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.

Latest obsession.... Crochet

When I was a little girl, my Yaya (Great Grandmother Mable, who didn't speak English, only Greek) taught me how to crochet. I recently began using some of that yarn I have been stashing away for some evening crocheting. I usually have to be doing something with my hands when I am watching TV. There are so many great free patterns and websites. Some of my favorites are Ravelry, Youtube (just search crochet) and for these adorable hats below Stitch11 and RepeatCrafterMe.  

Winter is here!

I'm still alive and we have snow! 

My house is decorated for Christmas inside and out.

I have a large inflatable Doxie in my yard that is now deflated and covered in snow.

I have been working on some crochet projects and soon to be sewing again.

Fire season and a Recipe....

When we moved to the high desert in Nevada, we figured we would be out of the whole fire season that plagues California every year. But the Yosemite fire is proving to be a challenge for us, all the way up in the high desert of Nevada.

This is what I wake up to every morning and what the sunset looks like. Smoke and more smoke. I miss California but I don't miss the California Fire Season. I hear as of today they only have 30% contained which means this is our life for another 3 weeks or so. 

 On a much brighter note, we are going to the Gallino Family reunion this weekend at my parent's ranch. I can't wait to see my family and catch up on life's happenings. 

I tried a new recipe that was posted on Facebook. It was sooo yummy and easy to make so I thought I would share it with you all. California apple season is right around the corner. Enjoy! 

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2/3 cup white sugar...

1/2 cup butter, softened...

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 apple, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated; add vanilla extract.

Combine flour and baking powder together in another bowl; stir into creamed butter mixture. Mix milk into batter until smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Next add half the apples and half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apple mixture into batter.

Pour the remaining batter over apple layer; top with remaining apples and add more brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apples into batter; swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a finger or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.

http://www.luicucina.com/2013/08/apple-cinnamon-white-cake.html

Fall is coming...

I love fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving.... And now I have my very own house to decorate! I like fall decorations that can be used September through November. I try to stay in the country/harvest groove and use a ton of pumpkins, browns and yellow golds. But this year I am going to add some blue in the mix inspired by this display of coolness at the Reno Joann's. I love the little owls.... Now off to find a classic 1-2 block quilt pattern.