CasaSugar

DIY: Denim Wrench Case

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:15:23 -0800

If my Handyman Holiday Gift Guide wasn't good enough for you, perhaps you'd like to DIY a gift for your favorite hunky household helper. If your handyman has every tool in the toolbox, consider making him this Denim Wrench Case made by Cut Out + Keep member Eva G, which holds a full set of wrenches and rolls up into itself. All you'll need for this product is a few pieces of denim or other sturdy fabric (try canvas), embroidery thread, a needle, scissors, and an elastic band. Eva gave the case to her father last Christmas and embroidered his initials onto the case to personalize it. I love how the color of the red thread pops! It's also very masculine looking - what genuine handyman could argue with that? To learn how to make this wrench case, and to see it rolled up, read more.

Line your wrenches up on a paper bag, with about half an inch to an inch of space between each wrench. Using a ruler, trace a straight-lined outline around the wrenches, adding an inch on each of the sides and the bottom to allow for your hem. Add four inches to the top of the outline, and draw a straight line for the top, making a trapezoid shape.
Cut out your pattern.
Using your piece of denim or canvas, cut out the fabric using your pattern.
Next, cut out a thinner trapezoid shape. The thinner shape should be half the diameter of your first piece of fabric. The fabric should also be two inches longer than the larger piece of the case. This will allow room for sewing each wrench pocket
Now, sew the exterior hem on the larger piece of fabric, which will be the exterior of the case. Fold the fabric under twice, to avoid any fraying or unsightly unfinished hem line.
Next, line up the thinner piece of fabric in the middle of the large fabric. Starting from the bottom, sew the first pocket.
Check the size of each pocket so it matches the head of each wrench. You don’t want the pocket opening (where the head will sit) to be so big that the head will slip through.
When you get to the top, fold the top hem under. Slip the elastic band between the two pieces of fabric, and sew it securely.
If you’re really ambitious, you can embroider initials onto the case, just like Eva G did.

Source

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:00:47 -0700

Get a first-hand peek at New Orleans's awarding-winning boutique hotel the Soniat House.- All the Best
Learn 10 ways to be a great host in a tiny apartment.- AT:NY
Denim as an upholstery fabric looks modern and relaxed.- Chez Larsson
Retro prints by Lulu Dee have contemporary cool.- Simply Stated
Consider 70 reasons to buy handmade or vintage.- Poppytalk
Hay-bale seating gets a colorful and chic update.- Peacock Feathers
A new stationery shop will fulfill your hand-lettered dreams.- The Scoop

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:00:03 -0700

Make these stenciled pillowcases.- AT:LA
Do you live in the Western United States? Enter Sunset's Western Home Awards.- Sunset
Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the set design of Easy Virtue.- The Magazine Antiques
Find an accent rug that won't break the bank.- PointClickHome
I can't help but love this bicycle handle planter.- Craft
What's the best hostess gift you've ever received? - Shelterrific
Got old jeans? Recycle your denim.- Daily Danny

Casa Verde: Finest Laundry Powder

CasaSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:15:58 -0700

I've switched over from the grocery store usuals like Tide and All to eco-friendly laundry detergents from brands like Method, Clorox Green Works, and Seventh Generation, and I've shown you how to make your own eco-friendly detergent. But eco detergents are nothing new. The Laundry, a Milwaukee-based laundering service, has been making its Finest Laundry Powder ($24.95), an organic, biodegradable, additive-free, dye-free, and bleach-free detergent, for over 50 years. The powder works with all washing machines, and with everything from fine knits to towels to tough denim. Beyond that, its packaging is environmentally conscious as well: order its sturdy reusable container with scoop once, and then follow up with plastic bag refills. Oh, and did I mention the packaging is gorgeous?