Down but Not Out

February 16, 2011

Down but Not Out

I have been pretty down with the weather and the sick kids but I did manage to have a productive few hours a couple of days ago. I applied to do The Handmade Arcade down in Pittsburgh in April and I decided to go ahead and start making some things to sell. Last year the crayon folios were a hit so I cut some of those and then I thought about changing it up to make colored pencil holders. I had an "AHA!" moment and realized that the On the Go Organizer would really work much better!

Often I look at my pile of fabrics and I can't decide for the life of me which to use and what combinations will look good, etc. But on this day, I was a decision making pro! I just pulled out fabric after fabric and went to town making these cuties.

I thought of making this into a new pattern and I actually started making one up. I drew this cute title...

And I took pictures of the last one I made in detail. Then, while I was on step one in the instructions, I thought "Surely someone else has thought up this super simple project" and decided to google it. No big surprise! Here is one by RedRobin. and another by Skiptomylou ~ Cute with the jeans, no?

I really wasn't all that disappointed. I was more excited that I used the On the Go Organizer pattern to make something new. It makes me think about using my other patterns for new purposes. I have always wanted to make the owls into kids totes or back packs and knew that the Love Your Lunch Box could be enlarged to make a cute messenger bag or laptop cover. Check out this baby doll diaper bag made from the Love Your Lunch Box pattern! So cute!

If you already bought this pattern, I made this by just using a solid piece of fabric for the outside cover but the same dimensions. Then, I used a piece of natural colored canvas for the inside piece of fabric (but any fabric would do, I just had this around and I got to skip the fusible interfacing step!) I didn't put the little pockets on. I marked the center inside, sewed down to the bottom and sewed down every 1.25" to make my colored pencil pockets. Everything else is the same as the On the Go Organizer pattern! So simple.

What do you guys think? Have you had "AhA! moments and switched around a pattern (not necessarily mine!) to make something new and great? Do you have ideas about what I could do to give any of my patterns a new purpose?

Leave a comment here and on Monday, February 21st, I'll randomly choose a commenter to win the On The Go Organizer pattern. (Or, a different pattern if you already have that one!) I am looking forward to hearing the thoughts of you creative ladies!

Giveaway now closed! The winner has been contacted. Thanks for your comments!

Feb 16, 2011 5:10:31 PM | give away, kids craftings, sewing, Sewing

22 Comments

I have an idea for you, and me because I need it! How about taking your love your lunchbox and turn it into a game (leapster, mobigo, nintendo ect) and cartridge holder? Of course with room to hold spare batteries or power cords. I refuse to pay for one of the ugly ones they sell for the price they want for it! I have seen a couple tuts for it but I don't really like them and your lunchbox would make it nice and secure with a fold over top. Just make it so that the device would be secure and maybe some small pockets for the games to go in.

Posted by: Kimberly Seigler | March 26, 2011 at 08:49 PM

That is the perfect pattern to make gifties for the many birthday parties that my kids are invited to! If I don't win I may have to purchase it! Thanks for the chance to win!

Posted by: Karen | February 21, 2011 at 11:01 AM

Wow! What a great idea! I love those "AHA!" moments. Your stack of organizers looks wonderful! I really like your patterns and can't wait to work on my lunch bag. Thanks for a chance to win!

Posted by: Heidi S | February 21, 2011 at 05:46 AM

your patterns are adorable....and your fabric choices are so fun. I've jigged around with a tote pattern to make it to the specs I wanted but nothing quite as daring and trendy as you! thanks for the inspiration I receive from your posts.

Posted by: Lisa Q | February 17, 2011 at 02:14 PM

nice, great present too!

Posted by: de Oontand | February 17, 2011 at 01:36 PM

I want this pattern so badly!! I am a writer, and I love to have covers on my notebooks that I use. And since you're such a genius, I'd LOVE for you to come up with a pattern for a flip-top notepad cover like this, but for those little journalist-size notebooks. New project for you!

Posted by: Natalie Cone | February 17, 2011 at 10:47 AM

So cool - how fun to reuse a pattern for something else.. These would make such cute gifts!

Posted by: Colleen | February 17, 2011 at 08:07 AM

Wonderful idea - I know these will sell like hotcakes! I would love to make some for my three little grandsons as they are definitely blooming artists!!

Posted by: Anne Marie | February 17, 2011 at 07:25 AM

Just awesome! Thanks for the chance to win :) Hugs from NZ

Posted by: Beck C | February 17, 2011 at 03:40 AM

I love the art crayon bag pattern!!

Posted by: susan | February 16, 2011 at 10:49 PM

Beautiful!! I just bought this pattern, can't wait to make it!

Posted by: Janet | February 16, 2011 at 10:11 PM

Love this, so cute. My son is a big fan of colored pencils so it's perfect for him. :)

Posted by: Denise | February 16, 2011 at 08:10 PM

I'd love to win your pattern. I've eyed your patterns a time or two but haven't taken the plunge yet.

I've had those aha moments but mostly with sewing clothes for my kids.

Posted by: Alisa | February 16, 2011 at 07:36 PM

I would love to make one of these as a gift. Your fabric is great!

Posted by: Angie | February 16, 2011 at 06:37 PM

Oh my goodness!!! The perfect solution for the little artist in our family who draws where ever and whenever she can! Could it be possible that I won't have to find pencils in random places throughout my home???

Posted by: Kymmy | February 16, 2011 at 06:35 PM