Travel Essentials

On one of my most recent Global Adventures, I noticed my friend Scarlett has a cool insert inside of her suitcase. Essentially, it is a large toiletry organizer that is affixed to the inside flap. Now this was not the first time I had seen it. However, it was the first time I thought to myself "Hmmm, I think I want one of those". I asked her what brand of suitcase she had, but much to my disappointment it had been discontinued. Not only that, but she hadn't been able to find anything like it since. Thus why she has held on to the same one for so long. It also helps that Scarlett is super practical in her life choices and needs...unlike some of us. I thought it was impossible that something like this didn't exist somewhere out there in the world. So, I googled...and googled some more. One of my friends even googled too, and nothing. I found similar designs, but nothing quite like that. So, like most things I thought to myself, "Hey, I wonder if I could make one". I may have also told Scarlett that if I could pull it off, I would make her one so she could get a new suitcase. Again, which probably will never happen because she is super practical and doesn't need "All of the things".

To get started I measured the inside of the suitcase where the insert was going to go. The dimensions were 12" x 15.5".

I started by cutting out a template. I used the template to outline my measurements, and decide sizing and space for my pockets. After playing around for awhile, this is what I came up with.

I contemplated quite a bit about how to make the pockets. I debated whether to make full compartments and attach them to a main piece, or create fronts and attach them to another vinyl backing. After much deliberation I went with the second idea. I bought a yard of medium weight vinyl from the craft store.

I started by cutting out a piece of the clear vinyl. I laid it on my cutting board, and marked the cut lines for the pockets. The fact that it was clear made this quite the easy task. 

Once the piece was cut, I added in a zipper. 

Then folded and stitched the corners together. 

I repeated this 2 more times for the other pockets. To put it all together I cut out a large piece of vinyl in the same size as my template, and attached the 3 pockets to the larger piece. I used clothes pins to keep everything together while I worked on the rest of the design.

Next, I moved on to the back. To add a little flair I added a piece of fabric to the backing. I cut out the 2 pieces of fabric in the same size as the template, and a large piece of vinyl.

To the first piece I ironed on fusible interfacing for structure.

To the other piece I added snaps. This would allow me to attach it to the suitcase.

Next I put all of the pieces together. First I attempted to hot glue the vinyl pieces to the base sheet using my template as a guide. However, that didn't work. Apparently hot glue does not stick well to vinyl. I ended up going the laborious route, and did a wide zig-zag stitch by hand to keep them down.

I added the other pieces, and stitched those in place as well.

When I was done I put all 3 main pieces together. I attached the front vinyl pockets, the front facing fabric with interfacing on back, and the back facing piece with the snaps.

I used double fold biased tape to secure the edges. I attached the biased tape, and sewed everything all the way around with my machine.

For the middle pieces, I used tacky glue to adhere the bias tape down. I debated a few techniques, but that seemed the easiest. 

It came out okay. The glue definitely did bleed through a little. Next time I would use a different technique, or look for a glue that was not so wet. This was a tester just for me, so it was okay that it wasn't perfect. 

To complete this project I added the other half of the snaps to the netting in the suitcase. I thought about sewing the entire organizer down, but I thought making it detachable gave me options.

With that...we have 1 detachable suitcase toiletry organizer.

I must say I am really digging it. However, I now realize not only am I a resident of Team Doing Too Much, but I might be the mayor. As I was creating this organizer, I knew it was completely unnecessary.  As if I am ever at a lack of toiletry bags. However, that did not at all stop me from continuing. What can I say? I always like to keep things interesting. I recently got to test it out on a trip I took last month. 

What do you think? I'm actually pretty impressed with myself. This could have gone either way, but it actually worked out quite well. It was nice to be able to see everything at a glance. Also it being detachable came in handy too. It gave me easy access to my toiletries without having to keep the suitcase open. Full truth though, it was not easy to do. Not the hardest project I've ever attempted, but definitely not something I plan on repeating frequently. It was a one time novelty, and I'm going to use it until it falls apart. Or...until my next bright idea 😉

Until then...it's on to the next project. 

Stylist Storage

One day my Stylist, better known as my friend Rachel texts me and says "Hey I'm doing some renovations to the salon, Can you help me out with something?" Then she sends me the following pictures.

She wanted hanging storage to free up counter and floor space. I have seen these around, and contemplated making one a time or two. I just haven't had the need. It didn't seem too bad of a project in the grand scheme of requests I get. Besides, for what she puts up with me as a hair client (Yes, I'm one of those people), I more than owe her.

I started with the base. We discussed the specs, and I measured out exactly the size she wanted. She was quite modest at only 30" wide and 54" tall. You know me, Team Doing Too Much,  I was pleasantly surprised when she wanted something much smaller than what I had envisioned. I pulled out my trusty tape measurer out of my purse and got to sizing. Then trip #1 to Home Depot. I got 3 8" wide boards. It took me awhile to cut them. My Miter saw is a 10" blade, which means with clearance only cuts 6". So, I had to do 2 cuts per piece.

After cutting, I started by painting all of the pieces. 

Then I glued and nailed all of the pieces together. As you can see I had to use quite a few leveling tools to make sure everything was straight. 

After I finished, I decided I needed more support for the door. Home Depot trip #2. I added 1 1/2" pine all the way around the front

I also added 3/4" dowels as guard rails. This way the bottles (or whatever she puts) don't fall forward when she opens the door. 

Base piece done. 

Now to move on to the door. Home Depot trip #3. The door was going to have a mirror. Being that I am a client, the bigger the mirror, the more surface I have for post hair flip and a full performance twirl (Judge me if you want). I decided on a 24" x 48" mirror. Unfortunately that would have to be custom ordered. I just so happened to google mirrors at the size I wanted, and found a mirror that with the frame was that size. The mirror it self was 18" x 42". That was close enough for me, so I bought it.

 For the border I used 6" pine. I lined the pieces up with glue first, and then went back with my nail gun to secure them. 

I added 1/4" moulding to the opening edge to create a a barrier for the mirror to sit in. It also added a little visual interest. I then finished painting both pieces. 

I took both pieces outside and sprayed them with Polyurethane. 

Next, I attached the door. I felt it was better to do this step without the mirror in it. I have yet to master lining up and attaching doors. So, the less weight made it easier. Home Depot trip #4. I bought these 3 1/12" door hinges and a handle.

I lined up and screwed the hinges to the base first. 

Then I propped up the door and lined it up to the base to attach the other sde of the hinges.

With everything in place it was time to to add the mirror. This was done in a few layers. The last thing you want is an unsecured mirror. I removed the door from the base, and laid it on the floor face down. First I added the mirror inside. 

 Then, I added 3/8" pieces around the sides and glue to help keep it in place. Next was some foam board, and then the actual backing piece that came with the mirror. Last I added strips of craft wood, for extra support to hold it all down.

 Then I took it out to the garage, and painted it to match the rest of the door.

Only thing left to do was put it together. I screwed the door back on to the base.  Then I stood back to marvel at my creation. 

To finish it off, I added a handle. Rachel is not too big on flair, so I went with something a more modest but still pretty. 

I also added a magnet to help keep the door stay closed. 

The finished product. 

As you an see I did not add a back. Being that it was going to hang against the wall, I did not think it was necessary. 

And in the salon....

How awesome is that! I have to say while not the most involved project I have ever taken on, it was not easy. Trying to get everything to be level and secure was a challenge. No one wants lopsided furniture. In the end, I'm happy with the outcome. Most importantly Rachel is happy, and that is all that matters. 

It's on to the next project....!