I am happily a part of the Sew-a-bration of Womanhood – hosted by Call Ajaire and The Shaffer Sisters! You can read more about the thoughts and feelings behind the series in this post ; many have taken the time to sew something for themselves but if you’ve visited before you know I have no problems sewing clothes for me instead of my son (see some of my garments here). Instead, I decided to make something for myself that I wanted but didn’t truly *need*. Often I’ll make do with something ugly or half-done because I’m more excited about other projects.. not any more!
I made a needle book for my Mom for Mother’s Day and it occurred to me that I’d been using a wad of scrap fabric for myself. All my floss shoved in a Ziploc, needle through a hunk of cotton, scissors tossed haphazardly where I thought the toddler might not see them. What a mess!
I found Rebecca of Hugs Are Fun when we were both on the plastic canvas blog tour, and thought I’d jump in on her ‘doodle stitching’ sew along. I pulled out this happy, silly underwater fabric and outlined the octopus. Subtle, simple, but for me it represented taking the time to make something lovely for myself!
The trifold design was decided after the embroidering, on a whim. I sewed in some felt pages and then tiny little velcro-ed tabs to hold the seam ripper and scissors. I have these beautiful, worth every penny Gingher embroidery scissors* but I seem to lose them at least once a week. Naturally, when I went to photograph the needle book I couldn’t find them… so I bought a cheapie substitute from Hancock Fabrics.
I actually did a second project for myself – a serger cover! A true before and after. My beloved Brother 1034d * serger has been living under an upcycle-able shirt for the past 2 years. No more!
However, I can’t get a decent picture to save my life because my sewing room is in the basement and very packed. I’m planning on taking a second stab at making one, and writing a proper tutorial for it, but here is the prototype!
SO that is my project sew-a-brating myself! I so genuinely appreciate the online sewing community and have made some true friends through blogging.
Lisa @ PiePie Designs
Friday 23rd of May 2014
Great project! Are you telling me that I'm supposed to keep a cover on my serger? ;) oops Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Sews at PiePie Designs!
Scary
Thursday 22nd of May 2014
I love that needle book! It is so cute. And congrats to your serger that it no longer has to hide under a shirt. Thank you for participating. With Love, Scary
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Thursday 22nd of May 2014
Thanks so much again for having me - and for starting the series, Scary!
Sarah
Wednesday 21st of May 2014
HOW CUTE . . . and PRACTICAL! A tri-fold Embroidered Needle Packet for needles, scissors & ripper on small pieces of line felt. Your simple idea is actually GENIUS! LOVE the red octopus with embroidered 8 legs! Thanks for sharing. Sarah Helene in Minneapolis
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Friday 23rd of May 2014
I can't get enough octopus in my life - hope you have a fun little needlebook for yourself Sarah, thanks for the kind words!
Rebecca
Wednesday 21st of May 2014
I've wanted to make a needle book, and I absolutely love the addition of the seam ripper and scissor holders! I'm so glad you took part in the doodle stitch along, I love that octopus! It's so much fun!
ps. I extended the link up if you wanted to add yours!
Ajaire
Tuesday 20th of May 2014
I love that needle book! I seriously have everything loose in my pocketbook half the time. With the needle stuck into the side and all. So dumb. I need to make a needle book. Why do those simple little projects get put off for so long? This is a must asap :)
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Tuesday 20th of May 2014
Seriously!! It had been on my to-do list forever and ever, and it didn't even take that long. Thanks for hosting :)