Saturday 31 May 2014

Across the Pond for a Needle Case Swap

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/14310548821/in/photostream
Hex Needle Case - Patchsmith style
I’m killing two birds with one stone this week by combining the Across the Pond sew along project for June with Amy’s needle case swap.  I’m joining in the swap (details over at Amy Made That  but hurry – it closes shortly).  I’ve also tried out a couple of the FREE needle case patterns available online .......

First up is the brilliant pattern from another Amy – of Nana Company.   
http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/2011/10/needlebook-tutorial-by-nanacompany.html
Nana's Needlebook
This pattern uses scraps of fabric so you can create something useful from odds-and-ends.  Nana Amy has updated the pattern to make it even more scrapilicious - find out more here.  I've added a Patchsmith touch - here and there .....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/14290733846/in/photostream/
 
but I can’t show you too much as it is a work in progress and might actually be the needle case that I swap. 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/14313881945/in/photostream/
 
However Amy ('Amy made That' Amy - not Nana Amy) has made a wonderful version and you can see inside, outside and every which way - check it out:
http://eamylove.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/join-now-need-little-needle-book-swap.html
Amy's Needle Case

Susie has also been busy on this one:
http://susiessunroom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/new-fwsq-blocks-and-swap-at-amy-made.html
Susie's Needle Case
 
The second project I tried was the Hexagon needle book from My Three Sons.
http://mythreesonsknit.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/hexagon-needle-book-tutorial_1452.html
My Three Sons Hex Needle Case 

Now it is fair to say that I added more Patchsmith touches so what should’ve been a simple needle case became quite a lot of patching and appliqueing. 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/14310548821/in/photostream
Patchsmith's Hex Needle Case Front
(The beehive is only 2" tall!)
I also quilted it using thin batting in the covers - not a good idea.  When it came to sewing it all together, my Viking machine just couldn't cope.  I broke one needle and ended up stitching it together by hand.  Lesson learnt - stick to the pattern.  I will certainly try this pattern again and next time I will follow the tutorial exactly.  
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/14310548821/in/photostream
Patchsmith's Hex Needle Case Back

Of course, there are more than two FREE needle case tutorials in hyperspace so here are some more for you to try:
http://generationqmagazine.com/2011/12/everyday-handmade-needle-book-pattern-and-a-challenge/
Toadstool pattern from Generation Q Ezine

http://www.sarahyoude.com/2011/09/needle-case-applique.html
Folk Art Needle Case from 'Its me Sarah'

http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/pattern-finder/sewing-projects/sewing-for-the-home/sew-a-heart-needle-case-Jan-Constantine-pattern#no
Stitch a Heart Needle Case designed by Jan Constantine
via All About You

http://natilittlethings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/vintage-bird-needle-case.html
Vintage Bird Needle Case from Nati's Little Things
https://app.box.com/shared/sbbfu5b493edsp2x6cge
Another from Nati - her 'In Love' Needle Case
(Psst ....... Nati also has a free tutorial for the matching pin cushion to go with her 'In Love' Needle Case.)
 
http://sewcaroline.com/2013/12/freeneedlebookpattern.html
Sew Caroline's Little House Needle book

And finally I particularly like the construction of Anna Zont's pretty needle case over at Let's Come Together.  The blog is not in English but the pictures tell you all you need to know. 
Let's Come Together Needle Case
That should be enough to be going on with.  So are you jumping aboard the Sew Along this month?  I do hope so and I hope to take a peek at your wonderful cases over at the Across the Pond Flickr group or on the Need a Little Needle Book Flickr group.

Sew until next time ......................

9 comments:

  1. They all look absolutely fabulous! You can't have too many needle cases can you ;) Hey I can do a 'here's one I made earlier' for this month, LOL..

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  2. What pretty needle cases to make. I ADORE both of your Patchsmith cases! Your hexi bee hive on is "the bees knees!!" I am in the Need a Little Needle Book swap and can't wait for that!
    Susie

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  3. Your versions are so cute! Love your Patchsmith touches. You found some good looking tuts as well!

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  4. Such a great post. Thank you.

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  5. Thank you for all these great ideas! These are just too cute to chose from!

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  6. Those needle cases are adorable, I am partial to the beehive I must say! But they are all darling and so little what's not to love?

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  7. All those needlecases are sooo cute and pretty and fun.

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  8. These are all so adorable, Amanda! I love that hexie case!!

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  9. Oh my! I'm in Needle Case Heaven Amanda! So many cute ways to make one! But really there is no choice - I just have to try and make a little beehive like yours!

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