05 April 2010

The Matchbox Organizer and a mini tutorial


Thank you to all of you who voted for my Hanging Car Garage/Matchbox Car Organizer on SYTYC. By way of a mini tutorial (sorry if I forgot details, I made it in February!), here's how I put it together:

First, I measured the length I'd need for the number of cars I wanted to store. I figured that the length would be 26 inches by 16 1/2 inches. I then used the hanger as a guide to shape the top.

I then marked the location of where the pockets and words would be.
I traced the words I printed out onto freezer paper, and cut them out with my pocket knife.

I ironed on the stencils, and then painted the lettering.

Then, I made the pockets.  Each pocket was made from two pieces of fabric 2 1/2 inch by 16 1/2 inches long, sewn right sides together and turned, and then attached to the background where I'd marked. 
I sewed the pockets by topstitching the bottom and basting the sides.  I marked the pocket dividers with tailor's chalk, and sewed down each pocket.

I made a skinny piping, and basted it to the outer edge of the garage. 
For the applique, I drew a car shape based on the fabric and made appliques with aqua and white fabric and heat n bond.  I ironed on the 3 pieces, then added layers of freezer paper stencils in black, white, and peach to add the details.

For the back, I cut two pieces of fabric that together made up the back, but overlapped.  I basted them together before I sewed the back and front together.

I then sewed the front and back pieces together, and then opened up the basting stitch, and turned everything right side out.

Lastly, I ironed everything, and inserted the hanger into the garage.
There you go!


Thank you so much to those who voted, and wish me luck as I begin this adventure. 

UPDATE:  Kim @ Girl and a Glue Gun came up with a fun alternative way to make a car hanger.  See HERE.



26 happy thoughts:

Amy said...

I love this matchbox car organizer!!! I saw your entry on SYTYC, and voted for it. My son has tons of match box cars and not enough space to store them all. I have seen the plastic versions of these, but they do nothing for me. I plan on making him one of these very soon!! Thanks for sharing your tutorial on how to make these.
Amy
www.thebutcherthebakerthecraftmaker.blogspot.com

kim west said...

love love love it~

Sarah said...

I loved it! Thanks for sharing!
I have a great interview with a savvy blogger on my blog right now with great tips on how to help your blog grow.
You can check it out at http://bloggerchixdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/aprils-featured-interview-april.html
Also a giveaway for a Trendy Diaper Changing Pad if your interested :-)

CraftCrave said...

Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [05 Apr 02:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria

Kaysi said...

This is great!! I love it and it seems like you always have room on your doors and not on shelves. Thanks for the great idea!

Kristin said...

This was a cute and original idea! Good Job! Great tutorial too. I look forward to seeing what ideas you come up with next ;-)

CraftyMummy said...

This is a great idea! Much nicer than all the cars dumped in a box, like at our place. Adding it to my list of "one day" crafts...

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

it's awesome! good luck!!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

My goodnes I LOVE this! I need to add this to my long to do! So creative - Thanks for the tutorial!

Jen @ lil Mop Top said...

Great idea! Love it!

Paola said...

Thanks for sharing, this is such a great idea.

Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity said...

Thanks so much for linking up on Tot Tuesdays last week. What a great project! I will be featuring you tomorrow! :)

Jen said...

Wonderful idea!

Creative and Curious Kids!

Lula Mamapulpa said...

I love it!i have to do for my little one!
Me encantó!La tengo que hacer para mi hijo pequeño!!
pd:sorry for my english i know is bad!!
pd:perdon por mi ingles, se que es muy malo!!
kisses
besos

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

This is sheer genius, and I love the "Life is a highway". My son would love this! Thanks for sharing!

~Alison

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

I featured this on my blog today! Thanks for the inspiration!! Here is the link:

http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2010/08/wednesdays-wowzers-plus-housekeeping.html

~Alison

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

Saw this on Oppsey Daisy today and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I don't have any boys to make one for, but I might just have to make one for a gift. This is amazing!!

Moore Minutes said...

I am in LOVE with this! Do you sell these? If so...I would love info on purchasing one. :)

elizabeth said...

Oh this is AWESOME! I'm adding this to the "queue" to make for my granddaughter because she loves playing with cars!

monica said...

love love love this!! you are one talented lady!!!

xo
monica

Heather said...

Thanks for a great idea, I have been recently been wondering what I can do with all my son's cars. I am making one today. Thanks for sharing.

Steph @ somewhatsimple said...

So fun! I am featuring this on somewhatsimple this Tuesday! Thanks for the idea!
-Steph

Alyssa said...

Such a cute idea! I have to remember (aka pin) this idea for my nephew's birthday!

I found you from being featured on Prudent Baby's 25 more gifts for little dudes.

LA Nickers said...

This is a cool craft! Featuring this title/link today on A Raft of Crafts: Arts & Parts - http://paper.li/LindaAnnNickers/1326205023 - on PaperLi.com

Becka said...

I cannot sew. Would love to purchase one of these...are you selling them?

chris said...

@BeckaHi Becka! I might consider making you a matchbox organizer...but it would have to wait until we're done with our house. Would late July or August be a good time frame for you?

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