Have you ever lost a button when away from home? Well, I have several times and have needed an emergency sewing kit. I have been trying to think of a way to make one to go into my purse that didn't take a lot of room.
I now have the solution. I took a plastic case that measures 2-1/2 inches by 1-1/2 inches (the longest and widest points) which use to hold ear plugs for my husband. The ear plugs are gone and I confiscated the plastic case. I then cut a piece of cardstock the shape of the top and nipped out several semicircles with my hole punch. I put different colors of thread all along the card and secured it on the back.
I found some collapsible scissors I have had for a long time (but still available at Walmart, I think.) I put several small safety pins together and then put a needle on a remnant of material. See the before picture. As you can see in the after picture, everything fits nicely in the case and it snaps shut and does not take up much space in my purse. Having the scissors in the kit makes it really complete.
You could vary the colors in your kit. I just used basic colors to get me by in an emergency until I can get home and find thread that matches the outfit. Look at containers before you toss them. Then put your thinking caps on. You might surprise yourself when you come up and create something new.
By GeorgiaBulldogsFan from Jesup, GA
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Some hotels give you emergency sewing kits as part of the amenities placed in the room. These are good to keep for future use. For cutting the thread I use fingernail clippers.
This is a great idea! Also, several years back I posted a tip about the things you can use empty Dental Floss containers for & making a tiny emergency sewing kit for your purse, car, traveling or camping is one of them. You simply pop off the plastic insert. You can use the tiny spool to wrap your thread around. Instead of using lots of colors, you can simply use the clear nylon thread which blends to match most colors. In place of tiny scissors, you can use the cutter in the dental floss container or a tiny pair of fingernail clippers (for thread). I used to use my teeth to cut the thread when hand sewing, but learned my lesson the hard way when I chipped a front tooth!
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Another container that works great for a tiny sewing kit is one of those hard shell sun glass holders. They're available at dollar stores & thrift shops. This way you can make a totally custom kit. But it's kind of crazy to make one these days when you can simply buy a small sewing kit at the dollar store complete with all the supplies you'll need!
I also use an old eyeglass case--I have collected tons of them over the years (donating the glasses to the Lions Club) and use them for little kits like this.
A home made/custom item is always more fun than a store bought one. This a particularly good idea for children just learning to sew and those of us that like to be always at the ready. (I packed a sewing kit with my husband, he laughed at the time, then later told me he really needed it, especially the buttons that match his uniform) For crafters and sewers, this is a good way to deal with end of the spool thread, or longish pieces left on your needle left over at the end of a project.
Another way of getting one already made is when you or some one you know that goes on a lot of cruises gets them as a freebie. I have so many I can't count them. A great excuse for you to go on a cruise. lol
Empty pill bottles make great sewing kits also.
My wife had a button come off her dress just as we were leaving for our grand daughters wedding. Luckily we were at a hotel. The girl at the desk brought the kit to our room.
I think this is a great idea and doesn't look like you had to go to too much trouble and definitely no expense.
Seems hotels are not giving those little sewing kits out in the rooms anymore. I used to accompany my husband on business trips and brought back quite a few over the years but somehow have used them up or given some away or just misplaced. I will have to see if I still have any or just make up one. I also like the idea of getting one at the Dollar store.
I made a kit like this from a plastic lozenge box. The lid was hinged, so I didn't have to worry about it coming apart, and it had a cute label, so I left it as is. I glued one edge of a piece of wool felt to the lid and put a couple of pins and needles into that.
This is a great solution to the quality issue with store bought sewing kits; the thread is weak and cheap and the scissors are
Painfully inadequate. Love the idea of making my own!
This issue is near and dear to my heart. My youngest son is in basic training and was talking about his name badges were coming loose. (Velcro attached) I asked him if I had sent a sewing 'kit' with him. (He forgot about that.) He was thinking of getting a whole new set of pt.'s (?).
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