The Maker’s Collection
Solving Small Problems
I love to get a glimpse of a maker's workspace. It's fascinating to see someone else's tools, supplies and creative environment. The set up they've chosen, how it inspires them and affects their workflow.
I've thought alot about my little workspace this year. After a few years sewing, it feels like the first time I've acknowledged myself as a maker...and therefore someone who needs a dedicated workspace. My sewing space is in a small shared corner of our home, but despite its multifunctional status my sewing and embroidery have been taking over! I'm an organised person by nature and having lost our belongings in an oil spill a few years back, I've enjoyed the silver lining of a minimalist home. But despite all of that...in the midst of a project that little sewing corner became its own little chaos. I tried everything but somehow I always ended up going round in circles, trying to find the one tool I needed (hiding under metres of fabric!).
This year I was determined to solve my little chaos. That's one of the beauties of sewing...we solve problems. Yet, how often to we grace ourselves with the reward of our skills. And actually make solutions for ourselves and our making. So one by one, I set about creating solutions...makes to support my making. Little projects that would be simple and quick to make and yet transform the process of making itself. I've been sharing the journey with you in The Maker's Collection.
Making for Yourself
As makers we spend so much time creating for others. But making something purely for ourselves can be a challenge. Sometimes we need a reason.
Sewing something for your own creative space becomes a little gift to yourself and a way of nurturing the work you love to do for others. These are pieces that help organise while still feel beautiful enough to belong in your creative space. And beautiful storage for your tools becomes an invitation to create.
Small Sewing Projects for an Organised Creative Space
These patterns helped me create a little haven in my sewing space, despite its size. From project bags to tool cases and pin cushions, each design is practical, beautiful and made for makers.
The patterns also work alongside companion embroidery patterns from our Wild Irish Flora Collection, and became a space to hold my work inside and outside!
Patterns in the Collection
The Drawstring Bags
The first pattern in the Maker’s Collection is the Drawstring Bags, a simple sewing project that includes 4 sizes for you to make beautiful sustainable gift or storage bags. They are perfect for embroidering, with each size corresponding to a common embroidery hoop size.
Read the Drawstring Bags story
View the Drawstring Bags pattern
The Envelope Case
The Envelope Case is a multipurpose make designed to protect tools between projects. It can be used for storing sketchbooks, sewing patterns, tablets, lightboxes or small laptops and also functions as a beautiful gift wrapping to be used again and again.
Read the Envelope Case story
View the Envelope Case pattern
More patterns will gradually be added to the Maker’s Collection over time.
Companion Embroidery
The sewing patterns in the Maker’s Collection pair beautifully with embroidery designs from other Heather & Co. collections. These companion patterns allow you to combine practical sewing with decorative stitching.
I hope this collection helps you create a small haven in your sewing space. And if you are in a season of making for others, I pray you find some time to create something just for you.
Much love & gratitude,
Lisa xx