Tag: scissor holder

A needlework accessories to make

As you may have noticed, I like the bits and bobs associated with sewing. Especially if they make things easier to find, or nicer to use.

This looks like a nice design for a needle holder that is just a bit different. It folds up nice and small for carrying it around, but opens up so you can see all your needles at once, so you can select the right one.

You can find the instructions here.

Or perhaps, like me, you keep little tins, in case they come in useful for something?

DIY craft tutorial for how to upcycle a tin, similar to an Altoids Mint box, into a mini travel sewing kit. Ideal make for Christmas, Birthday or Swap gift.You could turn one of them into a sewing kit with a patchwork lid, using the instructions here.

I like this idea, but the need to glue the patchwork on puts me off.

And I’m not sure how the extra thickness on the lid would influence the way the lid shuts. Particularly the way the lid stays shut.

And while we are on the subject of storing your scissors? I like these two designs:

Small-Scissors-Case-Tutorial-at-WeAllSew-1620-x-1080-full-of-notions.jpg (1620×1080)

 

 

 

 

 

A scissor holder

A while ago, I saw a display on a stall selling kits to make scissor pouches and “keepers” for embroidery scissors. You know, the sort that is permanently fixed to the handle of the scissors, so it is always handy.

It is a really difficult to display small items in a crowded space. You need some way of lifting them up from the surface of the table so people see them as they approach the stall, making them more likely to stop and look. This stall holder had a collection of old bobbins of different heights, grouped together, with the scissors  pushed into the top, and the beautifully embroidered case hanging down, high enough to catch the eye of the passer by. Brilliant, and so simple.

I love old textile kit, but I have never bought and old reels and bobbins. They are lovely, but what do you do with them? I’m reminded of my friend, who used to say as we walked to work past gift shops in York “Huh. Dust catchers!”

But now I know better. So I started keeping a look out. The first one I found was on the short side, so long scissors go right through the hole and might scratch the table. Felt seems the obvious solution. Too thin? Yes, the scissors could easily get pushed through that. So I planned to stick a piece of firm vilene, canvas or something similarly tough on first.

While I was rummaging, I found an offcut of a cork tile. Much better. I drew on a circle a bit smaller than reel, stuck it on with PVA glue, weighted down while it dried.

Job done.

So now, I am gradually working through the house. Every room needs a pin cushion, a bits bowl, and a pencil pot. And now a scissor holder. So far, just the living room and the studio are equipped…