It seems like lately all my time is taken up with things that do not involve a needle and thread. Of course, it is my own fault. I still say yes to too much, and even come up with projects on my own that turn out to be bigger than I thought they’d be. I’ll have more on that later. But the thing that has been an irritant lately is the new table I have next to my chair in the den. It is a lovely antique, but it is different from the previous one that had a sort of lip around the lower shelf to keep things from sliding off. This one doesn’t have that, and my scissors, thread spool or pen keep rolling or sliding off onto the floor. It was driving me nuts. So, I pulled two 10-inch squares and some batting to solve the problem. Actually solved two problems, the second was I needed to put thread into fabric!
Place the fabric right sides together, and on top of the batting.
Sew around the edge, leaving an opening for turning.
Clip the corners to reduce bulk.
Turn right side out, pushing the corners out to a sharp point.
Press well, creating a nice edge and turning under the open edge.
Sew around the edge, enclosing the opening.
Press again.
Fold in half along the diagonal, aligning the edges and corners.
Place the open edge along a straight line on your cutting board. Mark a line at the depth you want the tray to have. Mine is 1-1/2 inches.
Repeat on the opposite corners.
Press again, pressing in a crease.
All done, ready to hold those blasted things that roll away.
You can make these any size you like, any depth you choose.
I like this fabric a lot. I think the next one will be a thread catcher. I’ll make it much deeper so the width will be smaller. I’m not at all sure it will work the way I have planned, but I’ll let you know.
Do you have a favorite quickie project when you just gotta sew?
From My Carolina Home 
This is so pretty and I also love the fabric! Happy Tuesday, Carole!
That’s a perfect quickie! I can’t think of a quickie sewing/quilting project I do, but I like making crumb or string blocks when I want some mindless sewing.
Hi Carole,
Where there is a will, there is a way! A fun little tray that is both functional and very cute! My go-to project is pillowcases. I have made so many that it takes me only about 35 minutes to make one and I know the cutting dimensions by heart! They make great last-minute gifts and are a great stashbusters, too! I have a gift stash of 10 different ones at the ready, just waiting for the right person or occaision to come along!
Great way to start my day! Minus 9 – but sunny and warm inside! And this project looks like a great gift idea! Thanks!
Just thinking about a thread catcher yesterday…would be pretty handy.
Oh, now that is super handy. Small projects can be such a great way to get the needle in thread feeling with the extra bonus of the joy of a finish!
Love the fabrics for this project, hope it solves the issue. I like to sew the bowl cozies; someone is always asking me for them. I usually cut 10 to 15 up and keep them ready for when I want something quick and easy. I also like string blocks from my many strip scraps that seem to multiply. Happy stitching Carole.
I made something like that for my sewing machine table to catch all the clutter that seems to collect there. Sounds like this was perfect for your new table. And such pretty fabric, too! I have always liked making small things – pouches, fabric baskets, and placemat sized quilted mats when I’ve just got to sew.
This is a cutie, Carole! I love the sunflower fabric — so cheery!
Very cute and very handy. Do you sew the entire drawn line, or just tack where they meet at the edge?
I sew the entire line, so there isn’t a spot in the corner for things to disappear.
Thanks!
I love making these trays. However, I have started using Kamsnaps in the corners, so they can be stored, or taken along, flat.
This one won’t travel, but that is a nice idea for the next one.
I too get caught up volunteering. Seems like there are less people raising their hands to take on tasks these days. To keep organizations running smoothly, I feel obliged to do more.
Your tray is a great solution and love the fabric! The fabric says Saugerties, NY which hosted the 1994 Woodstock and has a huge garlic festival annually.
I am thinking about making a wrist pocket with a zipper to keep keys and credit card secure and out of the way when I work out. I’m thinking this would be quick but you never know until you go to do it.
Lovely idea for a catchall tray but I would eliminate the ears and go the loop and button way then it could lie flat when not needed. I know, I know you just wanted a quick little tray!!! 😂🤣
Mary :))
That’s a great idea!
I tried to post on your last post but it wanted a password and I don’t have it with me. I’m going to try another way! I appreciated the update on the cleanup efforts and I laughed at the birds rejecting your new seed!
Very nice solution and useful for other places.Carol
What a fun little project and so practical! I love that you just zipped ahead and made something to make it work for you – perfect. I would be smiling every time I used it and the thread and snips stayed on the table and in their adorable tray!
I made your tray, buttons
Super!