Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Bed Caddy and Artistry In Fashion Giveaway

DD1, who is going off to college very soon, wanted a bed caddy to use at college. (Seriously, some colleges haven't started yet.) At first she wanted to buy an inexpensive, plain, muslin-colored canvas version, but I demurred. I told her I could make one quite easily.

Hah. Famous last words.

I decided to use some fun rain coating fabrics, just because. At first I worried that I made it too small. Then, I made the set of 3 pockets three times. After the second set of three pockets, I gave up on the project and set it aside. It sat for weeks.

But DD2 was hoping for a bed caddy and I decided to try again. She saw the first try and said that it wasn't too small because she mostly wanted it to hold her planner (this kid is addicted to the old style planner in spiral bound form, despite the fact that she has an iPhone) and some pens/pencils, etc.

For the third (and final) set of pockets, I used slightly elasticized bellows pockets, similar to the one I used on my smock.

The other thing I did, which my daughter really liked, was to add a secret pocket on the back side. This was pretty easy since the caddy is lined.

It's a bit hard to tell, but the pockets are 3D.
The outside fabric is a quilted raincoat fabric. The polka dot fabrics are flocked raincoat fabrics.
The secret pocket on the back side.
Loaded. Lightened to show detail. The pocket on the lower right contains a black colored journal which is pretty hard to see against the black background fabric.

Artistry In Fashion Giveaway

Photo Courtesy of Susan Krimmer Designs

Artistry in Fashion approacheth!

If you will be in the SF Bay Area on Saturday, September 29th, I urge you to come. They have been advertising some of the fabulous vendors on their Facebook page.

It saddens me that I have to miss it this year, as it conflicts with Design Outside the Lines. But the good news is that I have a free pass to give away! If you would like the free pass, please leave a comment, stating explicitly that you would like it. I will do the drawing in 5 days or so.

It especially saddens me that I have to miss the launch of my friend Sue's first show/booth at AIF. If you do go, make sure you stop by to check out her beautiful hats and to say "hi" for me. Plus, I want pictures.

Despite the fact that I can't attend AIF personally, I'm hoping to solicit pictures/comments from folks who are attending and I will blog those.

19 comments:

  1. The bed caddy is a super idea - can I ask how far under the bed it goes????
    And would love the free pass, if it includes air tickets from the other side!!!!! I know, stretching it a little bit...

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    1. Judith, it goes in between the mattress and the box spring/platform and it goes in about 15" maybe? Hopefully it is enough. ;)

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  2. Shams, What a great bed caddy, I think I need one! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I made one for my daughter, and she found it slid out because she put so much in it. We took an old terry hand towel, and stitched it to the top edge. The texture of the towel, combined with the extra length, did the trick. This is very cute, she'll love it!

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  4. Great looking bed caddy! I love the dotted fabrics against the black.
    Wish I lived in the Bay area, so I could easily attend Artistry in Fashion. Too bad you'll miss it this time - although you'll be doing art, which will be even better!

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  5. Oh, I love this bed caddy. Cute idea, and very practical for all the studying she is sure to do.

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  6. The secret pocket is a great idea! And starting college is so exciting!

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  7. One of the first things I remember sewing was a bed caddy for when I first went off to college...somehow I didn't take into account that not every bed is the same size as mine at home, so mine turned out too small! Yours looks fantastic, though, and looks like it will get more use than mine ever did!

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  8. I'm sad we won't get to meet up again at Artistry in Fashion, but I'm excited for what you'll be doing instead.

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  9. One of the things I love about this blogging world is the knowledge and information one gains: I have never heard of a bed caddy! But what a fab idea. Teenage son has chargers for phone, ipod and other things I've no idea what they're for dangling from his headboard. Thank you. Maybe we can tidy up his bedroom a little with this idea.

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  10. Hi,
    I find your blog interesting.I have just begun to sew but I still find some difficulties in drafting patterns.Can you help me to make this sleeve on this video? how to alter the basic pattern to have two pieces?
    Have a nice week end.
    Fati

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  11. sorry i published the comment before pasting the link of the video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZLnO1O0QpI

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    1. the link doesnt work.
      the title is in french:
      Tuto couture chemise femme "les fées "

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  12. I made one for my mom from cowgirl fabrics - I recall it was a lot of fun. Free pattern from Husqvarna - let me see if I can find it (rummages internet) -- here:

    http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/507_515.htm

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  13. As you're not able to go to AIF, I'd love to go and take a friend who hasn't been before. Have fun at DOL - looking forward to hearing about the design process!

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  14. Very cute and practic. I love this dots fabric, I wish if I have it. I saw your blog several time, I definitely follow you

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  15. I am so excited about attending but sad that we won't get to meet in person this time. But thanks to wonderful blogland we can meet virtually anytime. Have a terrific time with Marcy and Diane.

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