Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Chatelaine: a sewing tool for the peripetetic

    Always running around, I like to have my scissors, needle, thimble and tape measure close at hand. A chatelaine is perfect for that. Beautiful quilted ones are on the market, but my version is a lite lanyard. I especially enjoy portable art such as sashiko, embroidery and beading on a trip; but when I showed granddaughter this scissor solution, the thought of dangerous tools around her grandmother's head in a car or elsewhere terrified her.
   


       I found Dritz makes tape measures in a variety of colors and I bought a grosgrain ribbon longer than the 43 inches I used of the ruler. I stitched both sides of the tape measure to the ribbon. I made a quilted pocket for one end which holds a thimble and I can insert needles and pins when needed. I added these clippers to the other end but would now prefer scissors.  One just hangs this light weight necklace around the neck when in the house or the car so tools are readily available without having to wonder where they were last left.

       If one leaves tools on the floor they can be too tempting to the dogs. Here is Chrissy's chatelaine that uses weights and a pin cushion; but it needs a redo because the dog enjoyed it so. Click photos to enlarge.

8 comments:

  1. Ditto Andrea's comment: Brilliant!!

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  2. I love the tropical colors; very clever!

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  3. Hi Linda,
    That is very cool. ES

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  4. You always think of something clever and innovative. Congrats. ss

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  5. Perfect. I lose everything. Now put in a loop for my glasses--and off we go!

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  6. I am so glad that you were able to remember the word "Chatelaine"! After you called me, I racked my brain--hey, what an expression! yes, a cliche, but so apt!!!--to think of it. I love yours and plan to make myself one as soon as possible! Loved this post!

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  7. Very clever! I plan to show this to some clever friends who sew and quilt. Thanks for this post!!!

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  8. Decorative as well as useful! Congratulations!
    NM

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