Happy Monday! I recently finished a pair of fun sewing tool organizers! I pinned the #10 Caddy pattern* by Sew Can She to Pinterest long ago, and I've always wanted to make it. Last month I finally sat down to make a pair of them, one for my friend Amanda's birthday, and one for myself.
What makes this organizer unique is how it gets it's structure, from a #10 aluminum can. This is a big can, 7" tall and a little over 6" in diameter. I couldn't find a can that big in my local grocery store, but ended up finding them at a regional grocery chain, Woodman's. The pattern recommends checking warehouse stores like Costco or Sam's Club. I ended up buying a can of kidney beans and peeled whole tomatoes. (For this recipe, and this one. I portioned recipe amounts out and froze them.)
After cleaning the cans, I used a bit of duct tape on the inside edge of the cans to cover up any sharp edges. I also cut a felt circle and hot glued it to the inside bottom of the can so that the metal wouldn't show.
For Amanda's organizer, I used some of her favorite fabrics, all from Constellations by Lizzy House. I've been hoarding a fat quarter bundle for a while and decided it was time to cut into it. I had to piece the exterior pocket piece in order to make a fat quarter work, but I don't think it's too noticeable. I also used muslin for the lining pieces that aren't visible, on both organizers.
For my organizer, I used one of my favorite fabrics, this fat cat Halloween fabric, Magic Meows by Alexander Henry. Any excuse to see this fabric all year round! To make it feel a little less Halloween, I paired it with black and white fabrics, including a long stashed piece of ruler fabric from Tailor Made by Cosmo Cricket.
These organizers turned out so cool and were really fun to make! My only word of advice is to choose your can wisely because these cans contain a ton of food. Or check with a local restaurant and see if they have any empty cans to spare.
Find the #10 Caddy pattern in Sew Can She's Shop, here*.
Happy Sewing!
*Note: Any links marked with an asterisk in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click through and buy something, I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Oh my gosh, those are cute! Great fabric choices. Years ago, before we were done with college and not even married yet, my husband worked for Silgan Can Corp.in Waupun. He made cans all day long. He used to bring home those gigantic ones, clean and unfilled, just for fun. He kept nuts and bolts and tools in them, and I think the fence posts at our first house are sunk in them. Two moves later, I doubt he has any more. Bummer. I have so enjoyed your blog and Instagram posts. So glad there is a thriving modern quilting community here in Wisconsin.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sewing up my pattern Jeni! I love your organizers... and your comment about choosing cans wisely, lol.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Caroline
Hi Jeni, I just wanted to tell you and your readers that in our community it is very easy to get #10 cans at the school cafeteria's. They throw several out weekly. I get them for plants and they are readily available. Just an idea. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThese are precious. Love the black and white fabric on a sewing organizer!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeni, when I saw this post I went to Costco and bought a can of tomatoes! and made myself an organizer, I also put it on my instagram, I used Alexander Henry ''Marionetas'' fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I love reading about all your projects, big and small, but admit I have been too intimidated to try anything large involving tools up 'til now. Breaking down what you use and how you use them is super helpful and you have inspired me to try something more challenging, thank you. I bought some tool organizers from Olsatools. Their service was great.
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