Armrest Sewing Caddy

I’m participating in the Quilt Club Australia (FB group) Handmade swap. I’m a sucker for a swap, though you may already know that.

In this swap, we were to list our general likes and dislikes. For me, I think I wrote bright and bold fabrics. We also got to put down our 3 preferences out of a list of handmade items we’d like to receive.

I won’t tell you too much about what my partners likes and dislikes are because I don’t want to give too much away. It is a secret swap after all.

One item on her list was a sewing caddy, so I did a little google searching. I’ve never made a sewing caddy before and wasn’t sure exactly what type of caddy she wanted. There are so many options out there. Go and have a look.

In the end I decided to go with an arm chair sewing caddy. I used this great tutorial by During Quiet Time for the basics, but used some fabric squares instead of the strip pieced blocks for pockets.

The pockets are padded and quilted too – for extra strength

I did some random straight line quilting – which is about as far as my straight line quilting ability goes.

I love this little raccoon. And that dragon fly. Super cute fabric and I don’t even know what it’s called as I bought it in a scrap bundle from Hawthorne Threads. If you recognize this range, feel free to share with us.

I’m quite pleased with how my armrest sewing caddy turned out.

I need to make one of these for myself, so that I have somewhere to stick my needle (when I’m hand stitching) rather than on the arm of the couch.

I only forgot the needle was there - once. Okay, maybe it was twice.

Do you use an armchair sewing caddy or do you just use your armrest?

15 comments

Marissa4/26/12, 2:40 PM
I use the arm rest on my sofa but I think I am going to make myself one! I think I would be nice if you add a button or velcro closing flap so you can take it on the go with you.
Gillian4/26/12, 2:50 PM
I use the arm rest of my sofa too, but sometimes everything falls off... and my boyfriend has discovered a few "surprise" needles and pins here and there. I really need to make one of these! What a great idea, thanks for the inspiration.
Kerryn4/26/12, 3:32 PM
This is exactly what I need to make. I have a choc coloured sofa and I have some great animal print scraps left over from a quilt that lives in the lounge room. I am also guilty of using the arm of the sofa. Thanks for sharing, it is lovely.
Ana e os Viraventos4/26/12, 3:53 PM
I also use the arm rest of my sofa, but this is a great solution. Most of the times I go to the sofa to finish something and I always leave loose ends of thread all over (not to mention the invisible needle). I am considering doing one of these for me.
Ah! And this fabric is from Riley Blake designs: Fox trails.
Beijinhos
Terri's Place4/26/12, 3:54 PM
What a fantastic idea. I'm another sofa as pincushion user. And, as always, your beautiful work is inspirational. Thank you x x
Terri's Place4/26/12, 3:57 PM
What a fantastic idea. I'm another sofa as pincushion user. And, as always, your beautiful work is inspirational. Thank you x x
Terri's Place4/26/12, 3:57 PM
What a fantastic idea. I'm another sofa as pincushion user. And, as always, your beautiful work is inspirational. Thank you x x
Terri's Place4/26/12, 3:58 PM
What a fantastic idea. I'm another sofa as pincushion user. And, as always, your beautiful work is inspirational. Thank you x x
Lynne4/26/12, 4:15 PM
That is so cute!

I keep my scissors, threads and pin cushion (where I keep my needle) on the coffee table beside my armchair. But our new chairs have bigger arms and the coffee table is too low for real convenience - I need a higher table (a side table) or perhaps I should just make myself a caddy!
Kristy QP4/26/12, 5:12 PM
It's a great caddy! Loving the dragonfly!

The fabric is Riley Blake's Fox Trails - very sweet line!
Anthea4/26/12, 7:44 PM
Oh, now that gives me an idea for my next swap...! Beautifully made...
quilary4/26/12, 8:12 PM
I used to use the arm of the lounge, but then I made two caddys for the Queensland floods. I actually didn't get around to making one of my own! Now I use a travel sewing kit that I made myself (and it was also my swap item for SIT 2011. It's quite compact and fold up nicely and drapes over the lounge easily too.
Linda4/27/12, 12:10 AM
I love the fabrics you used! Great idea! I have a leather sofa and I live in constant fear of forgetting and sticking my needle or pins into the arm of it and puncturing that leather! Ouch!
Laura4/27/12, 12:23 AM
I love your caddy. I have been thinking of making one for myself. I always put a thin sheet of plastic inside the bottom of my pincushions so the needles don't poke through. I have a leather sofa, so I definitely need to do that for this project. Thanks for the cute inspiration.
Lee Ann L.4/27/12, 5:05 AM
I use whatever is available (arm rest or couch cushion). But, when I move, I'll be taking my Dad's chair into the sewing/crafting room and could really use one of these! I might even make two (one for each armrest). :-) Dad's chair (a Lazy boy) needs to be reupholstered and fixed up a tad. But, all in all, it's in good condition. :-)