Sew What?! - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

New Travel Sewing Kit by Kimberly Bower

Sew What?! - CTMH Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to our monthly Technique Blog Hop. I'm so glad you're here! If you're here from Darlys Recker's blog, you're on the right path. This hop is a great big circle so you can start here and work your way around. When you get back to me you'll know that you've seen all of the creative ideas offered through this month's blog hop. There are 13 participating consultants so you're bound to be inspired by the time you complete the hop. You can continue the hop by clicking on the links provided in each post. Should you get lost along the way, there is a list of participants below.

This month we are showcasing products found in our brand new 2018 Holiday Expressions catalog that give the appearance of, or contain actual, stitching. There is a 'stitched' alphabet stamp set, 'stitched' thin cuts in different shapes, thread for use in actual stitching, and of course, you can add the look of stitching with a journaling pen. You can view the entire catalog online here. Also, if you place an order of any size, Close To My Heart will send you a catalog for free. I love using the photos in the catalog to inspire my own creations. 

My design features our Grateful Heart - Cardmaking stamp set, Stitched Heart Thin Cuts, Curlique Alphabet Stamps from Artfully Sent Cricut Collection and our Grateful Heart Paper Packet. This paper packet features the following colors: Pomegranate, Sapphire, Glacier, New England Ivy, Fern,Saffron, Goldrush, Espresso, Mink, and White Daisy. Here's a look at these four items:

Grateful Heart - Cardmaking stamp set

Thin Cuts - Stitched Hearts

Cricut Collection: Artfully Sent

Grateful Heart Paper Packet

I decided to venture outside the box a little by creating a travel sewing kit that you could keep in your purse, overnight bag, or glove box. This would make a great 'thank you' gift for a friend and is small enough that you could tuck it into a card for mailing. You could also change it up a bit and turn it into a gift card holder. It'd be an easy swap. Here's a look at it open and a rear view too:

Here's how to make this travel sewing kit:

1. Cut one B&T (patterned paper): 4.5" x 9.5".
2. Score at 1.75", 4.5", 5.75", and 7". 
3. Make valley folds at all score lines except for 5.75" score line. At this line, make a mountain fold.
4. Place sewing kit along 5.75" score line. Make a mark on each end of the sewing kit. Cut along the center area of this score line so sewing kit will slide into the opening.
5. Flip paper over. Use a strong double-sided adhesive like Duck to create a sealed edge between the score lines to the immediate right and immediate left of 5.75" score/cut line. This will prevent your sewing kit from falling out of the bottom of your travel kit.
6. Use a corner rounder on both corners closest to the 1.75" score line. This will be the top flap.
7. Cut one B&T (patterned paper): 2" x 7". This will be a band around your kit. 
8. Score the band at 2" and 4.75". Make sure it fits around your kit.
9. Use adhesive to seal the two ends of band together.
10. Cut a saffron heart with the 2.5" Basic Heart Thin Cut.
11. Cut a light B&T heart with the 2.25" Stitched Heart Thin Cut.
12. Stamp "Sew thankful" sentiment. Stamp leaves and designs as desired on stitched heart using 'Grateful Heart - Cardmaking Stamp Set'. Add Bitty Sparkles, as desired.
13. Attached stitched heart to basic heart.
14. Attach double heart to cover the raw edge of the belly band.
15. Slide belly band over sewing kit. 
16. Enjoy!

Whoa! Wait a minute! I had so much fun creating this travel sewing kit that I made another, slightly smaller version (4" wide instead of 4.5") substituting in our Boutique cardmaking stamp, papers and complements. Which one do you like better?

I would love it if you'd share your thoughts in a comment before continuing with our hop. For a detailed list of products used, please scroll past my signature line. Just a note: I was inspired by quite a few gift card holder designs on Pinterest, most of which were fairly similar in size and structure. Your next stop along this hop is Catherine Nowak's blog so hop on over and see what wonderful creation she has for you today.

Stay creative and continue to share kindness along the way,
Kimberly

Close To My Heart products:

• Stamp sets: Curlique Alphabet Stamp Set in Cricut Collection: Artfully Sent and Grateful Heart - Cardmaking
• Exclusive My Acrylix Inks: Sage, New England Ivy and Saffron
• Paper Pack: Grateful Heart
• Embellishments: Sugarplum Glitter Gems, and Bitty Sparkles
• Thin Cuts: Stitched Hearts and Basic Hearts

Other Close To My Heart supplies used:

• Bone Folder (to fold card, and press foam tape down)
• Bonding Memories Dual Action Glue Pen
• Duck Easy Stick permanent adhesive tape runner
• Thin 3-D Foam Dots
• Micro-tip Scissors
• My Acrylix Spritz Cleanser and Stamp Scrubber (care and maintenance of stamps)
• Tweezers (to place small pieces/embellishments on card)
• White Cards and Envelopes Value Pack 

Want to make this? Let's go shopping! Want help with assembly? Let's do a Facebook Live! Just let me know.

If you are not already working with a consultant, I'd be honored to earn your business. If you'd like to enjoy the added privileges of being a consultant, I can show you how. Check out the labeled tabs for more details. You can also contact me via comment or email.

List of Participants:

1. Melissa Robinson
2. Haley Dyer
3. Debi McBain
4. Wendy Kessler
5. Michelle Johns
6. Michelle Loncar
7. Marciava Warrell
8. Darlys Recker
9. Kimberly Bower **You are here.**
10. Catherine Nowak
11. Annemarie Julian
12. Valerie Kapsha
13. Vandra Stenton