Across the Pond for a Needle Case Swap

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.   

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 .....

 

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. 

 

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:

Amy's Needle Case

Susie has also been busy on this one:

Susie's Needle Case

 

The second project I tried was the Hexagon needle book from My Three Sons.

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. 

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.  

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:

Toadstool pattern from Generation Q Ezine

Folk Art Needle Case from 'Its me Sarah'

Stitch a Heart Needle Case designed by Jan Constantine
via All About You

Vintage Bird Needle Case from Nati's Little Things

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.)

 

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 ......................