A Clever Cork Canister by Karen

Sewist’s Name: Karen Janssen from Wisconsin

Type of Project: Cork Canister Cover

Designer: Karen Janssen

Featured Date: 12-28-22

Hello, my name is Karen Janssen from Wisconsin.  I have been sewing since I was 11 years old.  I was originally inspired to take up sewing when my older sister was enrolled in a high school home economics course.  We made simple A-line dresses made of  pink fabric with white polka dots.  That tells you how old we are.

I am submitting a picture of a project that I designed.  I got tired of looking at the canister of disinfectant wipes sitting on my counter top, so I decided to do something about it.  

I constructed a canister made from cork.  I machine embroidered a design on the front and edges along the bottom and top.  I used my embroidery software to construct the lid using the applique technique.  I hand-sewed the sides together to make the tube.   The lid is attached using grommets and chains.  I inserted a charm on the front to hold this lid in place.  

Machine embroidery on cork was fun and simple. It is an exciting and ideal medium to work with. Any design can be used to decorate the front. Hand painting or hand embroidery would work too.   Only 15×10 inches of cork is needed for the large 75-count wipes container.

Now my disinfectant wipes canister is hidden behind art.  I hope this inspires others to work with cork!