DIY Sew to Sell Helping Hands Card Holders quick construction method for easy to hold playing cards

[@Meyersci]

Excellent upgrade to the process! I have been wondering about all of the waste thread as I started making these. Thank you for the pricing information as well. I will test-sell these next week and see how well they sell in my market with LOTS of retired people!

[@karenmarshall8354]

Cocoa is too funny. She knew she was busted. I like how you streamed lined the process. They do require a little more time, but for children, the elderly, or someone having issue with their hands it allows them to stay in the game. Thank you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Coco is a very cheeky girl. I'm sure she loves being caught out as much as being naughty. Anything for attention 😀😀

[@jeanettecranstone6877]

Most shocking thing in this video is that you confessed to "taking a nap"! Just don't believe it. Thanks for all your videos. Love your work and your attitude.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, I actually had two naps today. Dogs kept me up half the night😁

[@susanv5684]

I was also surprised at how many of these that I sold at a craft fair yesterday. They caught the attention of many. I received many compliments on how clever I am. I quickly said that I copied the idea from a lovely Australian woman on KZbin. Thanks Christine. You helped me learn that I surely will cover the fair entry fee if I always bring these.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's fabulous Susan. They're a really great seller here too. I hope you enjoy making them more than I do 😂

[@fayehendricksen5689]

Beautiful Cocoa she loves helping you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

She sure does BB 😀

[@mejyoti1]

Christine, I really admire your great work & your videos👍 Thanks a lot for inspiring me. I made lots of face masks in the beginning when Covid first started & there was a shortage. Donated to friends, Family & Hospitals. Now, I started making these playing card holders & soon realized how it helps people with special needs, arthritis & young kids as well. So I started gifting them & it's really rewarding & keeps me motivated. I wish I can sell these for fund raiser. I can't thank you enough 🙏😇

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks so much for sharing. I love that you're donating the card holders😊

[@joane8651]

This is very helpful, may make some for donations to local nursing homes, thank you!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea Joane😀

[@carolynsnyder4446]

Love the tip with not cutting the thread until gathered up. This will help when I make yo yo’s for the bowl/ jug covers I make. Thanks again you give me so much inspiration. Dogs always know when they’re in trouble 😂Love your videos, Thank you 🥰

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Carolyn 😀

[@pathurren4024]

Hi christine. I also make these and i have done the gathering on my machine but i find hand sewing the circle's while watching t v suites me better i cut a quantity of circles and settle down and relax thank u for all your tips and advice love your channel ❤️❤️❤️

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Pat. I've done them on the machine too, and much prefer sitting back with a good movie whilst doing them by hand as well😁

[@girle5584]

Cheeky and smart little thing is Cocoa.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's my girl😅😅

[@karlabraswell6875]

thinking about making some for the adult center in my town as I have a friend living there now. I also donate craft supplies for them to use. I think this would be a great added activity for the elderly. Thank you for all the things you make. I am 68 and handicapped so your things you show are a way to add to my income. I also have samples I can use to keep cost down. Thanks

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea Karla. I have many customers purchasing them for their elderly relatives😀

[@nancyborga3547]

They are so cute. It reminds me of the YoYos my MomMom used to make.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Those things used to be so popular Nancy 😀

[@nancyborga3547]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs my MomMom made my daughter a clown doll out of YoYos sewn together. It was cute.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, that would be so cute 😀

[@jaimiebryan8844]

Cocoa just wants to help you sew. She is very pretty

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

She's so adorable Jaimie. We just love her 💕

[@patriciaclevenstine-ali4714]

Puppy wants one too!

[@conniecopenhaver120]

Thank you Christine for sharing your tutorials & your secrets with us!!! Your products are not only very useful, but they are also so very beautiful & fun!!!😊 ... Perhaps you can try using double-headed rivets for the centers since you're having issues with resourcing buttons locally. Rivets would also be so much quicker to install, thus saving even more precious minutes, and they're a really reasonable purchase cost wise ... Thanks again, we love your products & your big kind & joyful heart!!!💜 also!!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Connie. I'll see if I have some, and give it a go😃

[@haydeeirizarry2641]

I just discovered your channel, great info, thank you so much for sharing, God bless

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Welcome to the channel Haydee😁

[@diannekeen2608]

What a great idea for old dvds & cds. I've been hanging them in fruit trees to keep birds away...doesn't really work that well. I'll be making some for our local retirement village. I won't use the discs from the trees though😉

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Oh, I almost got excited Dianne. I was going to hang them around our deck to keep the Magpies out. 😀

[@mustluvteaching]

Thank you so much Christine! These are awesome tips. I will be using them right away!!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You are so welcome!😀

[@melanienicholson2834]

To funny. Yes, these seem to be faster. I like the heavy weight of the fabric. I'm putting this on my to do list. Thank you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Have fun Melanie 😀

[@bettyjones1974]

I absolutely enjoyed watching your video and I am excited to try my hand at making a couple of these your instructions were very easy to understand TYFS ❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

My pleasure Betty. Thank you😀

[@tammy1190]

these are great, I have saved a pile of cd 's over the years, I was always going to try to make a windchime and never did .... SEW... these may be a future project for me. you do beautiful work! thanks for sharing!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Tammy. I was nearly going to make some mobiles to keep the birds off the deck with them😀

[@pmswatchout]

I’ve made a few of these in the past. I did use the batting and quilting cotton. I made myself a circle template with a small hole in the center to mark the placement for a KAM Snap. Instead of hand sewing the gathering stitch, I zigzag over some #10 crochet cotton using a very wide and long zigzag. Don’t catch the crochet thread with the machine stitching. Install the male snap on one of the fabrics, and the female snap on the other fabric locating the snaps in the center. Then center the CD over the snap and pull the crochet thread to adjust the gathers and tie it off. Snap the two pieces together. Voila!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea. I hadn't thought about running a zigzag stitch for these 😀

[@melindaostergren8115]

Terrific ideas! I can’t do much hand work anymore. I suppose you could glue a decorative button over the snaps to hide them.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Another good idea Melinda 😀

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Or cut out a circle in contrasting fabric with pinked edges to go under the snap to make it decorative.

[@georgycolson9671]

I also put a dab of fabric glue on the threads for extra security! I've made a few of these! lol

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Great idea Georgy 😀

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Finally catching up on your tutorials. This was a good one to start me off and I'll be saving to my Pinterest board - thank you 🤩

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've just finished another 20 this weekend Lesley😁

[@judifisher8703]

Thank you for your update on these, my hands feel better already, I may even be able to manage more that 2 or 3 at a time. I love the imp in Cocoa, reminds me of my cats when I put anything down. lol😄

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Judi. Coco loves to get up to mischief. She's so adorable when she knows she's been naughty 😀

[@kaythom7946]

I do really like these

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Kay. They're such a fun project 😀

[@mable552]

Another great video. Keep the ideas coming. All of us together can help reduce useful items going to the landfill.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Absolutely! Thanks Mable😀

[@pamconsidine9606]

Thank you for the update!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're welcome Pam 😀

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love these cute card holders.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Lucille😀

[@janetsheehan6983]

Again another great video, Coco mustn't like you not giving her the attention when you do your video...she's just letting you know...thanks Christine...

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Janet. She's probably not happy because I haven't put a bed for her in my new room yet 😁

[@giovannacasadio9600]

I have a computer repair shop that keeps the CDS/DVDS for me as I have been making suncatchers with them. I will get more and make these as I also have some appolstry fabric. Thanks 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That is awesome Giovanna 😀

[@ursulagreen8374]

You can also use them to make pin cushion hats with the cds. I've seen a lot of videos of those. Takes some other accessories with decorations. I'm sure just a little ribbon bows would be nice enough though.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea Ursula. Might just have to do that!😀

[@karenchargo8616]

I LOVE you sewing room! It turned out so nice! 🥰

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Karen. I'll do a tour once the lighting is done😊

[@townmama]

Love it

[@denicekeane7119]

Great idea for kids to use!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

They sure are!😀

[@anneheslin9923]

Another wonderful make! 😘🍍👏

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Anne 😀

[@sandyreddan3995]

Just letting you know that when in uganda Africa went to a makers market when I called into I stall I always check out - I immediately noticed a pile of helping hands . After looking around noticed a few more familiar things . She came to show me her latest products (hadn’t visited my daughter since covid). So I asked if she had doggy bag holders she did asked if had expandable bags she did . So I asked her if she had ever watched Christine’s Home Affairs on you tube she said sure have it’s where I get a lot of my ideas. I explained I lived a few hours from her and had been to her shop. I took a photo which wasn’t good as was raining and shop was covered in tarps. I visited your shop about aug or sept gave you r tartan fabric and showed you my stock feed bags . So u are now a international celebrity

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, that's so cool Sandy. I love this story 😀

[@sybillen361]

Christine, it seems that you spread your ideas all over the world. I'm not the only one who enjoys seeing your wonderful instructions. They are so well explained, every step is clearly visible.

[@KeonaChick]

Really great tips and tricks!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks keona 😀

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're welcome Cynthia 😊

[@somebodysgottakeepupwithme16]

Thank you!

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you so much for this video💕

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You are so welcome Elizabeth 😀

[@vikkirountoit497]

Nice improvements on time and materials - and Coco was surely just wondering what cds were inside that one:)

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

She must have been looking for a doggy video 😀

[@vikkirountoit497]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Smart pup!!

[@tina-xp3pk]

I was thinking to cut a circle and sew elastic to fit around, maybe that is easier and Quick if using a mashine

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's an interesting idea Tina. Might be worth a try 🤔 😀

[@tina-xp3pk]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs maybe even try the longest stich on the Sewing mashine and then pull the thread. That Way no hand stitching.

[@meganmills6545]

A tip for when you're doing the first half of the "knot" that cinches the gathered circle of fabric around a DVD: Usually we wind one tail around the other just once. But you can wind it twice, or even three times. Ths makes the first half of the knot much less likely to slacken off and loosen your cinching while you try to do the second half of the knot. It's called a surgeon's knot and wikipedia has a good illustration of it. (The one that fly-fishers call a surgeon's knot is different.)

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks for the tip Megan. I'll look it up now😀

[@hogface2422]

Thanks for the vid. Is really good. Do you think if I don't have thick fabric or batting that two layers of fabric would work?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You could also use old tea towels or hand towels for the padding. I think the DVDs might be a bit rigid for two layers of fabric😁

[@christinec14cop]

😂so cute!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Christine ☺️

[@mejyoti1]

Christine again thanks for all that you do ❤ I do have one question about labels. You sew labels on these? What are best or easy labels for these card holders. Thanks for sharing... 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, the labels are sew on. There's a link in the video description for the label company that I use😁

[@mejyoti1]

Thanks 🤗

[@lorikelly3264]

I recently sold some of these to a teacher with handicapped students, got me thinking so I made the next few with a ribbon on one side for a handle. Anyone with hand problems (for instance arthritis) can just slide their hand in to hold while playing cards and make it easier still.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

What a fabulous idea Lori. Thanks for sharing😀

[@TheJaniebabe]

An idea for using your upholstery fabric, how about sunglasses cases...

[@samjohnson3066]

Where did you get that upholstery fabric from? From question mtrying to figure out a good place to I could maybe find some

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Sam, I have a couple of videos in the free fabric playlist with will be helpful to you. You will often find DVDs or CDs at thrift stores and yard sales.😀

[@narellelemans7176]

Just love your work and teaching. What size button do you use for the card holders ?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Narelle. I use every kind of button I can find in any size, except for shanked buttons 😀

[@narellelemans7176]

Hi Christine, thank you for your reply. Thank you for your teaching. I could listen to you all day. You are a great teacher.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

Have you thought of using a circle attachment on your sewing machine? Use the heavy duty thread, long stitch length, and loosen your tension. You could sew a perfect circle in seconds and save the wear on your hands and wrists.

[@acebaker3623]

If you have a circle attachment, that is. I know I don't have such a beast.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Teresa, I tried these on the machine without much success, but completely forgot to change the tension. Thank you. I'll try this 😀

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Good idea Ace. 😀

[@anbalagan-nb2wu]

Mam all videos very interested and likely but my bags exports is very difficult iwant help me thanks again

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I rarely export bags as postage is very expensive. Perhaps try some markets instead 😀

[@Chez-Lara]

Hmmm- could you use a snap button instead of a sew-on button? I'm thinking, add a drop of heavy duty glue/epoxy [E-6000] to the interior of the snap once you snap it closed together to hold permanently 🤔 The poppers are cheap, multiple colors, multiple sizes, and super fast

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea Lara, and I think it may just work a treat. 😀

[@madelinepinckney9212]

Guilty but too cute to be mad at!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

For sure Madeline 😁

[@acebaker3623]

Very interesting. But how do you get free fabric swatches?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Ace, I have a few suppliers that contact me when they're discarding fabric, but I did do a vvideo with some suggestions a couple of months ago 😀😀

[@reneedicristofaro310]

Can crochet cotton be used in place of topstitch thread?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Renee, if the thread is strong enough it should be fine. You'll soon find out when you give it a good tug😁

[@Imag1na710n]

I've started using a piece of felt the same size as the dvd. I like it better than the wadding. I use a glue stick to attach the felt to the dvd first. Don't think it really matters, just keeps it in place for me. I've sold a few of these, but I don't think I'd ever get $15 each here in the US. I'd like to know what everyone else is charging. I'm about $5 each, but I have to keep my prices low for my town.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Glueing the felt is a great idea Pooky. I used to sell then for $12, but put the price up to $15. There are a few others at around $12 as well. If you're covering your costs and time, and you think it's worth it, that's all that matters 😀

[@melindaostergren8115]

And her $15 isn’t in USD. I don’t know what the conversion rate is just now but you might want to check that out.

[@melindaostergren8115]

$100 USD = $$140+ AUD

[@sewwhat9387]

Hello I’m new to your channel and I saw the book marker instructions and now I can’t find it 😢 I want to make them for my ladies Bible study group.....thank you 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Welcome to my channel. Here's the video you were looking for 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naCrm5drmp5pm9U

[@brindabellabella2354]

Why two strands and how do you get a wide eye needle to take the two strands pls?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You have to pull the thread quite firmly. A crewel needle should have big enough eyes😀

[@conniebentley8967]

Any other tips on where to get used cd's or dvd's?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Connie, you can try yard sales, thrift stores, and maybe even music stores. Check with friends and family as well 😀

[@marievaillant216]

Would you say that denim from used jean pant would be a good product to make these?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Absolutely Marie. I'd put a padding inside as well 😀

[@caroleeh7269]

what are the tags that you have hanging on the card holders? Very nice video

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Carolee, stitched on them are my labels, there's an "Australian Made" tag, and the brown one is my blurb about the production of my products. If you check out the community tab on my channel, you'll be able to see what I've printed on the cards 😀

[@janetthompson3194]

Where do you get your upholsytery samples?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Jane, I have a couple of videos in the "free fabric" playlist that will help you😁

[@suegeedee]

Wouldn't you be able to put that thread on your machine and run a long stitch around to gather?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, you can do that Sue. I did a previous video by machine. I found it easier by hand though 😀

[@KristinTennebekk-f1d]

Do you have a tip to wash these?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Probably by hand with some detergent Kristin. I hadn't actually given it any thought, and it would take some time to dry.😁

[@KristinTennebekk-f1d]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairsThank you Christine ❤️ at one point they need to be cleaned perhaps. Wonder if a washing bag in a gentle cycle works? I will try 😊 and love watching you're videos 🇧🇻

[@robynnbryar1977]

why not use the sewing machine for the gathering Stitches ?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've done a video using the machine for these Robyn. You can do them by hand or machine. The only reason I don't is that it wastes a lot more thread, and doesn't really save that much more time😀

[@robynnbryar1977]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs ok, thank you, I will probably use my sewing machine then. I have a toddler grandchild to make these for.

[@sharonkayknowles6536]

You could use beads or even plastic pearls instead of buttons.!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You sure could Sharon 😀

[@louiselangille2133]

What else can you use instead of CD

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Louise, you can use plastic lids, cardboard, and even check out at thrift stores for cds that they don't want 😀

[@totallyunfettered]

A hot iron removes the stickers and glue off fabric samples.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you. This is what I usually do when I need the whole piece of fabric 😀

[@citygirlfarm]

I just want to mention that not only do these work for older citizens but also for children with little hands.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Absolutely Mary. I sell more for children than I do for adults😁

[@joycecaldwell2097]

Recently found you. Still catching up on your videos. Loving them by the way! Can you tell me what size is your label? Looking to get some hear in the states. And I really like the look of yours! Thank you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Welcome Joyce. I have a link in the description for the labels from wunderlabel 😀

[@kimhall9377]

Use fishing line (gut)

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Great tip Kim. Thank you😀

[@amandareynolds7081]

Sorry if this was touched on, but couldn't the fabric simply be glued to the inside of the CD instead of cinching the fabric with thread? Maybe E600 and use a few clamps to keep it secure until dry before securing it to its mate? I also wonder if I could use my crop-o-dile to secure the center with a grommet. Now I have another project to try.. i need to stay off KZbin 😂

[@georgycolson9671]

I use upholstery thread...which doesn't break

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes, that's quite strong Georgy 😀

[@melindaostergren8115]

Just an FYI: As of 11/28/23 $100 USD = $140.36 AUD.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Good to know Melinca. Thanks 😀

[@suecox2308]

Teach Coco how to play cards!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, she'd eat the cards🤣

[@joyfuljoy5711]

🪡🪡🪡🪡💗💗💗💗

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Joy 😊

[@DonnasWonderland]

Lol oh Christine you sound so disheartened doing these lol 😂

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Haha, you should have seen how deflated I was when I sold four to a customer yesterday Donna. I just thought "oh no, now I have to make more" 😅😅

[@DonnasWonderland]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs lol 😂 oh no 🙈

[@MimiMakesStuff]

These are so easy “in the hoop” on embroidery machine. Toooooo much work to do by hand.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I don't have an embroidery machine Eyleen, but I'm curious to know how you would wrap/gather the fabric? 😀