Sunday, July 7, 2013

Easy-Peasy Travel Iron Caddy

At a recent guild meeting, one of the gals happened to bring up the subject of travel iron caddies.  Since she planted the bug in my ear, I've had a compulsion to make one and just a few days ago, found a free pattern on line which seemed to suit my needs to a tee.

 My interest was peaked immediately because I've been doing a lot of sewing at my friend Debra's house (no blog) while she minds her home-based quilt shop over the summer months during our prime tourist season.  I lug my machine and all my supplies with me...including my iron...so my new caddy will come in handy on our sewing days. 

 After a quick trip to my LQS yesterday morning to pick up the two different types of heat resistant fabric that the pattern calls for, I was able to get down to business.  Three hours later, it was all done!

 Funky fabric, huh?  Sooooo out of my comfort zone and I even found it in my stash!

A perfect fit with lots of room to spare.

One of the added bonuses is that it doubles as a pressing cloth when open.  

 How cool is that!

Now I won't have to hang around waiting for my iron to cool off before packing it up and taking it home.  With the double layer of heat resistant lining, it'll be pack-up-and-go!

 Here's the link if you'd like to make one yourself.  

 I did make the following changes which you might want to consider when making yours...

 1. I cut the binding on the bias making it so much easier to apply.
2. I eliminated one of the layers of batting because one of the heat resistant fabrics had a batting kind of fabric already attached to it.
3. I spray basted between the layers to prevent them from shifting when sewing.
4. I used colored wrapped elastics for the closures ..the ones used for gathering hair into pony tails...rather than the plain 1/4" white elastic that the pattern calls for.  Looks sooooo much better.

 Have fun!
Happy stitching!

on

51 comments:

  1. VikiJuly 7, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    i'm wondering where you found the instructions for the iron caddy? the pdf tutorial looks great and i think i will be making one soon! i would love to be able to let the maker know how i go (and to say thanks)

    ReplyDelete
  2. VikiJuly 7, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    and i LOVE the fabrics you used to make yours

    ReplyDelete
  3. NoelaJuly 7, 2013 at 7:00 AM

    Thank you for the link Kaaren as I have wanted to make one of these for quite a while. Yours looks great. Hugs.....

    ReplyDelete
  4. poppiquiltJuly 7, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    Wow, thank you Karen. It's a good idea and useful too.
    Great!
    Lidia

    ReplyDelete
  5. Darlene DJuly 7, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    It looks great Kaaren, I like the idea of using the heat resistant fabric with the batting like backing on it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. DianeJuly 7, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    I love your caddy. I, too, have been wanting to make one of these for a long while. Thanks for sharing the link.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Me and My StitchesJuly 7, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    Love your caddy! I have one like it that someone made for me as a gift, and I absolutely love it! The link to Debra worked for me, and you are right...her quilts are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. moosecraftJuly 7, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    The iron caddy looks wonderful! Love those fabrics even though I usually use earth tones and civil war print in my quilts. I do think the funky brights are well used in accessory projects. The link to your friends quilts worked good for me. She really does have some beautiful offerings!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Abby and StephanieJuly 7, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Spiffy. I don't think any LQS around here carry heat resistant fabric. Wonder if JoAnns does? Thanks for the info.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lynn SJuly 7, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Thank you for the caddy pattern! This is on my to-do list for use in my travel classes

    ReplyDelete
  11. sunnyJuly 7, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Very cute, and practical, too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Needled MomJuly 7, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    That is an awesome iron caddy. I don't often take my iron, but the caddy is so cute and I might have to make one just for fun. lol

    ReplyDelete
  13. JackieJuly 7, 2013 at 10:50 AM

    Love the fabby you chose for your iron caddy. Very nice and TFS the link.
    BTW, how is Safe Harbour coming along?

    Have a wonderful day.

    Jackie :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. KrisJuly 7, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    Very cute and what a great idea if one goes to a lot of retreats and classes!! Thanks for the idea and the tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Donna~~July 7, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    Gosh that's cute! My iron doesn't travel, but might need one anyway--it's so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  16. pauletteJuly 7, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    How sweet is this!!! Thanks for the pattern...and the changes!!
    P

    ReplyDelete
  17. SusannahJuly 7, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    Perfect, Kaaren. Great idea! I likw the fabrics you picked out. They are not my "go to" fabrics but I do like them for other things. (Looks like a Vera Bradley!)

    Susannah

    ReplyDelete
  18. martineJuly 7, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    Thanks for the link. This is very useful.

    ReplyDelete
  19. LorisJuly 7, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Thank you, Kaaren. The iron caddy looks wonderful. I like the tips you suggested.
    Yours friends quilts are beautiful! It sounds like a fun summer sewing along with her :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. SandiJuly 7, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    I've seen a commercial pattern while travelling lately, and they had a sample made up. When I unfolded it I thought it would be easy to figure out and make my own pattern.

    You made it even easier with the link, thanks.

    I think most general fabric shop will have the heat resistant fabrics, I've also seen it at Joann's and Hobby Lobby in the U.S.

    ReplyDelete
  21. LesleyJuly 7, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    Wow! What a great idea. You did an awesome job. isn't it fun to use bright fabrics for a quick project like this? Thanks for the link!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mary-KayJuly 7, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Thanks for the link. I bought an iron tote that somebody recommended on their blog and it's a piece of JUNK! At least I got a refund and they didn't even want the product back. Go figure! Now I can make one that I know won't break and it will be way prettier too! I love your fabric choices. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kindred QuiltsJuly 7, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    So cute! Love the out-of-your-comfort-zone fabric... perfect for this project! Great tips from you as well for those of us who just have to make one! Thanks for the link!

    ReplyDelete
  24. LoriJuly 7, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    I need one NOW! lol Great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Janice SmithJuly 7, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    At a quilting workshop in Tuscany a few years ago, one of the ladies simply slid her hot iron into an oven mitt which she had brought with her, and so that is what I do. It works just fine, but of course, your carrier is much prettier. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownJuly 7, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    This is very useful. I liked very much.
    Thanks for the link.

    ReplyDelete
  27. ZoeJuly 7, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    Excelent idea!!
    Must be nice for a handbag too!!:)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Laura TJuly 7, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Great idea, I was just going to look online for one to make! Thanks for posting and I really like the hints.

    LauraT

    ReplyDelete
  29. SherryJuly 7, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    I love this idea, thanks for sharing the link. I could use this to take my iron with me to Sit and Sews.

    ReplyDelete
  30. MerilynJuly 7, 2013 at 10:04 PM

    This really is such a neat little pattern - I have seen it on-line too somewhere!!! You did a great job with it, and I've taken note of your hints/preferences!! Thanks for sharing your completed caddy, somehow this project calls for fabric that is colourful and bright!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Clara {Clover and Violet}July 7, 2013 at 10:53 PM

    Your travel iron caddy is so cute and so practical! What a perfect idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Quilts And PiecesJuly 8, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    I made one of these a year ago! I LOVE mine!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Janet O.July 8, 2013 at 2:08 AM

    Wow--I would not have guessed you would have that fabric in your stash! LOL
    This is such a clever idea--caddy/ironing pad. Brilliant!
    Thanks for sharing what you learned in the making.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Karin på ÖsäterJuly 8, 2013 at 3:34 AM

    Thanks for a great instruction 8-)

    Karin på Ösäter

    http://karinpaosater.blogg.se/

    ReplyDelete
  35. Alba-màJuly 8, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Es una bossa molt pràctica per la planxa de viatge. Una molt bon idea.
    Bona setmana

    ReplyDelete
  36. SandyJuly 8, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    So darn cute! I have wanted to make one also...thanks for the link and extra tips.

    ReplyDelete
  37. CandaceJuly 8, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    Just perfect, Kaaren! No more waiting in line for the iron when you take a quilt class! And the that great fabric will always identify it as yours!
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  38. GladysJuly 8, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    Kareen,your caddy is so beautiful! Please congratulate your friend Debra, her work is amazing! Beautiful and fantastic! And thank you so much for sharing with us the pattern! I like so much and y try one to me! Have a nice day! A hug!

    ReplyDelete
  39. deb-beeJuly 8, 2013 at 5:31 PM

    Thanks for finding such a nice "Travel Iron Caddy" pattern. Your caddy is so cute, a very happy choice of material. :D

    ReplyDelete
  40. PollyJuly 8, 2013 at 10:02 PM

    Awesome caddy, Kaaren! Thanks for the link! Tell Ollie hello!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. KaHollyJuly 9, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    How perfect is that?? How sweet of you to share the link!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. SandraJuly 9, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Kaaren, that is SO cute. Wouldn't that make a perfect gift for the quilter on your list!
    Is it big enough for a full-size iron or just a travel iron?
    LOVE love that fabric, that would hide it'self very nicely in my stash! Hope you're having a great summer!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Pam in ILJuly 9, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    How clever! I never take my iron anywhere -- well, cuz I never go anywhere, lol, but I would definitely use this if I did. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Karen L.July 9, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    Aren't these caddies great? I made one about a year ago and showed it to my small quilt group and they all wanted one. It's fantastic for taking to a class or another quilter's house for a sew-a-thon. Yours looks wonderful and I like your added change ideas. Thanks for posting them too.

    ReplyDelete
  45. MarieJuly 10, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    I love the caddy, just the perfect need for a quilter! thanks for posting this. have a beautiful day my friend! Hugs,Marie

    ReplyDelete
  46. JanetJuly 10, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    I'm going to bookmark the link, thanks for sharing it. I just need the travel iron first. Love your funky fabrics, you did a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Joan JJune 13, 2014 at 9:09 PM

    Here's a copy of instructions: http://tricountyquilters.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/2/4/3024945/iron_caddytote.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  48. CandaceDecember 16, 2014 at 9:32 PM

    I made one today, and hope to enjoy it very much. Thank you for the info on it.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Helen BowieJanuary 17, 2015 at 4:01 PM

    Thanks Kaaren, wanted one of these for awhile now. So nice of you to share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  50. jude3944January 4, 2016 at 1:03 AM

    THANK YOU I'VE WANTED ONE OF THESE.. SO CUTE.. THANKS AGAIN

    ReplyDelete
  51. UnknownFebruary 20, 2016 at 10:37 PM

    Thank you...I can't wait to try one for myself :-)

    ReplyDelete

I try to reply to all comments and would love to reply to yours, especially if you have a question. However, I can't unless you have your email address visible in your settings.