Soft Needle Case

So, technically this project isn't knitting or crocheting, but it's relevant, I swear. I've designed a soft knitting needle case because I was tired of the one I have not having the features that I wanted. Stuff always fell out, I didn't have enough pockets or the pockets that were there were either too big or too small.

This needle case has enough pockets to store ALL of my double pointed needles (sizes 0 - 11) and ALL of my 9" straight single-point needles (sizes 0 - 14) and it has two zipper pockets, one of which has a clear plastic window so I can easily see what is inside. Added bonus: when you make it yourself, you get to pick out the colors and the prints.

Inside View
This is what the case will look like completely unfolded. The yellow bit at the top is a flap that will fold over to keep the needles from slipping out. I know it looks a bit chaotic, but I am certain that the finished product will look great. (For pictures of the fabric I purchased, scroll to the end of this post). The finished measurements of the unfolded case should be (if all goes according to plan) h:16", w:19".



Outside Design
And, as you probably guessed, this is what it will look like folded into thirds. The flowers are part of a print that I purchased, but the band across the middle will be sewn on. In in the picture I have a button and elastic closure, but I'm considering have the ribbon (green, lacey, pictured below) tie on the side instead.

On the band across the middle, I'm either going to embroider a 'K' (for Kristine! or for knitting. Whichever) or a little hedgehog! I really like hedgehogs; I think they're just adorable, plus they have lots of needles, which makes them an appropriate mascot for a knitter.







This is the fabric I've picked out for the inside of the case. The green fabric and the pink polka dotted print will be the zippered pockets on the left. The pale yellow is trim and the flap at the top. The pink swirls will be the back two pockets for both needles. The large flowers will go on the front pockets for needles. I don't know if that made any sense, but I'll upload a picture when it's done.


And, deductive logic never failing, this is the fabric and ribbon for the outside of the case. And as pleased as I am with my design, I must say that the print on this fabric looks much nicer than the flowers that I drew.

Anyway, what really made me decide to try and make my own needle organizer (with significant help from my mother (thanks Mom!), who actually knows how to use a sewing machine, unlike myself) was seeing the needle organizers made by sarahkincheloe on Etsy.com. I knew I was frustrated with my needle case, but after seeing her cute fabrics and the way she made her organizers I knew that I wanted something like that. You know, something that functioned and still looked pretty? The only thing missing for me was a zipper pocket, but after looking all over the place, I've come to the conclusion that normal people don't want or need zippered pockets in their knitting needle organizers. Regardless, she has some really cute ones up and you should definitely check out her shop. (I especially like THIS print and THIS one!)

Outside (and unrelated...) Viewing & Reading with Hedgehogs:
Hedgehogs love cilantro
Orphaned Hedgehogs Adopt a New Mom
And a book I want to read:
Elegance of the Hedgehog