Friday 28 December 2012

Art Caddy...

I did it!!! I finished all the sewing for my handmade Christmas. A couple of planned items were substituted with another less time consuming to make item, but everyone in my family received at least one handmade gift.



This is the art caddy I made for one of the little people in the family, using a pattern by Virginia Lindsay, from Gingercake. I was thrilled with how this turned out, even though I cut the number fabric with the wrong orientation for the front and back panels.

I had originally cut this art caddy out about 18 months ago. On quickly reading the pattern, it seemed rather difficult and so was put to the side. When I finally dug it out last week, it came together surprisingly quickly. Perhaps that was because I had a deadline to meet. 

I deviated from the instructions with the cardboard like interfacing and inserted it at an earlier stage than suggested, thus eliminating one step in the process. It doesn't seem to have mattered, as it stands up by itself and is very sturdy. I also changed the handles. Instead of grosgrain ribbon, I made handles the same way I make them in my Little Shopper Totes, just adding an inch to the length.

The art caddy ended up a little larger than I had imagined and this necessitated a quick dash to the shops at the last minute, for a few extra supplies. The little recipient had to carry it with both hands, as it ended up quite heavy once filled with all the craft items I had bought. She was happy with her present and that meant I was happy.

... Pam

33 comments:

  1. Oh Pam these are great!! I have some grands that would love them...

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  2. It's gorgeous Pam. I love all the pockets and space it has. It would be nice as a sewing/craft bag too.

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  3. Lovely .. WIsh I had received this one LOL ;)

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  4. Pam, you're creative. Such functional and beautiful tote bag is a fabulous gift. Very well organiser and easy carry.

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  5. Hi Pam! That's so beautiful and practical, too! I'm sure she loved her present! Happy New Year to you and your family! x Teje

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  6. looks great, Pam! Perfect for a little artist. I've done that with patterns before. Deadlines do seem to make things easier. :-)

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  7. I want to make art caddies for my "little people" (greats, so far - no grands yet) too --- they're on to To Do list :) I also know about gift substitutions *ahem* - this year a gift card was substituted for a quilt that remains unfinished, and a set of baskets (with goodies inside) was substituted for a penguin backpack - I hope to finish the quilt and backpack by February :/ That's the way the sewing goes sometimes, lol!

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  8. Love it! This is going on my to do list. I'm so impressed you finished all your projects!
    Happy New Year!
    Jessica @ A Humble Creation

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  9. Wow, this looks great Pam, such a great gift.

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  10. This is the best art caddy/tote I've seen! All the little pockets are perfect for stashing supplies.

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  11. What a spectacular & well made handmade gift!

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  12. What a fun project! My kids are really into art supplies lately so this would be perfect for them.

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  13. Awesome present Pam! I will have to check out the pattern - Anna received lots of art & craft gifts for Christmas. Having somewhere to keep it all together would be great. I know what you mean about patterns seeming hard, when I flip through them they often overwhelm me, but once I just start and do one step at a time it comes together.

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  14. Looks great Pam. Hadn't come across the pattern before but it looks like it could have so many uses.

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  15. Merry Christmas Pam! Hope you had a wonderful time and every body enjoyed their presents. I love the art caddy and i know a certain little person in my house who needs one. In fact if i ever want to enjoy a nice meal in a restaurant again than one of those is a must! This year only my mum and my daughter were lucky enough to receive a hand made gift...and belive me that Rapunzel dress was worth at least five handmade gifts, not to mention the hair :-) Pinning this for a future project

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  16. That looks lovely and very practical too!

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  17. Gorgeous idea for a present, I would have loved to receive a gift like this.
    I hope you had a lovely Christmas Pam!

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  18. Pam, I've never seen this pattern before, I would be happy to have received one as a Christmas gift, a beautiful job, I'm sure there is a small artist who's enjoying it.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Marisa from
    http://passionetcouture.blogspot.ca/

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  19. This looks fabulous! What a great present! Have a great new year!

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  20. You must feel quite accomplished! I try to make one little thing for each person each year. Sometimes I don't quite make the goal, but I do so love creating for those I love. Your art caddy is simply wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us. ~Kelly

    unDeniably Domestic

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  21. That is so cute! I love how it can be used for so many things! I would love for you to share it at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase!

    http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-licious-craft-showcase-14.html

    Happy New Year!
    Marti

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  22. What a great project. I bet anyone would be glad to get this as a gift. (I know I would!) Link up anytime to I Made It! Monday at Ninth Street Notions.

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  23. So fun! I love the inspiring colors you used. It's got so many awesome pockets!
    Thanks for linking up!

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  24. That's a great caddy Pam - gorgeous fabric and I'm sure it will be very well used by the lucky recipient!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  25. How lovely!

    Hopping by and following your lovely blog's GFC. I blog @ Getting Healthy with Essential Oils

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  26. My mom saw this and made me buy the pattern. I'm having a little trouble with it - especially the part you mentioned. I'm about halfway through though. I'll figure it out.

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  27. what an awesome bag :) great job on this. stoping by from petals to picots

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  28. Oh wow, I love it! Pockets on the outside is a brilliant idea!

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  29. Gidday Pam. This is just fantastic and just what I've been looking for. I've got both my daughter's and my son's art and craft supplies in one box and its a nightmare. If we go anywhere, it get's taken out of there (and most times never put back). I could make them one each and and they can be portable. I'm featuring this one at tomorrow's party Pam. Thanks again for linking up!

    Anne xx

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