Kindle Cover: simple version {Tutorial}

This tutorial is for a Simple Kindle cover that is like an envelope.

First step is to measure your Kindle or tablet. 

Then pick out scraps or a single piece of fabric for the top. I went with scraps for the top and a fatquarter for the back or inside.

I sewed my scraps together into a block that is 10 inches by 20 inches. This gives me plenty of room for shrinking when it is quilted. Plus it is easier to cut a project down then have to add to.

Sandwich your top and backing with a scrap piece of batting.

Quilt as desired. I stippled mine with a white cotton thread.

After its quilted, you are going to cut it down approximately 9 inches by 18 inches.

Bind one 9 inch side. I used a scrap piece of binding from a quilt I made many moons ago.

Fold the bound end up approx 6.5 inches so you can mark where you want your closure to be. I used good old Velcro.


On the bound edge, on the top, I measured 3.5 inches in and centered hook side up. I then sewed it down.



The soft piece of Velcro goes on the inside, unbound edge. It is approx 1 inch from the edge and centered, sew into place.


Fold the bound edge back up onto the inside piece 6.5 inches and sew the sides using a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.



I am using a scrap piece of binding from a quilt I made long time ago. It is strait grain cut at 2 1/2 inches, folded in half. Sew on your binding, starting at the bottom. I folded the binding under about 1/2 an inch to create a tidy bottom edge.



Fold the and press the binding to the oposite side and I hand sewed the binding in place.


I use this cover to keep my kindle safe when traveling. I have a tendency to just throw it in a bag. These are great gifts for Christmas and for using all those scraps!

Soldiers Angels Laundry Bag Tutorial

Here is a simple pillowcase sized drawstring bag tutorial. I am happily posting this for my fellow Soldiers Angels sewing team members.

 

You are going to need at least 30" x WOF (width of fabric) of cotton fabric and a yard of ribbon or cord for the drawstring.

 

I cut my fabric 30" by 40".

Fold down one of the 40" sides by 1/4" and pressed.

Fold the fabric in half, right sides together with the fold at the top edge. Sew across the bottom at 5/8".  On the side seam, mark 2" from the top where the drawstring opening is going to be. Sew the side seam from that 2" mark down to the bottom and press seam open at the top.

Sew across the drawstring opening so you have a nice clean edge.

I finished my seams by using an overlock foot and stitch. You can finish them as you wish, using pinking shears or zigzag stitch, but I would recomend finishing them. I clipped the seam below the opening so I could overlock stitch the rest of the side seam.

Fold down the top 1" and press. This forms the tube for the ribbon/cord.

Stitch across close to the edge so you catch the fold creating a clean seam.

Use a safety pin to thread the ribbon in the casing and you are done. I tied the ends of the ribbon together so the ends would not get sucked back into the casing.

Welcome 2014!

Its sunny and 30 degrees here in northern Nevada. Perfect weather for staying inside and sewing. In the spirit of the New Year, I have just a couple of things that I want to make an effort on doing this year.

1. Eat more fruits and veggies. Pretty simple but here in Nevada the produce is hit or miss. I miss my California produce.

2. Excersise a bit more than last year. Pretty easy since I did not excersise at all last year....

3. Craft more often and blog/Facebook about it.

Judy at Patchwork Times hosts a blog link every Sunday to report your stash. Stash used, stashed purchased, and net stash used. I think my goal is going to be 100 yards net stash used. Here is my report for the first week of 2014.

Week #1
Used this week: 2.17
Used year to date: 2.17
Added this week: 0
Added year to date: 0
Net used: 2.17

I am currently working on a project for a friend who works at a school. I hope to finish it today.