How to make a pretty sewing bee box

Keep all your essential sewing supplies to hand with this clever storage idea that is pretty enough to display. A vanity case can find a new life as a sewing box in just a few simple steps – follow this easy guide to creating your own bespoke box.

You will need:

• Vanity case (try eBay for inexpensive options)
• Fabric for the lining (we used Belmont, £65 m, Cabbages & Roses)
• Toy stuffing (£3 for 250g, Hobbycraft)
• Thick card
• Scissors
• Glue

Step one

To create the padded lid, cut a piece of thick card to fit inside the lid of your vanity case. Cut a piece of fabric to the same size and shape, adding 5cm all round.

Step two

Glue a few handfuls of toy stuffing to one side of the thick card you have cut out. Stretch the piece of cut fabric over the top of the toy stuffing and glue neatly to the other side of the thick card – this will sandwich the toy stuffing inside.

Step three

Glue the back of the card to the inside of the lid of the vanity case to create the luxurious padded look you want.

Step four

To create a matching lining for the interior of the vanity case, cut a piece of fabric the size of the interior, adding 5cm all round. Place the fabric inside the vanity case and glue neatly in place – turning the 5cm in at the top to create a smart edge. Alternatively, you could use double-sided tape to hold the lining in place.

Tip: Attach pockets to the lining if you want to keep small sewing items separate.

Get even more inspiring decorating ideas from Country Homes & Interiors.

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