DIY Network

Happy Housewarming: Emergency Needlecraft Kit With this handy kit, you'll never be stuck without your needlecrafts. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-137

Rachel O'Rourke embellishes a hanging makeup bag with pieces taken from a thrift-store cowboy shirt to create a needlecrafter's "first-aid" kit. She whip-stitches the shirt's snap strip, pockets and embroidered details to the outside of the makeup bag, then fills the pockets with sewing supplies.

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Emergency Needlecraft Kit

Materials:

1 cowboy shirt, vintage or new
1 fabric-covered makeup bag with folding with plastic zipper compartments, used or new
scissors
needle
thread
buckle to match makeup bag

1. With sharp scissors cut off the front row of snaps from the shirt (figure A).

2. Cut off each front pocket (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. Cut out the flower appliqué from the front and back of the shirt.

4. Cut off each sleeve cuff.

5. Cut off the existing buckle or strap closure of the bag.

6. Layer the strip of snaps over the existing strap around the bag and hand-sew to the back middle of the bag around the outside perimeter, leaving 1-1/2" on each side loose.

7. Sew one end of the snap strip around the buckle. The other end will loop into the buckle to serve as the closure of the bag.

8. Hand-sew the flower appliqué to the outside of the bag, as desired (figure C).

8. Hand-sew the shirt pockets to the outside of the bag, as desired (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Filling the Kit

Emergency Needlecraft Kit: interior

• Make a list of needlecrafts that you enjoy, keeping in mind where you'll want to use the kit: on the airplane, at your in-laws' house, on the train or bus, on your next vacation--anyplace you may find yourself wanting to have your needlecrafts handy.

• Browse local thrift stores for vintage appliqués, neckties, fabric and sewing supplies. It's always good to recycle, and vintage sewing materials have a certain charm to them.

• Crafts-supply stores are also a great source for items to include in the kit.

• Divide the items into categories and organize the kit accordingly.

• Make sure that you don't include anything with a sharp edge or sharp scissors (you don't want to have any key supplies confiscated at the airport).

Below is a list of recommended items to fill the emergency kit. You may be able to come up with others that are well suited to your interests.

• round-nose scissors
  
• circular knitting needles and yarn
  
• embroidery hoop, thread and needle
  
• tape measure
  
• small stack of collage paper
  
• oil pastels, pens and/or colored pencils
  
• glue stick
  
• paintbrushes and paint
  
• vintage appliqué
  
• sequins
  
• crotchet hook
  
• thread
  
• hook-and-loop tape
  
• vintage necktie
  
• rickrack (any size, in any color)
  
• felt
  
• vintage velvet piping
  
• small canvas bag
  
• beads.

GUESTS :

Rachel O'Rourke
E-mail: looloo@luckylooloo.com
Website: www.luckylooloo.com