Here's yet another way to organize some of that "stuff" we all have. This little, easy-to-make organizer is our REALLY easy version of the pockets-on-the-wall hanger that can serve so many purposes. Hang it on the wall or on the inside of a closet or even on the back of a door to hold everything from junk drawer items to some of your frequently-used craft supplies. The big bonus surprise, however, especially for you non-sewers, is that not a stitch of sewing is necessary!
Materials:
felt
piece of corrugated cardboard or mat board
industrial-strength double- stick tape**
assorted plastic bags with closure top
3/4-inch wooden dowel
*Size is optional. Our bag fits on the back of a standard-sized door
**The tape with the rose-colored peel off strip is the kind I recommend. It is available in many rubber stamp stores and some craft stores. It goes by any number of names . . . Wonder Tape, Red Liner Tape, etc. Peel n Stick tape also held very well. Your average drug store double-stick tape will not work. If you prefer to stitch the bags to the felt, no tape is necessary.
Steps:
No-Sew Version
1. Stack the two pieces of felt on top of each other and either tape or stitch (figure A) the two layers together along the two sides and the bottom.
2. Cut cardboard, mat board or foam board to fit snugly inside the felt pieces (figure B), leaving at least three inches along the top. This is not essential but will give body to the hanging.
3. Position a variety of the plastic bags over the surface of the felt (figures C and D), using the sizes that will be most practical for what you will be storing in them. Place a strip of the tape along both sides, the bottom and along the top just under the closure area on each of the bags.
4. To hang the holder, cut evenly-spaced slashes through both layers of the felt along the top border (figure E). Cut them just wide enough to accommodate the dowel (figure F). Insert the dowel (figure G) and hang on a couple of large cup hooks. If the wall or door space will accommodate it, the dowel can extend beyond the edges of the hanger and can be hung with a cord tied around each end and hung on a single nail or hook.
Sew-a-Little-Bit Version
Should you prefer a stitched version, the basic construction varies only slightly. In this case, position the bags FIRST and stitch them in position along the sides and bottom of the bags. If you wish to also sew along the top edge of the bags, be certain to open the bags first!
After the bags are stitched into position, stack the felt pieces and sew together along the two sides and the bottom. After inserting the cardboard, you might also wish to stitch the top edge closed.
To hang the bag, cut three strips of felt, fold over and stitch to the top of the holder. The dowel will then slip through the loops formed by the tabs.
Resources Red Liner double-sided tape - Craftware
Craftware
Four Oaks, NC
US
Phone: 919-963-9697
Toll Free Phone: 800-927-7714
E-mail:
craftware@mail.dockpoint.net
Website:
www.craft-ware.com
Peel n Stick double-sided adhesive sheets, tape
Available from local craft retailers.
Therm O Web
Website:
www.thermoweb.com
Wonder Tape
Suze Weinberg Design Studio
Website:
www.schmoozewithsuze.com
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