Tuesday 22 December 2015

Recycling presents

I love to make something out of nothing, it gives me such satisfaction. I made these needle cases for my sewing class friends. Grey photo alert I'm afraid folks but I wanted to show you nonetheless. I knew it would be, see the last post!



The outer shell is made from a jumper I shrank in the wash accidently, combined with little bits of fabric leftovers. For the applique design I used a pattern from my daughters sewing book by Jane Bull called Stitch by Stitch.


I used corduroy to make the cotton on the reel. My blanket stitch got better as they went along but I loved making them in one evening.



Inside is a felt flap to hold sewing needles. The use of pinking shears around the outside meant that I didn't have to turn it out and have bulky edges.




Ta dah! Four needle cases stitched with love.

Excitement for Father Christmas is building in this house I can tell you!
Jo xxx

12 comments:

  1. These are adorable Jo. I always wondered what to do with my loose needles. The needle cases look like a quick and cheerful make. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Beautiful little gifts. I made some very similar with some scraps of Harris Tweed that I had. I can only imagine the excitement, there are no children around yet excitement for them arriving is mounting in this house. Have a great Christmas and thank you for your lovely comments throughout the year.

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  3. They are perfect, Jo! I especially love the thread spool appliques.... Thanks for sharing the idea and source. xx

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  4. I'm not making things out of nothing right now, but I do love that concept. Your needle cases are really lovely and I bet the recipients will love them. I am though making things as presents (still!) out of the materials I already have, which means I have to be adaptable (French knots instead of buttons for the centre of flowers). This week has resulted in a very nice drawstring make-up bag and a little zip up knitted bag decorated with embroidery. The knitted bag has taken a long time though and it isn't finished yet. I've got the zip and lining to do tomorrow. I should of course be making mince pies and getting in the potatoes and brussel sprouts rather than knitting.

    Hand made is nicer for sure, so it is worth it. Even my friend who doesn't make herself can see that, and has commented on the difference in quality.

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  5. What a great idea. I must copy this one day. It would be a vast improvement to keeping needles in a peppermints tin.

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  6. They're lovely, beautifully done. I have a handmade needlecase that someone made for me when I was a child. The outer felt has worn through in places where I tend to stick the needle I'm working with. But I love it. No doubt yours will be treasured as well. CJ xx

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  7. Oh they are so cute! And very useful too! And even better that they are almost recycled! Great idea! I love them!

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  8. Jo its sew sew sweet, you are so imaginatie with your recycling, If i shrink a sweater the dog gets a new blanket for his basket....bestest to you and yours for a very happy christmas Ash xxx ps hope to see you again next year!

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  9. Your needle cases are lovely. What a beautiful gift. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

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  10. Perfect gifts for your sewing friends.

    Merry Christmas,
    Meredith

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