Tried and Tested Tip Number 33 [VHS Cases for Small Projects]

I'm one of those slightly odd people who still has a bookcase full of VHS. I even have a VHS player, although it didn't work the last time I tried using it... Anyway, I've realised it's about time I get rid of some of these VHS tapes and cases. Only, it seems such a waste to throw them all away if I can find alternate uses for them!

I recently began a new sewing kit ('The Good Life' by Dimensions) and as normal it came in a small cellophane bag which isn't very easy to work with. I grabbed one of my empty VHS cases, and it all fitted together so well! I was able to put the picture of the cross stitch in the cover slot, so I knew what the project was.

Inside it fitted the chart, fabric, threads, and my pencil and scissors (both, of course, with lids). And when open, the lid of the box even worked as a stand for my pattern! It is so much easier to pick the box up to take out, and I know it's safer in my bag this way. I'm so pleased with the set up, now just to find something to do with the rest of them...

Accessories Holder

My youngest niece recently celebrated her 5th Birthday, and as many of us girls do, she loves her hair accessories! I recently saw this idea online, and thought it would be perfect for her. I'm sure it won't organise her entire collection, but it at least allows her to display and easily access her favourites :)

Assembly was fairly simple, once I had the right equipment! I began with a 15cm square canvas, and attached a layer of wadding on top of it so that there was some give. I cut a square of fabric from my stash (I used to have some of this fabric attached to my jeans!), and attached various ribbons to make four strips. I also attached two small loops at the bottom to hang hairbands from.

I attached a hanging loop at the top, and stitched a ribbon bow on for some extra prettiness :) This particular ribbon bow actually came tying up a set of pyjamas - remember to never throw anything away! I then spread the fabric over the canvas, stapling it at the back. I originally tried to do this by opening my normal stapler out to use as a staple gun, but it was not going well! Thankfully my father-in-law stepped in with a proper staple gun, which worked much better :)

Tried and Tested Tip Number 19 [Thread Storage]

Do you have storage issues with all your sewing threads? Whilst I used to keep most of my threads in a couple of clear glass jars, there were some which always seem to be missing, and I would always want the one at the bottom!

So at the weekend, I asked my Dad for one of his spare type cases. It is a bit rough around the edges, but I love that charm to it, and knowing that it has been well used!

I love having all my threads accessible, and so easy to see what I want...

And it fits my lovely sparkly threads!

No more hunting for my spools either!

Oh, and it provides somewhere to keep my Dad's woodblock type safe!

OK, I realise not everyone has a Dad with spare type cases in the garage... But thankfully there is a place called eBay, populated with people who do have spare type cases! So if you're looking for somewhere to store your threads, bobbins, thimbles... or mini rolls of tape, buttons and odd woodblock letters, I really recommend having a hunt around. I think my nephew even has one for his lego figures! Shades of brown not your colour? Make it into a project, and paint it to fit your room!