A Prickly Situation: Portable Sewing Kit
Published July 19, 2012
I love finding alternate uses for ordinary, household items. I’m sure there are some of you who love to preserve jams and jellies with all the lovely fresh berries on the bushes and in the stores at this time. Once you are done with your jams and preserves, you may want to re-use those mason jars (glass canning jars) for another purpose. Rather than saving those jars for next years jams, re-invent them for the fall.
These mason jars are easily transformed into wonderful portable sewing kits that you can use at home or perhaps when you travel with your family.
The materials required can usually be found around your home and the assembly takes only minutes.
Materials
- Large or small mason jars with lids
- Leftover fabric
- Glue gun
- Cardboard
- Polyester batting (available at Michaels)
- Scissors
Begin by removing the lid and screw cap from the Mason jar and cleaning the inside and outside thoroughly. Let dry.
Using the Mason jar lid as a template, carefully trace the round shape of the lid on the wrong side of the leftover fabric. Before cutting with your scissors, add another 3/4 inch to the perimeter of the circle and then cut out.
The same lid can be used as a template for tracing on the cardboard as well. Cut out another circle. Remove a small amount of batting from the bag and make a small “cushion” by placing the batting in between the fabric and the cardboard piece. Using your hot glue gun, apply the glue to the inside edge of the screw cap and press the cushion into the rim. The cardboard should be firmly pressed into the cap so that the extra fabric is seen on the outside edge. Glue the extra fabric onto the backside of the cardboard and finish off by gluing the lid onto the cardboard piece.
Place your sewing needs inside the jar and stick your straight pins through the cushion for easy removal.
*Did you know?
The earliest mason jars are said to have been around since the 1850’s and collectors around the world are currently seeking them after. A few of these antique fruit jars are rare and have been know to sell for $30,000 each on Ebay.
lunter@shaw.ca
