HangAbouts Instructions

I've had requests for instructions on how to make these handy HangAbouts... (that's what I decided to call them from all the suggested names) Can't recall who came up with it but thank you and I think it is so apt! I'll do my best to explain as simply and clearly as I can.
Here's the finished article.....with a pocket inside this one.

Here's what you will need to make a HangAbout......

Patterned cotton fabric, contrasting or toning cotton lining, medium weight iron on Vylene interlining. Non slip mesh (I get a roll from the £1 shops) Machinable boning, (I paid 40p a metre for mine). Sand or gravel to weight the pad. I bought children's play sand from a supermarket for a couple of pounds for a big bag so this is clean. Beach or builders sand has too much salt in it which will absorb moisture and become damp.

Cut 3 x 15 cm round shapes, 1 from the patterned fabric, 1 from the lining and 1 from the Vylene.

Cut 3 x rectangles 45 cms x 19 cms, 1 from the patterned fabric, 1 from the lining and one from the Vylene

Iron the Vylene to the patterned fabric then sew up the 19 cm side seam. (NB: If you want an inside pocket sew this in before sewing the side seam)

Iron the Vylene round piece to the patterned one then sandwich together with the lining and zig zag stitch round the edge.

Sew the round base into the bottom edge of the bucket as shown in the photo below.

To give support to the top edge sew the boning to the inside top edge using a zig zag stitch as photos below.

Turn down the lining

Sew bottom edge of lining to round base with a zig zag stitch.

Turn bucket to right side out 

To make the non slip pad. 

First make two straps approx 3 cms x 15 cms when finished. Finish off one end of these straps. These will attach the pad to the bucket and can be patterned or plain to suit your colour scheme.

Cut  a 14cm square of patterned fabric, 1 of lining and i of non slip mesh. 

Lay down the lining square, then the mesh, then the two straps lying across the square with the unfinished ends to the edge of the square, then the patterned fabric FACE DOWN. Machine round 3 sides trapping in the ends of the straps .

Turn right side out as in photo below.

The mesh will be on the bottom side.

Make a rough cotton bag to fit inside the pad and part fill with sand, seaming with a small stitch size so sand does not leak out. Insert this into the pad and stitch up the end. 

Attach the pad via the straps with buttons and Voila! Simples! You've made it!

I've made over a dozen in the last few days over Christmas to keep myself busy and it looks like I'll be making more as so many friends want a HangAbout!. There will be one in my Blog Candy so add a comment if you'd like the chance to win one filled with goodies.

Hope I've explained this clearly enough but if there are any queries please shout and I will try to help.

BLOG CANDY REMINDER!!!

Full details posted Tuesday Dec 21st!