Crafts – Page 22 – Apartment Apothecary

As promised, I am going to share a couple of tutorials this weekend for storage solutions that I featured in my Crafty workspace post.

This first tutorial shows you how to make a cotton reel holder. This really is a great solution to the problem of having a million and one cotton reels and never being able to find the colour you need. It also takes up no desk space, which is important when sewing as you need as much space as possible.

You will need:

1. Baton of wood (I bought mine from B&Q and it was pre-painted). Length: 180cm, Height: 4.5cm, Depth: 1.5cm. The baton I bought is actually meant for skirting board so it has a curved edge, which looks nice.

2. Dowling. Length: 320cm, Diameter: 6mm

3. Paint and brush

4. Drill, eight screws and wall-plugs, spirit level, pencil

5. Hacksaw and sandpaper.

1. Saw your baton into four equal lenths of 45cm and sand off the edges.

2. Use the hacksaw to chop the dowling into 10cm lengths. You need 32 of these. Use the sandpaper to soften the edges.

3. Drill eight holes across each baton, an equal distance apart. Try to drill the holes at a slight angle so the dowling points up rather than horizontally.

4. Use a spirit level and pencil to mark where to screw each baton onto the wall. Drill in two screws, one at each end of the batons.

5. Screw in all four of your batons and then paint the dowling and the ends of the batons.

Done!

I have found that one of things that will stop me sewing is not having direct access to the tools needed as it is quite a fiddly process. This reel holder makes it simple and I keep the bobbins in one of the jars.

Tomorrow, I will show you how to make a magnetic board from a baking sheet, fabric and a bit of glue. If you have any crafty storage solutions please do let me know; either leave a comment or email me a photo katy@18.200.196.112. x

I have been very busy recently trying to transform our guest room into a work space for both me and my boyfriend. The challenge is to fit a double bed and enough space for two people to work into a relatively small room. Oh, and the budget is only £150…eeek! We need:

– Desk space for two

– Space for a lap top and desk top computer

– Storage for craft materials

– Filing cabinet

– Space for sewing machine

– Double bed

– Drawers for clothes

Difficult? Just a little.

Before:

This is the desk that we had before. There was absolutely no storage and only really enough room for a computer, definitely no craft space, let alone room for two to work here at the same time. Photograph by Peachey Photography

After:

I did a lot of planning and searched around for creative storage solutions. Have a look at my last post in which I show my inspiration and my tips for creating a functional, yet stylish, work space: Tidy desk, tidy mind. What I have created is a much more practical, functional space and even though it may not look quite as nice as it did before I think considering how much we had to spend and how much we needed from this space it is as stylish as it can be. I have kept the whole room white with clean lines so it looks as large and as uncluttered as possible. See what you think…

I painted a chest of drawers we already had and changed the knobs (one is missing, I know!) so it could act as an extra ‘leg’ and it provides lots of storage for craft materials. I then bought a 2.5m long piece of MDF for £30 from a timber yard, which I painted and varnished. This sits across the drawers and two Ikea trestle legs that only cost £25. An off-cutting of the wood top is used for the shelf.

This is my end of the desk for my sewing machine, cutting mat and space to craft. A tutorial to show you how to make the cotton reel holder will follow. I have used the noticeboard as an inspiration board with my favourite pictures, magazine cuttings, fabric swatches, postcards.

Jam jars screwed onto the shelf for easy access.

Make sure you use at least two screws otherwise your pots will swivel!

I put a broom handle, that I painted, between the shelf brackets and hung Ikea Fintorp pots on Grundtal S-hooks for tools and pens.

I’ve used more S-hooks to hang tools so everything is to hand.

Washi tape and ribbon reels on the broom handle.

A magnetic board that I made from a baking sheet…tutorial to follow!

Using a 2.5m table top gives us both space and flexibility.

My chalkboard storage boxes (see tutorial) are used for craft materials and my favourite interiors books sit on the shelf. I’ve also hung my favourite Double Merrick print. I’ve also added a Loaf lamp that I already had.

I’ve used old Kilner jars with labels printed from Graphics Fairy for my sewing supplies.

I’ve also covered jam jar lids with fabric for storage pots; much cheaper than buying new.

I have recycled a mustard jar and more old Kilner jars for storage.

My fabric is in a wicker basket that I found in a skip (love a good skip-find!)

The finished room. There’s a filing cabinet tucked in the corner with all my magazines stored on top, that actually looks more like a bedside table (bought from eBay for £20). I hung hooks in this room for guests to hang their belongings when they come to stay. In total we spent about £120 on: desk, shelf, filing cabinet, storage and paint. Now, I just need to find two proper desk chairs although that will probably require quite a bit more than £30 (maybe more like £300!)

Jules has since realised that making a work space for two may not have been such a good idea; I like a good chat whilst I’m crafting or blogging and he has a lot of ‘real’ work to do! Ha! Too late now.

Everyone is talking about sewing thanks, in part, to the Great British Sewing Bee. I have recently started sewing and if you are thinking about it, I urge you to go for it!

I asked my boyfriend, Jules, to buy me a sewing machine for Christmas. At the time, I didn’t know how to sew, but I was convinced that, given the chance, I would love it. He very kindly did buy me a machine and as I predicted, I do love it. The moment of reveal is so satisfying and the creativity involved in choosing fabrics is one of my favourite parts of the process. That being said, it is not something that comes naturally to me; I would describe myself as a ‘sloppy sewer’ because generally in life I like to get things done as quickly as possible, regardless of the ‘finish’. Sewing requires a huge amount of precision and patience so it is a good skill for me to practice.

I decided that I needed to do a sewing class to get me started so I didn’t pick up lots of bad habits. So, me and my friend, Farah, went along to Sew Over It, a lovely sewing cafe in Clapham run by Lisa Comfort. We did the ‘Intro to Sewing’ class over two Sundays and what a delightful time we had!

The sewing cafe…

Sew Over It is nestled in Clapham North.

They stock a delightful range of fabrics to use during the class but also to buy online.

The cafe is lovely and homely, just what you need for a good day’s sewing.

They stock basic haberdashery bits as well as lovely adornments.

And to work…

We started the first day by learning how to make a basic cushion. This is my friend Farah concentrating very hard, whilst trying to resist eating her cake.

The tutor, Dominique, was lovely and her pace was perfect. She was also very patient with us when we went wrong!

The downstairs studio is a great place to sew, whilst doing a lot of chatting. We met some really interesting ladies.

What we made…

Finished article number one!

I loved learning how to make covered buttons…so pretty!

On the second Sunday we also learnt how to sew a make-up bag, although I still need lots of practice sewing in zips.

I also had time at the end of the second Sunday to put my new-found skills into practice and make some bunting.

What I’ve made since…

I have tried really hard to develop my sewing skills since the class and have taught myself new techniques: attaching bias binding, button holes, using interfacing. However, I am definitely planning to go back to Sew Over It for their curtain making class. Have a look at the projects I have worked on since:

I have made a Liberty print patchwork quilt. Follow my tutorial if you would like to make one too.

I also used Liberty print to make this cot tidy for a friend’s baby shower. Follow my tutorial to give it a go.

I started this bunting during the class and finished it at home (20 meteres worth!) This is a really good place to start as you can practice basic skills without it mattering too much if you go wrong – follow my tutorial .

I’ve also sewn a couple of baby blankets – tutorial to come!

If you’re looking for a new hobby, give sewing a go. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you lovely ladies at Sew Over It.

Did anyone see the Great British Sewing Bee last night? I’m very excited about it and feel full of motivation to push my new hobby further (especially as Patrick Grant is involved!). So, I have a new sewing project to share today…

This project is in honour of my friend Betty and her baby bump. I am making a present for her baby shower and if you are wondering what a cot tidy is, it’s an excuse for me to indulge my addiction to Liberty fabric and make something delightful for my wonderful friend (and hopefully she’ll find it useful too!).

You will need:

1. Lightweight cotton fabric: Two 47cm x 38cm pieces for the back and front, two 46cm x 28cm pieces for the pocket and sixteen 4cm x 20cm strips for the four handles (or use ribbon as this is the bit that takes the longest). I’ve used Phoebe and Poppy and Daisy prints from Liberty.

2. Medium weight interfacing – It can be ironed on to your fabric to make it stiffer and gives it shape and form. I bought it from John Lewis. You will need exactly the same amount of interfacing as material.

3. 50cm of double folded 25mm bias binding, which I bought from John Lewis.

4. Sewing machine, fabric scissors and/or cutting board and rotary cutter, pins, chalk, cotton, needle, button hole foot for sewing machine.

5. Self cover buttons that you can buy from Sew Over It.

Tutorial

a) Cutting your pattern:

1. Press your material.

2. Cut your pieces of interfacing, using scissors or a rotary cutter: Two 47cm x 38cm pieces for the back and front, two 46cm x 28cm pieces for the pocket and sixteen 4cm x 20cm strips for the four handles. These will act as your pattern.

3. Place your interfacing pieces onto the wrong side of your fabric, one at a time, and iron on (using the instructions in the packet). Cut each piece out either with scissors or a rotary cutter on a cutting board.

b) Make and bind the pocket:

4. Pin three sides of your two pocket pieces together, right sides together (interfacing facing outwards), leaving the bottom open.

5. Sew the sides and the top of the pocket together leaving one long side (which will be the bottom) open.

6. Turn your pocket inside out. I have used a different fabric for the inside and outside of the pocket.

7. Unfold one side of your binding and line the top edge with the edge of the top of your pocket (this is the sewn, neat edge of your pocket.)

8. Sew along the first crease of the binding.

9. Fold the binding over the edge of your pocket and press and pin it.

10. Now, sew the binding on the top side of the pocket so that it catches the back of the binding on the back of the pocket.

c) Attaching the pocket to the front piece of the cot tidy:

11. Pin your pocket to the front piece of your cot tidy (the back piece should be set aside still), leaving at least an inch either side to allow for a seam allowance and to give your pocket some volume.

12. Pin the bottom corners of the pockets carefully to pinch in the volume of the pocket.

13. Divide your pocket in half and draw a straight line top to bottom with tailors’ chalk.

14. Sew a couple of lines of topstitch up the centre of the pocket to divide it into two. Now set this piece aside.

d) Making the tabs to attach the cot tidy to the bar of the cot:

15. Sew the right sides of each tab together, with as little seam allowance as possible. There are eight of these to do so patience is needed!

16. Turn each tab outside in using a pencil to push it out.

e) Putting all the pieces together:

17. Press a 1cm seam on the back piece of your cot tidy but don’t sew it yet.

18. Sew each tab on the wrong side of the back piece, with the pressed seam. Use thread in your bobbin that you want to be seen on the back of your cot tidy.

19. It should look like this once you’ve sewn all the tabs on.

20. Press a 0.5cm seam along the front piece of the cot tidy. Now, pin the front of the cot tidy (with the pocket already attached to it) wrong side out to the back of the cot tidy, which should also be be wrong side out.

21. Sew along both sides and bottom of the cot tidy. Leave the top, where the tabs are, open so you can turn it inside out.

22. Sew topstitch along the top of the cot tidy, securing the tabs in place and leaving a neat edge.

f) Making the buttons:

23. Place the top side of the button on the wrong side of the fabric, draw round it and then cut out leaving 1cm all the way round.

24. Do a running stitch round the outside of the circle and leave the two ends of the threads poking out.

25. Place the top side of the button inside the fabric and pull the two ends of the thread tight so the fabric gathers in and then push the bottom side of the button in.

26. Pop the back on the button.

27. Perhaps the most satisfying bit of the whole process!

28. Using a button hole foot on your sewing machine make a button hole on your front tabs and sew on your fabric covered buttons to your back tabs. Then, you’re done!

The back.

The front.

Inside the pockets is the contrasting fabric.

Its purpose is to hang over the side of a cot to hold books, toys, rattles whilst baby sleeps.

Maisie the mouse is not included, I’m afraid!

Happy baby shower, Betty, and happy sewing everyone else!

Katy x

So, are we all over bunting yet? I know it’s quite twee and it’s been done to death but you can’t get away from the fact that it is pretty and brightens up a party or the garden. Just sayin’.

One of my friends, Thomasina, made a huge length of bunting quite a few years ago and whenever a big event is planned it is always rolled out: a couple of weddings, a 60th birthday, a couple of 30th birthday parties, including my own, and so on. It even travelled to Edinburgh for an event and everyone’s hearts stopped when it temporarily went missing in the post on its way back (not sure if Thomasina knows about that bit). I decided to make some, quite a lot actually as it’s so much cheaper to make compared to buying it, and three people have already asked if they can borrow it for their weddings. Therefore, I’ve done a little tutorial in case you, too, want to make your own for this summer’s party, wedding, children’s birthday etc.

I made 20 metres of bunting and this cost me about £10 in cheap cotton and the binding. I’ve had a look around and my £10 wouldn’t get much more than 2 metres in the shops (crazy!) so well worth making your own if you have a sewing machine (or a lot of time and patience if you want to do it by hand). This is the perfect project if you have only recently taken up sewing, like me, as you can practice pattern cutting, pinning, sewing in a straight line, top-stitching and binding and if you get anyhting wrong it really doesn’t matter as once it is flapping in the wind, hanging at a height, who is going to notice any mistakes?

You will need:

1) Lightweight fabric of your choice (it doesn’t even have to be 100% cotton, as you can’t really tell the difference when it’s hung at a height).

2) Thread, pins, scissors, sewing machine.

3) 25mm cotton binding (in whatever colour you like) bought from eBay. This is sold in different lengths – I bought two 10m lengths for £2.80.

Tutorial:

1. For each flag you need a pair of identical triangles (well, as identical as you can get them – mine are distinctly wonky). Mine measure 10 cm long and 8cm wide.

2. Cut out lots of pairs of triangles according to what length you plan your bunting to be. I decided to use three different prints but you can use all your old scraps or go completely plain – up to you.

3. Pin the triangles right sides together, leaving the top open.

4. Sew the triangles together, leaving the top of the triangle open. Leave a 0.5cm seam allowance.

5. Snip the end of the triangle off (the seam allowance – don’t cut through the stitching) so that when you turn it inside out it can be pressed flat.

6. Turn the triangle inside out using a pencil to push the tip of the triangle out.

7. Press the flag once it is turned inside out. I then decide to do a top-stitch just for decoration, and practice as much as anything, but this is not necessary.

8. Press the binding in half. You will need to sew along the whole length of the binding adding a flag every 8cm (just fold and pin the binding over the top of the flag).

The finished article.

The bunting was supposed to be the garden decoration for our mammoth family Easter egg hunt in Devon (28 of us this year) but I’ve got a feeling it’s not going to be garden weather, somehow. Oh well…

Have a lovely Easter weekend, whatever you have planned xx

Cotton reel holder

You will need:

Craft room

Before:

After:

Sew Over It

The sewing cafe…

And to work…

What we made…

What I’ve made since…

Liberty print cot tidy

You will need:

Tutorial

Easter bunting and egg hunting

You will need:

Tutorial: