Wow. Diane continually amazes me. This guide — like all of Diane’s work — is stepped perfectly, explained thoroughly, and illustrated beautifully. I almost had a few questions; but just as I approached the point of confusion, Diane stepped in with either info or reassurance. See the ideally staged photo above? It comes at a point when a mistake would be easy to make and frustrating to correct. The words that accompany the photo: “In this photo, I want you to notice where the seam in the tube is – right behind where we began stitching. That’s important! Make sure you begin stitching in the same spot. I’ll explain why in a moment.” Just-in-time information + reassurance. Instructions just don’t get any better than this.

As for the project itself: It’s practical, giftable, and beautiful. Diane’s stitching technique and color choices produce a plastic canvas project that looks nothing like a fluffy tissue cover.  In fact, I can easily imagine finding something similar in our local fair-trade import shop. The cases are that classy — modern and yet somehow almost ethnic.

Go to Diane’s online home, CraftyPod, for information about ordering the e-booklet.

I turned the PC into a sturdy case for crafty tools. This Hook, Needle, Pencil Case also has the benefit of being covered with weaving rather than needlepoint. So, it doesn’t even look that much like PC.

What’s super-cool is, you can make these bad-boys in whatever length and diameter you need for your own tools. And that weaving pattern can be customized in many ways.

She has published a how-to e-booklet, which is available from The CraftyPod Shop. And I’ve got a copy! I’m planning to play with it this weekend. I’ll let you know what I think next week. In the meantime, feel free to grab a copy yourself for just US $2.95.