Mitten clips aren't just for kids!

As I manage a sprawling backyard garden I keep tinkering with how I manage my cutting tools. Over the past few weeks I've switched to using a short clip to keep a tool at my side.

Here I'll show how I modify a conference lanyard to work beautifully in the garden. --the clip pairs well with the garden shelf I recently built to keep tools handy!

Step 1: Materials

Never one to throw away a conference lanyard I have an assortment to choose from... as shown in a photo from mypillowcase backpack.

Thread - i'm using polyester---more durable, for heavier applications, is upholstery
Lanyards - mine look something like these ---easy to grab from conferences or promotional events
Key Rings - key rings are also easy to find from promotions, key rings, bottle openers.

My sewing machine is a vintage singer... I found it years ago at a salvation army. As a rule salvation army's always have a sewing machine for sale for around $20. Best bet is to check over a few months and look for one with a complete set of accessories, bobbins, user manual. They often also have thread included in a drawer. For a new version, here it is on amazon.

--everything shown here can easily be done with a needle & thread

Step 2: Stitching

Sewing Machine

First Stitch - I decided to start and end about 10% away from each side. 2mm or 1/16in
Setting the Stitch - moving in between forward and reverse starts and ends a stitch
Three Passes - moving over the same line a few times is useful. If my sewing machine had a z setting I would have added a slight zag for the second and third.
Finishing - same as the start

Needle & Thread

First Stitch - make a first pass through the material and back... about 2mm or 1/16". From there tie off the thread with 3 square knots.
Three Passes - Stitch tightly over the length of the line. consider offsetting the line 1mm on the down stroke and back to center on the up. This will give a wider stitch ---I hope that makes sense... does anyone have the proper term?
Finishing - To finish catch a stitch with the needle. Use the needle to tie three knots through the set stitch.

Sorry that my sewing vocabulary is terrible.

My approach to sewing... sewing is the first craft I learned. Before I ever picked up a saw I had learned to operate a sewing machine. The sewing machine is a powerful tool. Just like carpentry a good tailor knows how to create their own tools, understand materials and use templates to be more efficient.

Step 3: Tools on a Line

Visible tools... for me, keeping tools visible but not cluttered is an easy way to make garden maintenance, household chores and workshop projects seem like less work.

In the process of building out a basement workshop. Figure I'll be spending more time indoors once the MN winter sets in.
Loving the garden shelf - shown here

Hex Wrench - holding a favorite hex tool the dog bone wrench... my go to bike tool
Cutting Tool - the Olfa L1 is gorgeous. I started using it in architecture school but love putting it to use for all crafts and now in the garden ---update. here's a first blog post on the value of an olfa knife for architecture students!

Step 4: Thanks!

Thanks for reading! I hope you've enjoyed as much as I have making 15 instructables this month!!
Follow at jprussack for updates and the complete list!

Garden Shelf - recent upgrade to keep tools handy in the garden
Lightweight Backpack- pack modification to improve a discount pack
'Italian' Cheesecake - favorite low sugar dessert that uses ricotta cheese