1 post tagged “fabric”

Needle Cases

I don't get my sewing machine out often, but with all my knitting (and knitting needle purchasing) lately, what better excuse than whipping myself up some new needle cases?

I'd been coveting this collection of fabric in the local fabric shop (specialising in quilting/patchworking fabric), and finally coughed up some cash for a bundle of pink and brown fat quarters with which to have my way.

Having outgrown a combined case (made from rather heavy fabric) I'd made for my double pointed needles and circular needle collection, I knew that at a minimum I needed a new case for each variety, as well as one for my rather neglected straight needles. I was very pleased to find that after creating suitable cases for each, I had enough fabric to fashion a home for all the other little oddments (scissors, tape measure, stitch holders, a few crochet hooks, etc).

Now everything has a home, and can be easily found when needed.

I'm really happy with how they all turned out - better than I'd imagined, really.

Of the items, I'm most satisfied with my circular needle case. Of the evening of work involved, I think I probably spent the most time contemplating what I actually wanted in a circular needle case. I wanted somthing I could still fold up small enough to conveniently take with me on my travels, as well as holding all of my (still growing) collection - as I have doubles of some sizes, I needed a fair amount of room.

I settled on a system of pockets, on opposing sides. I can fold the case in half horizontally, and into quarters again, to fold up nice and flat. Even my bigger needles sit flat, and I didn't have to wind them too tight that I'll be forever straightening the cables (hot water or a hair dryer does the trick if you struggle with that)!

As with the case for my double-pointed needles, I've added a strip of clear cellotape with a note of the needle size, so that I'm not forever reaching for the needle gauge, and can see quickly what's missing (ie. stuck somewhere in an unfinished project).

And well, they're cute. I'm not happy that I've put the fabric to good use, and won't do anything crazy like taking up another ridiculously expensive hobby like quilting! Given that I've still yet to sew the ribbons and snaps on these, I'd hate to imagine how slow I'd be at sewing a bedspread!