUGE pile of that all on it's own. I usually roll down the edges of a plastic bag and start out clean and tidy but somehow my bag gets a bit full, flops over and then I give up working tidy.

Well I was very impressed with her creation so I decided to make one myself. I made Dave take me to our local garden store so I could grab a few supplies for the inner workings. Here's my effort. You simply place the weighted end onto your work surface and the bag hangs down.

I didn't have a pattern so I had to make one and since I plan to make mine in Cath Kidston fabric I didn't want to waste it if I got it wrong. This one is just a proto-type to see if I got the pattern, sizes and techniques right so I used fabric I had on hand. I had a choice of pink, green or brown plain fabrics for the liner and I chose brown. I think if I did it again I'd put pink with this fabric so the liner doesn't stand out so much and maybe the stitching isn't so visable. I also think if I could get a bit of rubber or non-slip matting that I would add it to the back of the weight for added grip.

I changed up the piece that joins the weighted end to the bag slightly from Marilyn's and I think for my next one I want a bit more gathering on the casing but overall I'm pleased with how it turned out. It was super easy. I am already referring to it as a Crafting Buddy 'catch all'.

This is a shot looking down inside so you can see there's plenty of roomin there. The idea is that it's portable which means I can use it in my craft room OR at the kitchen table OR take it along to a craft class or workshop. Actually since I made it I can just make two or three and have them in different rooms of the house. Marilyn mentioned that she lines hers with a plastic bag so she can just lift the bag out and throw it away.

What's especially nice is that this can go into the washing machine. I would probably pop it into a pillow case and knot it down and then put it on a gentle wash. If it gets a lot of use then it's bound to get grubby and I think one of these would get a LOT of use in my house!

These would also make super cute handmade gifts for crafting friends for Christmas. In fact I've already decided I'm giving my sister one. They'd be great with a matching bag to hold just enough bits for a class.

I'm very glad I stopped in to see the girlies today or I might've missed this little gem of an idea. I always have to work clean when I'm demonstrating and tis will come in VERY handy!