Sew Fun

I worked on my first sewing project since the initial mini-pillow case and I have to say, it came out pretty well.  Of course there are mistakes here and there, but overall, I must say I am pleased.  The project I chose is from a book called One Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins.  This book is wonderful! It has a multitude of beginner sewing projects that use only a yard of fabric (plus some other things like thread and elastic). 

As I said, my first project was a sewing machine cover that taught me a few new techniques.  I learned how to sew a single hem as well as how to customize corners.  I’ll post pictures and a mini tutorial below.  Enjoy!

Step 1:  Cut your fabric.  You will need two pieces for the cover, I measured mine to be 15” tall and 25” wide.  You will also need to cut two pieces for the pocket.  I cut mine to be 10” tall and 15” wide.

Step 2:  Make your pocket.  After ironing the fabric, I placed the two pocket pieces with the right side of the material facing each other then stitched along all four sides, leaving a 3” space unstitched on one of the long sides. 

Flip the pocket right side out and edge stitch along the entire pocket. 

Next, stitch the pocket to the right side of one of the cover pieces.  You want the pocket to be 1.5” from the bottom of the cover and centered evenly in the middle.  

Sew the pocket leaving the top part open to be used as a pocket.

Step 3:  Make the cover.  Iron down the bottom edge of the fabric then sew to create a pretty hem.  

Face the two cover pieces right side in and sew along the edges, leaving the bottom open.

I measured from the seam 3” in on the top of the cover, creating a square.  Do this on each side. 

Cut out the square and pinch the top and side stitches together. 

Pin down this small edge and sew it together.

Now, flip your sewing cover right side out and enjoy your success!

SEW WHAT?

My Husband, Matt, got a sewing machine for me for Christmas.  I must say, I was entirely overjoyed!  I sat and stared at it for a couple of days before I was able to do anything with it, but once the stores were open again, there  I was, ready to purchase all I needed to sew something wonderful.  As my life normally goes, I had one heck of a time getting the machine to work, but with the guidance of Matt, we figured it out.  Then, I had to decide on a first project.  It had to be simple.  I looked around our apartment for inspiration when it hit me.  I wanted to change the pillowcase on a tiny pillow my little sister got me for my birthday a few years ago.  A rectangle was a simple shape and although I did not have a pattern, I figured I’d be able to figure it out without one.  I ironed my fabric so it would be nice and flat, and I began to sew.  My finished project was better than even I thought it would be.  If I do a project again in the near future, I will be sure to document the entire process.