Shoe Bags

It has been a while since I have posted anything.  I moved. I'm living in a much smaller home so I needed to get creative storage ideas.  I desperately wanted to use whatever I had in my stash as this home is just temporary.  (It took me a while to unpack some sewing stuff !   Boxes are everywhere ! )

I decided to make some shoe bags to help expand my new closet capacity.  I found Butterick 6869 in my pattern collection dated back to 1996.  I made the shoe bag precisely to the pattern directions.  My execution was perfect!   Then I went to put my shoes in the pockets and discovered only my flip-flops would fit !   The pockets needed to be 1- 2 inches fuller and quite possibly deeper in length.  My shoes are a size '6'.   What happens if you try to insert a size 10 shoe ?   

I used my 'Featherweight' bias binder # 160359 on my Viking Epic 2.  Yes, the short shank attachment fits the machine beautifully.  The results were absolutely perfect!  Couldn't be happier! 

The pattern suggested using metal grommets in the upper hem area.  In the past I didn't have good luck installing those metal rings.  I usually dented/smashed them with that attachment.  Besides,  how do you attach those holes to over-the-door racks?   I bought these metal shelf hook attachments and added metal 'D' rings .  This was definitely easier to attach !    In this photo you can also see a 'rod pocket'.  I inserted a wooden slat.  This helps to keep the bag flat against the wall surface.  The wood slats from window blinds are great for this purpose.  I couldn't find any wood slats in any craft store or home center.  They only carry wood dowel rods or square rods. 

Since the size of these shoe pockets are not working out as expected I added 1 and 1/2 inches to the pocket width for my next shoe bag.  Perhaps Butterick created this shoe bag pattern for childrens shoes. 

I purchased these metal hooks to attach to the wired metal shelving units in the closet. 

In this shoe bag I am using 3/8 inch cotton twill inserted into the 'gill slot' on the side of the #160359 short shank binder.

This is shoe bag number 2.   The pocket width is definitely much larger to accept a shoe with more girth.   I would consider adding to the length as well if you have a longer shoe or a man's shoe. 

And this is 'Stitcher'  my C.F.O.  (chief Fido officer)   

Hello to all of my sewing friends !   I sure miss my regular sewing/teaching routine.  Please feel free to contact me if you want to say hello or ask for help.