I made this hanging organizer from reduced fabric, that I got for a dollar a yard.   It is a heavier and stiffer fabric than most, so it is more sturdy.   The only supplies I needed was a hanger, fabric, sewing machine and thread.  I cut two large pieces the same size, and 7 smaller pieces for my pockets.  You have to figure how many pockets you want, what size, as for what you will be using them for.  First I sewed a hem along each of the sides of the two large pieces, then I made a hem along each tops and bottoms.  Then I hemmed the edges of the pockets pieces.  I had to sew pleats into some of my pocket pieces, as I cut the fabric too long.  Then I sewed the pockets onto the pieces, making gathers along the bottoms of the fabric to allow more room.  Be sure not to make your pockets too loose, or they will hang or droop excessively.  I then stitched down the pockets to make the pockets divided.  *Note-be sure to sew from the bottom of the pocket to the top or else the fabric will pucker badly.  After finishing the pockets, I folded down the top and pinned and inserted the hanger.  I removed the hanger and sewed the tops together to make the opening for the hanger.  I then inserted the hanger, pinned the two sides together and made sure to stitch a line underneath the hanger to keep the hanger from falling down into the center of the organizer.  I then stitched the sides and bottom and was finished.  Mine is far from perfect, but as long as it is functional, and I can stand to look at it, it is fine. haha.  I think it would make a good shoe bag,  sewing supplies bag, scrapbook bag etc...  It has freed up some room on my desk, by being able to put supplies that are'nt always necessary in close proximity.

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I recently made a Swiffer Cozy for my Swiffer to replace the dry swiffer cloths I buy.  I think it qualifies as the ugliest Swiffer Cozy ever, but it used up leftover yarn I had and, it is very functional.   I just measured the size of the bottom of the swiffer, and crocheted enough to cover that space, then added the top sides to go over the edges; making one side smaller than the other, so as to be able to slip it on easily.  While it is ugly, it works great!  Best of all, when I am done, I shake off the dirt, toss it into the wash, and I do not have to keep buying the swiffer cloths and tossing them into the trash.

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I hope to also make a mopping pad for my Clorox ReadyMop; using either cotton yarn or by sewing one with different materials.

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I made another project from some recyled bags.  These came from empty bird seed bags that a friend gave me.  They are colorful and the pretty birds made them nice and bright.  In fact, I had so much paper, that I had to make two.  Helped free up some space in my closet.

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On the one side, I put lots of spots for rolled paper, and on the other side, I put exculsively pockets for gift bags and boxes.  I did not have to worry about putting any cardboard or supporting materials in the inside or the pockets, as the weight of the boxes and paper kept it very supported.  So the only materials I needed were two bags for each project, some thread and a hanger for each.    I plan for my next projects to be a much longer organizer for a door and more bags.  I might possibly use some to cover a cat litter box to use for a trash receptacle in my craft room.  I am also going to be working on covering some more cardboard boxes with leftover calendar pages to make more paper storage for my scrapbooking.  I am going to see if the spray adhesive will work for the thinner calendar pages.

I like that this is virtually a free project, and that it keeps these bags from going in the land fill.  While it is impossible to use all of them, I like that I save a few.  I cannot believe that these companies do not find a way to reuse these bags.  There are a lot of containers that can be reused.  I know one company, Terracylce (not endorsing, just mentioning) reuses containers, and I wish more companies would do the same.  For one, plastic kitty litter containers could be reused indefinately (the heavy Tidy Cat ones).  I know they make great buckets.

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Today I used the Duraweave Bag from the Purina Cat Chow to make a recycled organizer.  I love reusing things!  The tools I needed was a bag or two, plastic placemats or cardboard, a small child's clothing hanger, sewing machine and thread.  I also had to hand sew a small piece with a large plastic canvas needle, as my sewing machine did not like sewing through so many layers and threw a hissy!  I used the plastic placemats in the back of the bag to insert into large pockets I had made.  This was to add some stability to the bag, and so it would'nt bow inward from the weight of the punches.  I did make a few of my pockets on the small side, so I had to just slip a couple of my punches over the edge of the pocket, but it worked.  So I am happy. 

Here is a pic:

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I have had trouble figuring out how to store my paper.  A friend cut out a storage container for her paper using shipping boxes and boxes from kitty litter etc...   While searching the internet, I came across a blog where someone had step-by-step instructions for making a fabric covered box.  Instead of hot glue, I mixed some Elmer's glue with a little water and painted the box with it and attached the fabric.  After drying, it was ready to use.  I changed the covering on the last ones I made; I covered them with used calendars from the previous year.  Great way to recylce and saves my fabric for other projects.  I used ModPodge to attach the calendar paper, but I assume glue would work also.  One word of caution; thin calendar pages do not work well; needs to be a little thicker, or it will wrinkle and pooch out in spots.   Here is a link to the blog this kind person posted on the web.  I am so appreciative to her for posting this.

http://pinkandpolkadot.blogspot.com/2008/11/recycled-magazine-holder.html

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Needing more storage for scrapbooking paper and supplies?  After drooling over the pretty scrapbooking rooms some people shared on the internet, I looked for a solution for housing all of my craft, scrapbooking and sewing supplies.  I came across a $23.00 plastic shelving unit at the department store (like the kind people use in their garage or for food storage in a pantry.)  It worked perfect.  The only tool I required to put it together was a rubber mallet.  The shelves even had room for my sewing machine on the bottom shelf.  Although, not as fancy as built-ins, wooden bookcases or custom purchased products; it is very nice and clean, functional, and gives me lots of storage.     http://i47.tinypic.com/2n0796f.jpg
I am still in the process of covering the cardboard box paper holders with old calendars, fabric etc..

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I would probably change the size of the straps in my previous article to 3 inches wide x 27 inches long, as the straps I made on another bag using the 1 1/2 -2 inch measurements were skinny straps.  You can also zigzag around areas, such as where the straps are attached for extra durability. 

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I looked on the internet and tried to find a four sided bag using a cat food bag, and was unable to find one.  I finally figured out how to put one together and wanted to share it.

Materials needed:

One Washed, Dry Purina Cat Food Bag or other bag made with DuraWeave.

Thread

Scissors

Large Sewing Needle/Sewing Machine

Straight pins

*I used a size 16 needle on my sewing machine. Please use a large machine or hand sewing needle, as a small needle could break possibly ruining your sewing machine or causing injury.

** Please do not give this bag to small children or children under 3 (or allow them to play with this bag), as the handles are a hazard to small children

Lay your Bag flatly on the floor. Cut out the following pieces, being sure to center your design for the front and back.

Cut two-13 1/2 x 14" long pieces. This will be the front and back.

Cut two- 3 1/2 x 14" long pieces, this will be the sides.

Cut one 3 1/2" x 14" piece. This will be the bottom.

Cut two 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide x 27" long (or desired width and height), this will be your straps.

First you sew the all the side pieces together. Lay right sides together (printed side) and sew a straight stitch down the bag. Do this for all four sides; until all of the sides of the bag are sewn together. When finished with these steps, you will have a bag body, minus the bottom, that is inside-out. Next pin right sides together of your bottom piece to all four sides at the bottom of the bag. When completed you will have the entire body of the bag, inside-out. Now, turn your back right-side out. Hem a seam along the top of the bag, turning the top under just an inch or so. Then you will need to push the outer edges together on each edge of the bag, pinning in place. Stitch reinforcement stitches down each side of the bag and each edge of the bottom. This reinforces the bag and causes it to be able to stand up. Next take one strap piece, fold one edge of the piece over just about a third, stitch in place. Then fold the other side over and let the edges meet in the middle and fold once more so that the one edge peeks out just a little to make a nice strap. Pin and stitch into place. Sew the other strap. Then just sew your straps onto your bag, by placing them where you want your straps to be located.

To make your straps very secure, you can sew them in a downward position, and then sew them in the upward position using a box shape and an X shape to make them extremely sturdy. (Note-this probably is'nt necessary, unless you intend to carry very heavy items, and it is really difficult to sew through that many layers of the Duraweave. It would probably break any sewing machine needle. )

And when you are done, you have a nice bag for scrapbook paper, frozen goods at the grocery, art supplies, coloring books etc...

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