My second plastic reducing mini project is a tissue pouch. I don't have an issue with tissues themselves but it is the many bags inside a bag that I decided I couldn't bring myself to buy any more.
A year or so ago I discovered the company Who Gives A Crap who use bamboo or 100% recycled paper in their toilet paper and tissues. Our first delivery lasted a good 8 months so when I had my second delivery I added kitchen roll and tissues. Not only do I feel better for reducing the amount of plastic packaging our household is producing but there are also no harmful chemicals and smellies; they come in funky packaging; 50% of their profits go towards building toilets for those that don't have them (worldwide more people own a mobile than a toilet); no trees are cut down just so they can be flushed down the toilet. They often run free trials, I did this first before I committed, but if you want to place an order and get £5 off you can use this link (I will get £5 off my next order too so everyone is a winner and you can share with your own friends next time).
I have boxes of tissues in a few rooms in the house but they aren't designed for your handbag! So I decided to make a little pouch to put them in that can be folded and carried in my handbag or pocket. After a few trial sizes I came up with the perfect size and made some up for my family for Christmas.
YOU WILL NEED
Fabric
Rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
Sewing machine
KAM snaps and tool
Iron and ironing board
Scissors
Pins
METHOD
1. Cut two pieces of fabric 4" x 12". You only need such a small amount of fabric, it is a great excuse to raid your scrap stash. This is one of my favourite fabrics and you can get it here. I had a small amount left over after using it to make a lampshade. If you have never made a lampshade before, it is very satisfying. I followed The Crafty Lass's tutorial over on The Craft Cotton Company Blog here if you want to give it a go.
2. Pin right sides together and sew all around using 1/2" seam allowance, leave a gap to turn it to the right way. Make sure the gap is in the middle of one of the long edges so it gets top stitched in one of the later stages.
3. Clip your corners and then turn it through the opening you left. Push out the corners with something pointy and press.
4. With it upside down, fold the bottom edge up by 4 1/2". Pin in place.
5. Top stitch each side, back stitch at each end.
6. I have used a KAM snap to close the pouch. I love this gadget and it saves so much time! You can hand sew a traditional snap or add a button and button hole if you prefer or don't own one (yet). Make sure you have lined it up so it fastens evenly.
Now you just need to fold up and insert your tissues. It is as easy as that. I made one for my husband to put in his work bag too. If you give it a go, all The Fabric Squirrel inspired photos I get sent are shared on my YOUR GALLERY page and entered into my Facebook Maker of the Month. For more free tutorials and fabric arrivals, make sure you have subscribed to my mailing list.
