When I was still doing a lot of needlework, one of the things I checked at the thrift store was pillow shams. They often had interesting materials or trim. I had six of them that I moved with me, planning to make pouches to protect fabric books.
So when I needed a bag for my yoga mat, I thought a pillow sham was the perfect size. All I would have to do is make one long seam, but it looks so naked. I did have a lot of lace and maybe I can sew a little onto it. And, lo and behold, I found that by using my left thumb to keep track of the edge of the lace and the spacing of the stitches, I was able to do it . The stitching was a little wonky but it was secure. At first I kept going to my big magnifying lamp to see how bad the stitches were; but after three or four times of checking, I decided what the heck, I didn't really care what they looked like. I just had fun doing it.
Then I decided I wanted a pocket for my phone. I tried to do it with the sewing machine on slow speed, but I made a horrible mess of it . Then I tried holding the pocket with my left hand and just turning the sewing machine wheel with my right hand and doing it one stitch at a time. I was able to attach the pocket. So I added another pocket with lace. I just gathered up the bottom, and now just love it.
This got my creative juices going and I couldn't wait to try something with another one of the pillow shams.
I have a feeling this is going to open up something that will be lots of fun this winter. How many things can I do with pillow shams? The nice thing about them is they are finished and lined and ready to be embellished.
Stitch in, stitch out, stitch in, stitch out.
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2 comments:
Welcome Back! After all these many, long months of checking your blog, you have reappeared with a clever & useful project. Yay & thank you! Unfortunately, I am “sewing challenged “. May I ask you to clarify your “yoga mat tote” instructions? (Or is a mini-tute in our mutual future?) Did you overlap your long seam? My machine is ancient—it only sews backward & forward—so I’m not sure it will handle an overlapped seam or double layer of fabric. Perhaps you removed the back of the sham? When you “gathered” the bottom, did you create a pocket & install cording, like making the ends of a cover for a neckroll pillow? Any advice on sourcing & attaching the strap? I’d like to make one but I’m concerned I will crash & burn. 😬 Further details would be helpful if you have time!
Yoga tote looks wonderful! You even put a strap on it. So glad you were able to sew again no matter what the stitches look like. I'm sure the sewing police won't be inspecting. Congrats!
Sass Barton
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