I still have a couple of construction tweaks to do and I want to add a handle to make pulling it out of the cubbie easier and maybe a label pocket for the front, but I'm calling the first prototype for storage boxes for the IKEA Expedit shelves a success. And no spray adhesive necessary. Channeling my inner Peter from Male Pattern Boldness, this one is covered with old bedsheets as a "muslin."
It fits into the cubbie perfectly, which means my measurements and the pattern are good. Whew, pretty good for a first go at it. If the contrast at the top isn't wanted, assembly can be reversed so that the flap is on the inside and in a matching print so it blends to the lining.
But … each bin needs 2 yards of 44" fabric, which means if you have your heart set on a particular print and it's not on sale, there's really no savings over just buying something pre-made. Of course, if you do have your heart set on a particular print, you'd also never find it as a pre-made bin. And if you can shop the stash, they're free. Right? ;-) Looks like I'll need to shop the online sales or head to Joann's with coupons since the stash isn't holding a bunch of bin fabric at the moment.
You'd also have to figure in cardboard if you don't have any. But I saved all the boxes these shelves came in and that will be more than enough. (And since I won't have to put all of that into the trash/recycle bin, that's an added bonus.)
This bin can be completely dissembled, which means it can store flat and you can wash the covers if necessary. I don't know if those two qualities will mean anything to me, but since I'm thinking of making a downloadable pattern for these, I thought it might be a plus for someone else.
I think the whole thing, from cutting out fabric and cardboard to sewing seams and pressing seam allowances, took about an hour at the most. I was watching the tube as I was doing this (Deadliest Catch - RIP Phil Harris) so I'm being generous with the time estimate. The total time per box should go down if/when I'm in assembly-line mode because the cutting can be stacked when working on multiples.
Wow, these are really neat boxes. I like that they can be folded up.
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful!!! I want to do something like this with my storage bins!
ReplyDeleteThese rock. I'm always looking for more storage.
ReplyDeleteDebbie- you never cease to amaze me. You are so clever and talented and these boxes are awesome. Man, I may have to try that too.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, these bins are fantastic! I've never made such a thing, but I can see how useful they would be.
ReplyDeleteYou could put different prints on different sides - reversible - summer look and winter look... just sayin. Such talent. So glad you share with us.
ReplyDeleteElaine
It's really pretty! Great use of something that would otherwise be a disposal problem.
ReplyDeleteOh yes please to a pattern. And I LOVE the bed sheet look - very shabby chic.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a pattern too - I've got an Expedit bookcase (the 4x4) connected to a desk surface in our study as a desk and I love having the cubbies. I was just at Ikea the other day and saw they've got their own plastic and fabric folding boxes that fit the cubbies, but making your own with stash fabric is even better, right?
ReplyDeleteI love that print,too. And I'm all for "re-purposing" and keeping land fills as small as possible! That makes it all the more appealing. What a clever set up.
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! I have the pattern to make inside covers for those plastic milk carton cubes, but I haven't put that project to the top yet! And, I too watched the goodbye Capt Phil episode...so sad.
ReplyDeleteNice job, that looks awesome! And thanks for your inspiration, my sewing space is all clean and tidy and reorganizes. No IKEA shelves, but I am headed to Home Depot to figure out the cost of making a hardtop cover for the pool table...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Maybe I can clear out some of the stash to make room to buy more :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great looking box but how many covers will the bedsheet make?
ReplyDeleteLove the storage cube! Looking forward to the tut for it.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks for sharing such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteFabulous fabulous! My friend was talking the other day about trying to make something like this. What a great idea to use a sheet for the mock up. mssewcrazy
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThese are great and what perfect timing. I've been planning to buy this shelving my sewing room I been anxious to see you room when everything's done so I can steal some ideas. Now I have even more to be excited about! Thanks so much for sharing all you do!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE them. I like the muslin fabric too. Not sure I'd want 24 cubes in it though. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, you're not going to make the rest of us less-clever-in-devising-our-own-patterns suffer, by posting a tutuorial at some point, right? ;-) (please}
ReplyDeleteThis one looks really good (not quite as "vintagy" as Mr. MPB's though ;-)
You did a really wonderful job on this! Those are going to look great. :)
ReplyDeleteOh cool! I'd love to see a tutorial. Not promising I'd actually do anything involving organizing, though.
ReplyDeleteThese are really pretty. Don't forget when looking for yardage, you can buy sheets NEW.
ReplyDeleteOh!!!!
ReplyDeletePretty, Pretty, Puuuulllllleeeeaaaaassssse put up a tute/PDF pattern/help on how to create these boxes. I've been looking to do something similiar in dd's room, and have been looking for bins/baskets/??? for something similiar!!!! And now that I see what you're doing with them in your sewing room, I'm thinking that might be a good solution for me also! And I agree you're so talented, and then generous with you knowledge, and I want to thank you for everything you've posted so far.