Do you mind looking at this bag again? I hope not. I would like to pick your brains for some suggestions. As I said in this post, I plan to use the bag to store some sewing tools that I use only occasionally, like the ones pictured here.
As you can see, some of them are rather oddly shaped, some are pointy, some have sharp parts. I'm thinking that they need some kind of a little sheath to protect them from tangling and damaging each other in the bag. Anybody have any good ideas on what to make? I would like to have them identifiable so when I want to use one of the tools, I'll know which one to grab. The handles could stick out... or... ???
Whaddya think? Any brilliant ideas?
10 comments:
I keep scissors, rotary cutters, seam rippers, chop sticks and pens in an open wooden box in a drawer. Once I slide open the drawer the one I want is usually evident. I saw someone use a mug tree (http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2010/02/tool-time-tuesdaymoved-to-wednesday-but.html) to hang tools. Most holders on the web are open and hanging from fabric (http://handmadeharbour.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/heart-shaped-scissor-keeper-tutorial.html) or something strong enough to stand on their own (http://www.1888toys.com/catalog/Scissors_Holder_-_Custom_Made_in_the_USA_1423.html). You can make a sheath leaving the handle showing but you'd still be sifting through a pile.
How about making little open ended packages for them from clear vinyl? I have some,in my stash. I'll bring it along. See you Saturday.
Annie Dee! You seemed to have missed my point! Ha! :) But thanks for your research and ideas. The little fabric heart thingy looked like it would work the best for the tools I have, and it's a contender. But then what would I use my bag for??? ;)
Kris, thanks for your offer! The jury's still out on the sheath idea, but if you want to get rid of your vinyl, I'd gladly take it off your hands. I've seen numerous projects I could've used some for but had none handy. And I have one coming up that might require it, too. See you tomorrow (weather permitting - always have to add that these days). It'll be good to visit again!
My dear old Dad always slipped a bit (2-3 inches) of clear tubing over the ends (tips) of sharp pointy things, protecting you and the pointy things. Worked especially well for sicissors as they got wider the tubing would "stick" in place. Available by the yard, check the big box stores. Love your projects and your photos, long time fan of Jess' blog and yours....closer to yours than Jess' no grandchildren yet though, sewing for grandnieces works!
Oh hi OHIOCAROL! Glad to have you stop by! Thanks for the suggestion. Most of the things I'll be putting in that bag aren't scissors, thus no pointy ends. The hemostat isn't sharp, and the applique scissors isn't a shape you could stick in a tube like that. But I'll sure keep the idea in mind in case I need it later.
Auntie Kris did bring me some clear vinyl, so maybe I can make some individual sheaths out of it somehow. I'll let you all know what I end up doing!
How about using some of the vinyl as the front and bits of the bag fabric as the back, and make individually shaped flat pouches for each item? V-shaped with an open top, but cut to fit so each thing doesn't fall out. Edged with bias binding?
Yeah, Pat... that's kind of what I've been thinking. Except maybe make both sides out of the vinyl? Thinking maybe the tools would stick in better that way, as it would be less slippery. I'll have to do a little experimenting... don't want them too sticky, either.
How did I ever miss this post?
I recently had to take an exacto knife with me for a Sunday School project. I couldn't find the cover. I ended up sticking a Halloween-themed eraser on the end. The knife slit the eraser perfectly, and the sharpness was kept safe from me. II am sure Courtney has several to choose from, we seem to collect them from every goodie bag brought home. If not, school supplies are inexpensive and erasers come in many sizes.
Or, fashion something tool specific that looks kinda like this:
http://036df4e81807ba6a5a3a-1845db6e51cca1ce7fe38c27b72d5fc9.r41.cf1.rackcdn.com/images/scissors/dblscissorsheath300.jpg
Maybe try a section of a pool noodle to put in the bottom of the bag. Maybe you can stick them in at an angle?
Ahhh... more ideas! I'm loving this! Thanks for your email, too, Becky!
Can't wait to see your solution!
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