I Sew For Fun Project Tutorial: Art Caddy

Approximate Finished Size: 13″ X 20″

Supplies Needed:

• Five coordinating fabrics at least 14″ x 21″ each.

• One 14″ x 21″ rectangle Pellon Fleece batting

• 1/2 yd. 1″ grosgrain ribbon

• One 1-1/2″ decorative button

• One ponytail elastic

• One elastic hairband

Optional: I Sew For Fun Notions:

• I Sew For Fun Heart-Shaped Pins

• I Sew For Fun Wonder Clips

• I Sew For Fun Sew Safe Presser Foot

• I Sew For Fun 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge

• NEW! I Sew For Fun Point 2 Point Turner

• I Sew For Fun Hand-Sewing Needles with Heart-Shaped Case 

Instructions:

Please read all instructions before beginning. Use the width of the presser foot as the depth of the seam allowances.

1. Cut and label fabrics:

• Cut two 14″ x 21″ rectangles for caddy outer panel and lining.

• Cut two 12″ x 14″ rectangles for large pockets.

• Cut one 6″ x 14″ rectangle for divided pocket.

• Cut one 14″ x 21″ rectangle for fleece batting.

2. Prepare and position pockets:

• Fold each pocket piece in half, wrong sides together, aligning 14″ edges. Press.

• Make dividers for crayon pocket:

• Layer 3″ x 14″ pocket on top of one 6″ x 14″ large pocket on a flat work surface, aligning cut edges.

• Mark; then stitch dividers 2″ apart on short pocket. Reinforce stitching at top edges of pockets.

• Position pockets on caddy lining:

• Fold lining fabric in half, aligning 14″ edges. Press-mark center fold of lining fabric.

• Unfold lining and layer it on top of the fleece batting, aligning cut edges.

• Place large pocket on the caddy lining, matching long cut edges with press-marked center of lining; pin to secure all layers.

• Place crayon pocket on caddy lining with divided pocket facing up, matching long cut edge with pin-marked center of lining; pin.

• Baste layers together, stitching and guiding presser foot along each side of the caddy, starting at the top of one pocket and ending at the top of the opposite pocket.

• Add the ribbon center:

• Pin grosgrain ribbon across the center of caddy lining, covering cut edges of the pockets.

• Edgestitch along both long edges of the ribbon, stitching through all layers.

3. Prepare and attach handles:

• Fold top edges of the caddy in half; place a pin at each center fold mark.

• Measure and mark 2″ from each side of the center marks.
• Align cut edges of band at the 2″ marks; pin or use Wonder Clips to secure.
  

• Stitch across elastic ends.

Hairband elastic is perfect for this project because it is sturdy and colorful. Plus, it is easy to find.

4. Prepare and attach button loop:

 Ponytail elastic works great for this large button loop. It is sturdy, like the hairband elastic, but smaller, so there is hardly any waste.  Again, it comes in lots of colors!

• Cut metal from the elastic ponytail holder.

• Make a loop of the elastic.

• Align cut edges at one center mark; pin.

• Stitch across elastic ends

5. Stitch the caddy:

• Place the caddy outer panel on top of caddy lining, right sides together, matching cut edges.

• Stitch all four sides, guiding presser foot along the edges, leaving a 4″ opening on one long edge. Pivot at each of the corners.

• Clip corners.

6. Complete the caddy:

• Turn caddy right side out through opening in side seam. Push out corners with Point 2 Point turning tool.

• Turn under the seam allowance in the 4″ opening and secure with pins or Wonder Clips.

• Slipstitch the opening closed.

• Center and stitch a button between the handle opposite loop closure.