Pixie Dust on this Whimsical Wednesday



3 Pocket Fish Extender

 

When planning for a Disney Cruise it is best to read up on all the tips and tricks that you can, but sometimes it is best to just sit back relax and be SURPRISED! As we cruised on DCL for the first time (2012) we were beyond excited and overwhelmed. Now I am one that likes to read and get all of the in's and outs, I have to be prepared for everything. But the one thing that really got my curiosity was the magnets covering the stateroom doors and these hanging pocket things hanging from the stateroom Fish/Seahorse. After asking some of the vacationers approaching there rooms, they informed us that the hanging pocket thingy was referred to as a "Fish Extender" and that you joined secret groups to drop off secret surprises off for the members of your cabin. The door magnets are homemade and are posted to celebrate Birthday's, Anniversaries, Graduations, and overall your love for Disney and the Characters. But we can share those ideas another time.So, after our first cruise I realized that in no way shape or form would we have ever survived the cruise, plus being involved in the Fish Extender Gift Exchange. However, now that we have completed this maiden voyage and I have educated myself a bit more on the gift exchange process, we are ready to jump in and enjoy in the fun.

You one can purchase a "Fish Extender" from many different people on Etsy customized to your wants and needs, but if you are familiar with a sewing machine this is an easy project. The only thing that I wish I had is a embroidery machine to customize it just a bit more for our family. Now we create the 3 pocket "Fish Extender". As I had posted previously, here are the list of materials you will need:

Heavy Duty Sewing Needles

Thread to match your chosen fabrics

2 pkgs. Extra Wide, Double Fold Bias Tape

Background Fabric: 16" x 32"

Pocket Fabric : 11" x 8" ( I prefer to use Fat Quarters)

Interfacing: 1 1/2 yd., Heat and Bond

Dowel Rod

Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun & Glue

Step 1: Cut your 11" x 8" pockets from your secondary material or the Fat Quarters you have chosen, and the 11" x 8" interfacing for your pockets.

Step 2: Measure out your Main material, 16" x 32" and trim down to size. Fold in half and iron so that your material now becomes 8" x 32", repeat with interfacing.

Step3: Iron the interfacing ( make sure to follow proper instructions that are wrapped around the interfacing) to the pocket material and the Main Fabric.

 

Step 4: Cut bias tape to fit the tops of the 3 pockets and bottoms of 2 pockets. Attach the bias tape to the pockets and use pins to keep them in place. (Picture left and top right)

Step 5: You will keep 1 1/2" from the left and the right of material, then find 1/2" and fold over to create a pleat on both the right and left side of the pocket(s). Make sure to Iron to create those nice pleats (as you can see the progression (picture bottom right).



Step 6: Place the pocket, with no bias tape attached to the bottom of the pocket, on the bottom of your Main Fabric. Then place the other 2 pockets evenly spaced above the bottom pocket. Make sure to use pins to secure the pockets to the Main Fabric in order to sew them on properly. Make sure to leave enough room at the top of your main fabric so that you can fold it over, creating an opening for your Dowel Rod so that your "Fish Extender" will have something to hang from.

Step 7: Take your bias tape and find the middle. I suggest doing this so that when you locate the middle of your fabric of your bottom pocket, you can begin attaching the bias tape around your entire project for a nice finish - don't forget to use your pins to secure the bias tape for proper sewing attachment guidance. 

As you can see I have sewn the tops of the pockets together with the bias tape, but NOT to the Main Fabric. The bottoms of the pockets (with the bias tape attached) are then sewn so that they are now fully attached to the Main Fabric. Finally, finishing out the completion of the attachment of the bias tape to the outside if the Main Fabric, so that you have nice, clean, crisp edging.

 

I had 2 Dowel Rods about 14" long in my Craft Closet, I used the hot glue to combine them so that they may hold the "Fish Extender" and the goodies that may be left in the pockets. I then covered the Dowels with a glitter ribbon, and threaded it through the "Fish Extender". I then took 3 pieces of ribbon, to match the fabrics that were used, I attached them with Hot glue in between the Dowel Rods so that they would be secure. I finished off the Dowel ends with the glitter ribbon.

 

I hope this tutorial will help you in the creation of your "Fish Extender" for your next Disney Cruise.  ~ The Little Ms. Crafty Pants