In the home

Pretty crockery, such as teapots or lidded bowls, that are no longer used can be given a new lease of life as decorative holders for sewing or other craft materials. Here, a china teapot, with illustrations of seasonal blooms, has been used to hold a tape measure in place and other smaller items, such as ribbon and thread. The lid can be made into an effective pin cushion using some coloured fabric, filling and PVA glue, which can be used to store beaded pins safely out of sight until needed. The same technique can also be used on the inside of lidded pots. If old crockery is not to hand, a visit to a charity or antiques shop should yield numerous results, and choices can be made based on the size, style and appearance preferred.