Sharing my idea for a crochet case

Crochet!
1

About a year ago, I finally got sick and tired of having my crochet needles, scissors, etc. scattered all over the house, so I came up with what I thought was a pretty neat idea for a crochet case. Others might disagree. In fact, I described it to one crocheter, and she looked at me like I was an idiot and said, “You know you can just buy a case for your crochet needles!” Well, yes, I did know that; however, those cases don’t have everything I want (oh, and thanks for trying to make me feel stupid, lady). So here’s what I did:

I went out and bought a daytimer for about $12.00. Specifically, I was looking for the following: 1) a smallish to medium size one (mine is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"), 2) one that zips closed, 3) one that has binder rings, 4) one that includes a see-through zip-lock carrying case, and 5) one that has a notebook in back.

I took out all of the calendar/address stuff and stashed it somewhere safe (for use as scrap paper later after the notebook is depleted). I then cut out rectangles from stiff cardboard the same size as the original calendar pages, and I also cut out fabric to cover the cardboard. Next, I sewed pockets, elastic bands, and straps to this fabric (to hold my stuff). Then, I sewed the fabric into a pocket, turned it right-side out, slipped the cardboard inside, and pasted down the remaining open edge. Finally, I punched holes in the fabric covered cardboard to match the rings in the binder.

The first “page” of my crochet case holds my scissors because I use them most frequently. The next spread of “pages” holds all my crochet needles (except my Q hook, which I rarely use anyway). In the see-through carrying case, I have a slim calculator, measuring tape, and various odds and ends. I have a pencil in one of the built-in pencil holders and an emery board in the other. Also, I have a knitting needle gauge/ruler and a sticky note stack tucked into the front pockets. The see-through ruler that came with the daytimer is quite handy to have, and the notepad in back is essential (for me) to keep track of projects/crochet needles used and for doodling when I’m altering patterns or going freestyle on projects!

I’ve been using this case for about a year now, and I have absolutely no complaints!

I can include pictures if anyone is interested!

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Fabulous! I love hearing how other people make something useful for them out of something most people would use for other things! Please take some pictures of your genius creation and share them here!

Nice job!

MGM

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Okay, here are some images:

The crochet case that used to be a daytimer!

The inside flap with lots of little pockets and the first “page” holding my scissors

All my needles on one spread

The clear plastic carrying case (with lots of glare)

The notepad at the end

By the way, I’m not a very good seamstress, so the sewing on this thing is pretty crummy! But, hey, it works!

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Okay, none of my images showed up. I thought I followed the directions but I guess not.

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Second attempt at displaying images of crochet case:


Crochet case that had a former life as a daytimer


Inside flap with little pockets, emery board, and first “page” for my scissors


Inside spread housing all my crochet needles (and large needles for weaving in ends)–minus the monster Q needle


See-through carrying case holding miscellaneous (with lots of glare)


Notepad and pencil

By the way, I’m a very lame seamstress, so the sewing on this is pretty crummy! But, hey, it works!

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That’s a really cool idea.

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I like this case. I too have been planning to do the same thing for my knitting. I have the case that came with my interchangable needles, but it’s just to small to hold it all.

Where did you find the clear zippered pockets? That’s my hold up.

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I’m glad some folks like this idea. If you decide to “recreate” one for yourself, please share some pictures with us.

Lighting57: The clear zippered thingy came with the daytimer. It was one of my essential criteria for choosing the one I did. Oh, and good luck with your project!

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The case for my KnitPicks Interchageable needles set is a great design, but the size is too small. It needs to be atleast an inch taller, a little wider, and thicker.

The daily planners (depending on the design) should make a good replacement. The only clear zippered pockets I have found are the cheap ones you some times can find in Wal-Mart’s school department, but they wouldn’t hold up. They look very cheaply constructed and aren’t worth the cost.

I need several of the zippered pockets. I wonder if the large office supply type stores sell them separately.

Anyway, I’ll have to place this project on my to do list right behind everything else.

I do like your case. Maybe the person you described it to was not as organize minded as you are. Some people are happy with having to always be hunting and searching for this and that, but I am notit drives me nuts.

A place for everything and everything in it’s place, is how I like it.
This allows me more time to knit.:slight_smile:

Happy New Year!

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Lighting57,

I would definitely recommend checking all the day planner brands at an office supply store to see if their zippered pouches are sturdy enough to suit your needs.

Also, I imagine that once you found one you liked, you could order more from the same company. Since they regularly sell refills for calendars, my suspicion is that they would sell extra zip-up pouches, too.

I did a quick search just to see if I could replace my pouch, and I found pouches in a variety of sizes here:

http://www.mead.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product3_10052_10002_123900_-1_false_10052

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You know, that’s a great way to re-use a day timer that you can’t get paper for anymore… I’d still be tempted to make something myself but that’s just how I am lol I could… but I don’t want to use the deer suede on that… would be very soft but yeah… if I’m stroking my crochet case all the time, I won’t do any projects! rofl

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Wow! A deer suede crochet case! That would certainly be soft–and gorgeous. Just out of curiosity, where did you get the suede?

I’ve made a number of books and journals, but none of them would be sturdy enough to be used as a crochet case. I’m currently working on a leather-bound notebook, but even it wouldn’t hold up for a crochet case. I guess I need to improve on my bookmaking techniques!

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I got the deer suede from a leather shop in Portland, OR. It’s so soft and beautiful… going to make a netbook cover for my boyfriend with some of it. The place I got it at is called Oregon Leather Company. Yeah… pretty simple name there! Omg, I also got coyote fur scraps, other random leather scraps… the scraps are in bins and a very good price. They’re all thicknesses, soft, rough, tough and hard, etc. but most are enough to make something like a cell phone case or use for handles or something, at least, with some being a lot larger.

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Mokumegane:

My parents were telling me about a similar kind of place in Colorado (Durango, I think) which had all kinds of different skins and leathers. They walked around feeling all the soft skins; then, as they were leaving, they saw a sign telling customers not to touch the merchandise! Oops!

My mother-in-law recently was given about 4 or 5 large storage boxes full of leather and suede scraps (some quite large). She has generously shared with me, so I guess I don’t [I]really[/I] need anymore. Nevertheless, your find sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing where you found it and what you intend to do with it!

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wow cool