I was reading a thread here the other day (can't remember which one) where several people joked about poking needles into the armrest of their sofa or chairs. I had to laugh, because as I was sitting in my chair reading that, I had a needle poking into the armrest of my chair ...
So I decided to put together an armrest organizer (kind of like what you see for remote controls) that could hold all my embroidery stuff and serve as a pincushion. Of course, I also had to embroider it.
Now, I'm very impatient, and don't get a lot of time to work on projects like this, so I didn't have a lot of time to plan it out. It's very ... imperfect. And I'm ok with that. There are a few things I'd do differently if I did it again, but for now, it works.
I also was glad that I could scrape up everything I needed from my current stash of supplies. I ended up just using a cloth diaper as the base (and I like the weight of it) and then used some napkins I got on clearance at Target a long time ago for the accent fabric. I used some Sublime Stitching patterns for the embroidered bits ( LOVE her book, and I was lucky enough to take a class from her here in Austin last weekend, so I've been addicted lately).
So here ya go! Enjoy! Hopefully you can modify/perfect and create something you can use so you can stop poking your armrests!
*****UPDATE! ******
I've been using this for a few days now (for my evening embroidery spells) and I am in LOVE. It makes me giddy. Not because it's all hot and perftect, but because it's so darn PRACTICAL! Everything is just right there where I need it, and it keeps my crafty bits from taking over the chair and side table. The cup/trashcan is my favorite thing, followed closely by the big magnet to hold the scissors. I keep meaning to take/post an "action shot," but never have my camera around while I'm gettng my stitch on.
Anyhow, I'd be interested to see if anyone (at anytime) makes one and modifies it, etc. I'm such a sucker for uber practical crafts ... it's sad.
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The pincushion and magnet piece Velcro on - the red thing is a magnetic "pin cushion," but I use it for my scissors.
Pockets on both sides for bits and pieces. I stuck a kid-sized cup in one of the big pockets to use as a mini trash can.
I couldn't believe my luck that the cloth diaper was the perfect size and weight for the project.
TINY embroidery - that was tricky, but I love her space patterns.
Nothing on this project is perfect, but that's A-OK with me.
button to nominate it!
