Finally summer has arrived, I think. A little late but much appreciated! The french doors are flung open to make the most of the breeze skimming the tops of the paddocks.
Until the door slams.
On my journey of self sufficiency and living lite, I decided to dust off my sewing machine, upcycle some unwanted fabrics and make some door stops.
Costing nothing but my time, I recycled hessian, reused stuffing from faded and disused cushion, salvaged unused kitty litter from an old bag in the garage and reacquainted myself with the contents of my wicker sewing basket.
Having tools helps, just like any job. I acquired my sewing machine several years ago for small change. I have saved hundreds of dollars with it, if not more – taking up curtains, whipping up fabric place mats, sewing bags, making garden bunting from old tea towels, and more recently creating fabric door stops.
Note to self: birthday present ideas to include — cotton of assorted colours, bobbin reels, fabric remnants. Salvaged buttons, working zips, fun patches.
Here’s how to make your own Door Stops
Create a template. I used cardboard as it is hardy and can be pinned and repinned many times without ripping. I cut four 12cm x 18cm patches (for the top, base and narrow sides) and two 18cm square patches for the main sides.
Bind the edges. Do this the best you can to stop fraying. If you don’t have an overlocker (as many of us don’t) several lines of zig-zag right on the edge will help nicely. I did this twice.
Sew each narrow edge together into a T format. Pin it first so that all seams face out. Follow the pattern below then you will see it start to form an inside-out bag. Then pin those edges together and sew like a maniac.
Turn it inside out. Leaving just one short side open, turn the ‘bag’ inside out (which means all the seams are hidden inside, so theoretically ‘right side out’). Pinch out some stuffing from an old cushion, duvet or soft toy and fill approx 1/3 full with stuffing.
Add the weight. Door jams need to have some weight to keep the door open so choose your poison (uncooked rice, sand, pebbles, unused kitty litter). Poke a small plastic bag through the hole so the opening is accessible through the small gap in the top of the fabric bag. Using a funnel or spoon, gently fill the plastic inner with 6 cups ‘weight’. Tie a double knot in the top of the bag to secure its contents and tuck it out of sight.
Continue to fill the rest of the fabric bag with more stuffing until it is full and soft. Tuck the hems inside to form a neat edge and pin close. Blind stitch the bag closed.
Decorate how you wish! As I’d used hessian as a fabric I thought a bold open stitch could look raw and natural so I hand-stitched all edges, then attached a crocheted flower I made a while back.
It worked a treat!
I’ve subsequently whipped up two more using old curtain fabric (no fancy stitching, no adornments) for other rooms. I’m getting quite the hang of this. Watch out rellies. Guess what you’re getting for Christmas! I jest (maybe).
