Work basket pattern

Maybe you could adapt one from some of the fabric bowl patterns that seemed so popular last year. Check out the projects on Nancy's Notions, Clotilde's, and I think I've even seen some on sewing machine websites' projects. Good luck. Emily

Ursula, what about making a small tote, put pockets inside and Timtex between the lining and outside for body. You can download Wild Things from Wild Ginger free and get lots of net patterns for other things as well. Juno

Maybe something here:

Or what about this:

this book, which I have, has a great little sewing type box in it: Fast, Fun and Easy Fabric Boxes: Eight Great Designs -- Unlimited Possibilities by Linda Johansen

How about a utility belt with a bunch of holsters? Check these out:

draw, easy to replace, nothing to carry. HTH

--Karen D.

ROTFLOL ;-)

Yeah, the fastes draw west of the Mississippi! Don't mess with my needles, partner! Hey, there's a couple of stray buttons I gotta rope before the sun goes down and the dangerous Chunksadust come out and get 'em.

Great idea, but I'm not that obsessed, plus, I'm currently more into the decorative feminine mood. My cabinetmaker days are over for good (until something shows up that requires the tender hand of a carpentering lady, not the rough male scaffolder's grip). ;-)

U.

While Wild Ginger wasn't really a revelation to me (sorry Juno), this

That made me do a quick search on Amazon.de and it came up with a multitude of books about the topic. I had no idea that making your own bags is such a trend these days. Shows what an ingnorant little mom I am. ;-) Anyway, last night, after being somewhat disappointed with Wild Ginger and the other, I went to Fadenfreunde and from there got to Ottobre. They have some nice free patterns and I think I'll go for this one:

me just fine as far as size goes. I wonder, though, if you can use timtex in this one. I also found a pattern for a baby's sun hat, so more to do for me. ;-)

U.

> > > > Beverly

Thanks Beverly, I bookmarked them all, but I think I'll try the one I wrote about in my reply to Kate and Juno. A tote bag wouldn't just meet the requirements of a workbasket. I imagine myself groping in the depths of that thing for whatever I need, pricking my fingers on needles, scissors etc. on the way. But:

U.

Hmm, having read the other posts in this thread, perhaps my suggestion will sound like heresy, but......

I use a cheap plastic makeup box for my workbox. I've seen them around for about £1-£2. There's a removable tray with half a dozen small compartments, needles kept in a manufacturer's paper fold case, needle threader and seam ripper, tape measures, scalpels, machine needles, bodkins, common threads (a reel of black, white and cream), dental floss (you don't want to know, honest!), and the handle for the tray also accomodates that oh so useful extending magnetic picker, together with half a dozen long large head pins.

Into the bottom goes scalpels, scissors, various modelling spatulas, flexible bodkin/threader, small pliers and cutters, tweezers various, marker pens, false eyelashes waiting to go on a doll, and some of the various other bits and pieces that I've found useful over the last few years.

As I said, it cost a very small amount from one of the cheapy stores, and it's done all I want.

I haven't read through all the directions but I don't see why you can't substitute the Timtex for the fleece. You just need the 3 sided fusible material I think it's Wonder Under or something similar to fuse your fabric to the Timtex. Juno

That's why every shirt I make has two patch pockets near the hem.

In the sixties, I wore "cobbler aprons" -- an apron with the bottom turned up and stitched to make three or four pockets.

In the nineties, I (and the other fair workers) wore nail aprons to collect money and make change.

For a tool tote, I'd find some sturdy container and make a liner -- said liner could hang over the edge to provide more pockets around the outside. Inside pockets in such a container must be fairly narrow, or they will fall open. If I recall correctly, five pockets is too few. Judging by my experience with cycling jerseys, a too-wide pocket can be held closed by elastic in a casing at the top, provided that the elastic is firmly anchored at both ends. Anchored only to the liner, it would pull the other pockets out of place.

Joy Beeson

Timtex has one fusible side, so you only need the Bondaweb/Wunderunder for the other. Timtex is VERY stiff, so you might need to take that into consideration when thinking about where to use it - for the base but not the sides, for example...

Ah yes, and if I use Timtex for the base then the whole thing will be very likely washable, which is an advantage any time. Well, I've got to go shopping for the Vliseline stuff anyway, so it doesn't matter that I can't use my Timtex for the sides. I suspect they will be stiff enough with the lining anyway. I have to go through the instructions once more, but not tonight, I'm so tired. We've been swimming with Baby, so the little darling is fast asleep now and mommy isn't far away from that state, either. ;-) I'll be back for more questions, don't you worry. ;-)

U.

Find a little tin box, like breath mints (Altoids?) come in, one with a hinged lid and large enough to hold some thread snips or small scissors, thimbles, needles, pins, seam ripper, etc. Line the lid with self-stick magnetic tape, or just use double-faced tape to put an advertising magnet in there. Then you can drop your little tin box into your workbasket or bag without fear of puncturing your fingers. Needles and pins stick to the magnet, too.

My empty kitty litter buckets are in big demand around here for just that sort of thing. They have lids that snap on securely, a handle for carrying, and you can put anything inside. The liners are available at hardware stores, or you can make your own.

I just found this pair of photographs:

's a wee tiny workbag, but the idea looks as though it would scaleup nicely. The comments said that the bottom was stiffened. Joy Beeson

The self-stick magnetic tape is a great idea, although I'm not sure if I'm read for abandoning my pin cushion yet (bought it in London, looks like it's made from an old cushion they use in Anglican (?) churches to kneel on). Anyway, I'm a great collector of tin boxes of all sizes, so that won't be a problem. Thanks! ;-)

U.

Ah, I see what you had in mind. Maybe I'll make something like that for my 'other' tools, just as in the picture. I'm still not through with clearing out the cellar and my old place. Anything that helps to bring order is greatly appreciated.

U.

Yes, that looks like the classic reticule (or however it is spelled), just like the one Empire ladies used to wear. A good idea, too, especially since it seems to have a certain stiffness to it (good for tossing thing in when you're in a hurry). I wonder, however, if that one is made from just a circle or if there are darts in the sides. I tried to make various pouches in my life and whenever I tried the 'from a circle' variety it didn't come out very nice - just too much material in most cases. Looks like the outer layer is a rahter thin fabric while the inside is more sturdy and perhaps even has some kind of fusible lining. Hmmpf, now you did it, I'm torn... ;-) I might try both varieties. (Haha, if I ever find the time...)

U.

U.