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This project was originally inspired by the large pattern sheets found in the center pages of sewing magazines such as Burda and Neue Mode that are commonly available in Europe. Each sheet is about 33 inches by 22 inches and on each side has a bewildering mixture of red and blue lines that represent the pattern pieces for over 40 different items of clothing and accessories.
Having acquired a few old copies of these magazines that had been put out for recycling it seemed a shame to throw out these wonderful patterns, especially when the design fits perfectly the theme of a SewUseful contest.
On the other hand old maps are also wonderful items to look at. I never tire of 'reading' them!
A further inspiration was a large pile of vinyl offcuts given to me by my daughters' teacher. It's the sort of vinyl used for making the tarpaulins used on trucks and for the huge cushions in children's soft play areas. Vinyl commonly available in fabric stores would be a good alternative although I give alternative material suggestions in the step 'Choosing your materials and styles'.
The files created in this project are a way of using these materials to create a beautiful, useful and very durable item that can be customized for its intended user in a way that no mass-produced item can be.
Having acquired a few old copies of these magazines that had been put out for recycling it seemed a shame to throw out these wonderful patterns, especially when the design fits perfectly the theme of a SewUseful contest.
On the other hand old maps are also wonderful items to look at. I never tire of 'reading' them!
A further inspiration was a large pile of vinyl offcuts given to me by my daughters' teacher. It's the sort of vinyl used for making the tarpaulins used on trucks and for the huge cushions in children's soft play areas. Vinyl commonly available in fabric stores would be a good alternative although I give alternative material suggestions in the step 'Choosing your materials and styles'.
The files created in this project are a way of using these materials to create a beautiful, useful and very durable item that can be customized for its intended user in a way that no mass-produced item can be.
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Signing UpStep 1Choose your materials and styles
The file can be made with a variety of different materials, internal dividers and fasteners. To illustrate this Instructable I created two different items that are slightly different. When giving a detailed list of supplies needed and measurements I give the details of the two items shown in the illustrations so that you can create these exactly. However I also give suggestions for using alternative materials and tips for changing the size.
Materials for the cover.
I have used a number of different materials which are glued together to create a single 'laminated' layer. These are vinyl, iron-on double-sided interfacing, paper and 'sticky-back'- or contact-plastic.
Vinyl
The vinyl I have used is the sort used to make tarpaulins or vinyl floor cushions for children's soft play areas. If you can find a local firm who will let you have their offcuts this is a great way to recycle them. Otherwise vinyl can be purchased in most fabric stores.
Iron-on double-sided interfacing
This is used to glue the vinyl and paper together. The sort that I have used is ironed onto one fabric first, in our case the vinyl, then the backing paper removed and ironed onto the second fabric, or in our case the paper. This is available from most fabric stores.
Paper
The paper is from old maps and sewing magazine patterns. These are large enough to make the cover in one piece. The sewing magazine pattern fitted particularly well with the SewUseful theme.
Other paper ideas would be;- a paper collage to suit the intended use and owner of the file, posters, magazine cuttings, newspapers, wrapping paper, etc.
For a new-born baby how about using a newspaper from the birth date? Then the cover could be made using the front page showing the date and headlines.
'Sticky-back'- or contact-plastic
This is typically sold in stationery stores and used to cover books and paper. Typically it comes in rolls with a waxed-paper backing.
Other materials
The vinyl can be replaced by fabric. As the cover needs to be fairly sturdy the fabric needs to be strengthened with interfacing. Choose an iron-on interfacing and select the thickness so that the cover is reasonably sturdy.
The paper and contact plastic covering can also be replaced by fabric. Decorate the fabric with embroidery, applique etc.
Materials for the internal dividers.
The two items created for this instructable use two different materials for the internal dividers. Decide for yourself which material you will use;-
The sewing pattern organizer uses stiff blue card. Divider 'tabs' have been added to the top edge of the card mimicking the filing tabs commonly available for files. Decide for yourself whether you want to add these or not. The clear plastic for the tabs comes from the 'window' of a pasta box.
The map organizer uses further sections of the map that have been laminated using a laminating machine. Laminating pouches typically come in different thicknesses. The thicker ones are best for this project.
Size of front flap and fastening
The sewing pattern organizer has a front flap that has a width of just over 50% that of the complete file. It is fastened using velcro. The velcro strip that has a sticky back to it is much easier for this project than the sew-in type.
The map organizer uses elastic thread that is threaded through eyelet holes and secured with buttons. For this type of fastening a front flap that extends to the full width of the file is best.
Size of file
This can be changed to suit your own project. First choose the size and number of the internal dividers that you wish to have. This will then determine the size of the cover and of the finished item.
The sewing pattern organizer is based on A4 card. The map organizer is based on A4 laminating pouches.
I have given exact dimensions of the cover and side pieces for the two organizers shown here. However I also explain how I worked out these dimensions so that you can create your own custom size.
Materials for the cover.
I have used a number of different materials which are glued together to create a single 'laminated' layer. These are vinyl, iron-on double-sided interfacing, paper and 'sticky-back'- or contact-plastic.
Vinyl
The vinyl I have used is the sort used to make tarpaulins or vinyl floor cushions for children's soft play areas. If you can find a local firm who will let you have their offcuts this is a great way to recycle them. Otherwise vinyl can be purchased in most fabric stores.
Iron-on double-sided interfacing
This is used to glue the vinyl and paper together. The sort that I have used is ironed onto one fabric first, in our case the vinyl, then the backing paper removed and ironed onto the second fabric, or in our case the paper. This is available from most fabric stores.
Paper
The paper is from old maps and sewing magazine patterns. These are large enough to make the cover in one piece. The sewing magazine pattern fitted particularly well with the SewUseful theme.
Other paper ideas would be;- a paper collage to suit the intended use and owner of the file, posters, magazine cuttings, newspapers, wrapping paper, etc.
For a new-born baby how about using a newspaper from the birth date? Then the cover could be made using the front page showing the date and headlines.
'Sticky-back'- or contact-plastic
This is typically sold in stationery stores and used to cover books and paper. Typically it comes in rolls with a waxed-paper backing.
Other materials
The vinyl can be replaced by fabric. As the cover needs to be fairly sturdy the fabric needs to be strengthened with interfacing. Choose an iron-on interfacing and select the thickness so that the cover is reasonably sturdy.
The paper and contact plastic covering can also be replaced by fabric. Decorate the fabric with embroidery, applique etc.
Materials for the internal dividers.
The two items created for this instructable use two different materials for the internal dividers. Decide for yourself which material you will use;-
The sewing pattern organizer uses stiff blue card. Divider 'tabs' have been added to the top edge of the card mimicking the filing tabs commonly available for files. Decide for yourself whether you want to add these or not. The clear plastic for the tabs comes from the 'window' of a pasta box.
The map organizer uses further sections of the map that have been laminated using a laminating machine. Laminating pouches typically come in different thicknesses. The thicker ones are best for this project.
Size of front flap and fastening
The sewing pattern organizer has a front flap that has a width of just over 50% that of the complete file. It is fastened using velcro. The velcro strip that has a sticky back to it is much easier for this project than the sew-in type.
The map organizer uses elastic thread that is threaded through eyelet holes and secured with buttons. For this type of fastening a front flap that extends to the full width of the file is best.
Size of file
This can be changed to suit your own project. First choose the size and number of the internal dividers that you wish to have. This will then determine the size of the cover and of the finished item.
The sewing pattern organizer is based on A4 card. The map organizer is based on A4 laminating pouches.
I have given exact dimensions of the cover and side pieces for the two organizers shown here. However I also explain how I worked out these dimensions so that you can create your own custom size.
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112
Nov 28, 2011. 12:59 PM
jessyratfink
says:
jessyratfink
says:
This is a fantastic idea.
Reply
Jul 1, 2011. 8:08 PMamerari
says:
PRETTY!!
Reply
Mar 26, 2008. 4:07 PMsassafrass
says:
Very nice! I have some cool maps that I've been wondering what I could use them for (other than navigating) :)
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1
Jul 17, 2007. 5:11 AMcherry6goddess1
says:
I love it! Great pics...I definitely want to try it : )
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