Make a Notions or Jewelry Caddy—A Sew Simple Project

Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.First

Make a Notions or Jewelry Caddy—A Sew Simple Project

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Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.First

Incorporating specialty fabrics, such as clear vinyl, can add functionality when sewing gifts and projects. This unique and widely available fabric is the star of the Sewing With Nancy program, Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares—the third episode. Watch online by clicking here.

If you are planning to attend sewing retreats, sew-ins or simply heading out on a family vacation, create a Jewelry Caddy, which nicely doubles as a Notions Caddy and is featured in a Sewing With Nancy online tutorial.

Here’s a preview of the project that you’ll see demonstrated during the show. Exact measurements and detailed instructions can be found in Sew Simple With Rectangles & Squares.

Sew Simple with Rectangles and Squares, a new 3-part Sewing With Nancy seriesSupplies, Fabric, and Notions:

  • One 12″ x 18″ outer fabric rectangle
  • One 10″ x 16″  inner fabric rectangle
  • One 10″ x 16″ piece of clear vinyl fabric
  • One 10″ x 16″ piece of polyester fleece batting
  • Make-A-Zipper or four 9″ zippers
  • One yard 5/8″ wide ribbon
  • 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge
  • Double-sided basting tape
  • Permanent Marker
  • Teflon Presser Foot
  • Clover’s Wonder Clips

Construction:

Note From Nancy: In some photos the clear vinyl is laid on top of the fabric so you can more easily see it. I hope this doesn’t confuse you as we construct the Notions Caddy. For more clarity, watch the video demonstration online.

  • Use the 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge to measure 1″ from the clear vinyl fabric rectangle’s short edge to determine the first zipper placement.
  • Mark a line parallel to the short edge with a permanent marker.
  • Use a measured or folded method to divide the vinyl equally into four pocket sections.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy a
  • If you are using Make-A-Zipper, measure the 9″ zipper length, making sure that you have a zipper tape on each section. Bartack on each end of the zipper before cutting them apart.
  • Wrap a 2-1/2″ square of inner fabric around each zipper end, staring at the underside of the zipper and meeting right sides together.
  • Stitch 1/4″ from ends through fabric and zippers.
  • Turn fabric right side out over ends of four zippers.
  • Optional: Place double-sided basting tape
    on the wrong side of the zippers along both tape edges.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy b

  • Layer inner fabrics on a flat surface in this order:

Polyester fleece batting
-Inner fabric
Clear vinyl fabric

Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy c

Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy d

  • Topstitch the zippers to the clear vinyl fabric layer.
Note from Nancy: Use a Teflon Presser Foot to stitch on vinyl. The smooth foot will glide over the unique fabric and allow for easier stitching. If you do not have a Teflon Foot, see the tip for sewing with vinyl in the video.
  • Trim away vinyl from the underside of the zipper between the stitching lines.
  • Trim excess zipper length flush with the vinyl edges.

Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy e

  • Lay the vinyl onto the inner fabric/fleece stack.
  • Stitch pockets though all inner layers, along the top edge of each zipper tape.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy g

  • Optional: Decide which pockets you would like to subdivide. Stitch vertical lines through the center of the vinyl, starting at the lower edge of the zipper tape and ending at the upper edge. Do not sew through the zipper teeth.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy f

  • Add the wide ribbon closure to outer fabric by folding the fabric in half lengthwise to determine the center. Press.
  • Fold outer fabric in half again meeting short edges to determine center. Press.
  • Place a pin 4″ from the lower edge of the outer fabric rectangle, along the center press mark.
  • Place cut edge of ribbon at center point and inner edge along vertical fold. Pin.
  • Align the ribbon so it ends at the 4″ pin mark. Loop the ribbon back along the opposite side of the press mark, allowing the loop to extend 3″ past the cut fabric edge.
  • Fold under 1/2″ of ribbon end and overlap at the starting point.
  • Use the measurements provided in the Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares book to secure the ribbon closure to the outer fabric.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy h
  • Bind the edges by centering the rectangles stacked in the following order:

-Outer fabric, wrong side up
Polyester fleece batting
-Inner fabric, right side up

  • Fold long cut edges of outer fabric to meet the cut edge of the inner fabric. Press.
  • Fold long edges a second time to cover the cut edges.
  • Edgestitch along inner folded edges.
  • Miter the corners by folding the short end corners at a 45° to meet the cut inner fabric edge.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.j

  • Fold the short edge to meet the inner fabric cut edge.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.k

  • Fold a second time to cover the cut edges.
  • Edgestitch along inner folded edges.
  • Fold and pin the ribbon handle out of the way while you sew.
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.lAll that is left for this project is to fill each pocket with your favorite sewing notions or jewelry!
Nancy Zieman Notions Caddy.Last

Also in Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares:

Portable Ironing Blanket

Make a portable mini-ironing blanket, and use it next to your sewing machine for quick presses. Or, create a larger ironing blanket, any size of your choice, with the same portability. It could easily be used as an ironing board substitute or for travel. Either way, you can custom-make these projects easily with my sew simple techniques.

Sew Simple with Rectangles and Squares as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

Closet Organizer

How about adding extra storage to your home without assembling knock-down furniture or remodeling a closet? Create portable, compact closet organizers with double-sided quilted fabric, clear vinyl, and ribbon trim. It’s another straight-stitched project that can hang in full sight or hidden behind a closet door.

Sew Simple with Rectangles and Squares as seen on Sewing With Nancy Zieman

Watch Sew Simple With Rectangles & Squares (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on Sewing With Nancy online.

Sew Simple with Rectangles and Squares, a new 3-part Sewing With Nancy series

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2015 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
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53 Comments

  • Cheryl
    June 23, 2015

    Nancy, my favorite is the portable ironing blanket! My husband sometimes travels out of state for work and he needs a pressed shirt and this will be a great way for him to get the job done handsomely!

  • Lynda Adair
    June 23, 2015

    I love the simple techniques shown to make the jewelry caddies. I think these would make really nice gifts, using the versatile array of beautiful fabrics out there, for either men or women. Thanks for the simple instructions for this project!

  • Sharon Kirby
    June 23, 2015

    Love the portable ironing blanket the best as it would be very handy for sewing or for using at the cottage where there is not room for a full size ironing board.

  • Cyndi
    June 23, 2015

    My favorite projects are the luggage saddlebags & the portable ironing blanket. So useful for travel.

  • Sheila
    June 23, 2015

    I like the closet organizer. It would be useful for storing a number of items especially in the small closets in our old house – never enough storage!

  • Lorelle Perry
    June 23, 2015

    It’s relaxing to be able to sew simple, useful and yet beautiful projects such as these.

  • Deborah
    June 23, 2015

    I just ordered this book. I can’t wait to get it and start making items. I have wanted this book for a good while. I love your patterns.

  • Berenice
    June 23, 2015

    I think that would be great for the college student to keep their “stuff” together and neat! I know three girls that are getting one before August!

  • Linda Rupe
    June 23, 2015

    All of these projects are so useful, it is hard to choose just one, but I think the luggage saddlebags stand out. I plan to make one for each of my daughters and granddaughter, along with the notions/jewelry bag for a sewing retreat we are all attending together. Thank you, Nancy! You are brilliant.

  • LindaC in AZ
    June 23, 2015

    I have a family member that travels a lot and I think that jewelry caddy would be a wonderful gift.

  • Debra Armstrong
    June 23, 2015

    I think I will make myself the ironing Blanket.

  • Joyce
    June 23, 2015

    So many great ideas, but I think my first one I would tackle would be the jewelry case.

  • Arline Bivins
    June 23, 2015

    I just love them all! I’m going to make them for Christmas gifts and for myself. Thank you so much for such great ideas. I just love your shows, so informative.

  • Candace W
    June 23, 2015

    I would start with the shoe caddy especially for all of our scattered flip flops and sandals! The jewelry/gadget caddies would be worthy gifts for young & old.

  • Shirley Clark
    June 23, 2015

    I love the jewelry case! I bought one to use for my sewing supplies to take to classes, but I’d rather make my own out of some really cute fabrics. This is great!

  • Karen payton
    June 23, 2015

    I really like the travel jewelry caddy, this would a perfect gift for my daughter!

  • Gail Beam
    June 23, 2015

    Wow! I love all of these great projects and your tutorials and photos enable all levels of sewers to make them! I really like the shoe bag as I have several purchased ones hanging behind doors for my sewing and craft supplies. It would be fun to make one using a cute sewing or craft type fabric print.

  • Anne
    June 23, 2015

    love that portable ironing surface — so easy to bring along and so handy!

  • Elizabeth Lewis
    June 23, 2015

    I love the jewelry/notion organizers. Another useful item as well as a great gift idea. Thank you, Nancy, for bringing so much joy and inspiration to so many!

  • Karen
    June 23, 2015

    I love the clear plastic idea! These projects all look fun and useful….can’t wait to try making them! Thanks!

  • Renea
    June 23, 2015

    I like the portable ironing pad. Would be great to bring to quilt group. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Connie Rhoden
    June 23, 2015

    I like the notion caddy. It reminds me of a make-up caddy my daughter had. Very useful and easy to take with when she needed. It seems I am always packing up my sewing stuff to do a workshop, or just to get together with my friends to sew.

  • allen king
    June 23, 2015

    Because i just bought a new serger I would make the vinyl zippered jewelry caddy with multiple pockets to contain all the feet/accessories I need to take to classes.

  • Connie W
    June 23, 2015

    I never thought of packing a portable ironing blanket. I once burned a hole into a hotel room coverlet — ouch! That was not a good experience when paying the bill. what a great idea and it would easily pack into a suitcase. Thanks, Nancy & best wishes for a quick recovery.

  • Mary Ellen
    June 23, 2015

    I would make the caddy and use it for sewing notions; I especially like the idea of the clear vinyl for ease of locating my quilting stuff for retreats. Such a good idea.

  • Christina Gonzalez
    June 23, 2015

    I love the sewing/jewelry caddy. This is now on my list to make for myself and family.

  • Patti
    June 23, 2015

    I love the portable ironing blanket, but would probably mostly use it when I just don’t really need the big ironing board!

  • Starla
    June 23, 2015

    I’m still a bit nervous about sewing zippers, but your tutorials make it seem easy, which gives me confidence!

  • Lori Morton
    June 23, 2015

    LOVE the Ironing Blanket!! But looooove the Tote best of all! 🙂

  • Kathy
    June 23, 2015

    I would make the ironing blanket first then try the jewelry organizers, I am not good at zippers so that would take some practice you make it look so easy.

    • Deborah
      June 23, 2015

      Nancy makes everything look easy. LOL. I have to slow down and take my time or I mess up big time. I can’t wait for my book, and then I’ll have to decide what to make first.

  • BevM
    June 23, 2015

    I like the Notions Caddy to take to workshops.

  • Donna B
    June 23, 2015

    I would like the Fabric Bins and the Weekender Bag.

  • Amelia McNairy
    June 23, 2015

    I am so overjoyed by the unique design, simple construction, and “sheer” convenience of the notions/jewelry caddy. I have made 2, I carried one to a serger retreat and the gals around me were really awed by it.

  • Mary Wippold
    June 23, 2015

    My favorite project is black hole, no, I mean closet organizer.
    So easy! And who couldn’t use a little help in organizing their closet? I think I’ll make some for gifts.

  • Frances
    June 23, 2015

    I think the closet organizer would be my first, second, and third projects. 😉

  • Pat
    June 23, 2015

    I love the closet organizer. My closets always seem to get out of hand no matter how hard I try. I’m sure one (or perhaps two) of the organizers would be a great help.

  • Marty
    June 24, 2015

    I’ve thought about making a jewelry caddy but wasn’t certain on sewing vinyl, so I appreciate your tips. Thanks!

  • Michele Duffy
    June 24, 2015

    There appears to be some text missing after “Topstitch the zippers to the clear vinyl fabric layer. “

  • Rosalind Gutierrez
    June 24, 2015

    The closet organizer speaks to me since my shoes are cluttered on the floor.

  • Ruth
    June 24, 2015

    The portable ironing blanket would be very helpful.

  • Karen B.
    June 24, 2015

    The closet organizer. It would help to organize alot of things in my closet, but also, I would make one for my sewing room to put stabilizers in. Thanks so much.

  • Karen B.
    June 24, 2015

    The closet organizer. It would help to organize a lot of things in my closet, but also, I would make one for my sewing room to put stabilizers in. Thanks so much.

  • Ell
    June 24, 2015

    The notions caddy is pretty neat and would store some of my art supplies.

  • Maxine
    June 25, 2015

    I would really like to make the ironing blanket so I can keep it by my sewing machine and be able to do a quick seam or short hem and then continue sewing and not have to always go to my big ironing board for small things.

  • Kathy
    June 26, 2015

    The notion caddy would be my first project.

  • Candice
    June 28, 2015

    Three projects I need to do right away: the ironing blanket, which is perfect for taking along in the travel trailer, the notions/jewelry organizer, and the closet organizer, made with sewing design fabrics (and to be used for holding stabilizers). I’m in the process of reorganizing the sewing room, so I can find things again, so this is perfect timing!

  • Vivian
    August 21, 2017

    Nancy’s double sided basting tape might work better, but I used res-q double-sided tape. I placed the zipper crooked the first time I laid it down, and I thought my vinyl was ruined because it would NOT come up. I figured I was not the only person to make this mistake, so FYI, acetone (nail polish remover) will get it right off. I just wiped it off with a cotton swab.

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