From pillow sham to yoga tote

 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.