tutorial

I was thrilled to discovery that my Manicure Kit Cover tutorial was featured on Sew Mama Sew (SMS) yesterday!  YAY! 

Thanks to all the new visitors that have stopped by and left comments.  It’s great to hear that you will be adding my little project to your holiday gift list.

All month long SMS will be featuring handmade gift ideas and tutorials so if you’re part of a holiday gift exchange or just want some fun ideas be sure to check it out. If you not an avid sewer don’t worry!  There are recipes, printables and lots of giveways! 

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/

Did anyone see this tutorial posted on ohdeedoh today?  What a fantastic idea!  Not sure how I would use it but it could be a fun way to do a gift exchange or school raffle. 

Tutorial can be found over at Artmind 

I recently purchased a manicure kit from my local drugstore and even though it came with an ugly plastic case I decided to make my own.  It turned out to be a really easy project and a great way to use up fabric scraps.  Although it’s a little early to be working on holiday gifts these would make for some super handy stocking stuffers!

Supplies:

Small amount of fabric for front, inside and pocket
Medium to heavy fusible interfacing
Snap kit or velcro for closure

Step 1: Download the manicure kit cover template I created.

Step 2: Cut out fabric using template. Cut 1 front cover, 1 inside cover, 1 interfacing & 1 pocket (on fold)

Step 3: Press interfacing to front fabric piece

Step 4: Fold, press & top stitch pocket piece

Step 5: Pin pocket piece to inside cover piece.

Step 6: Using template pocket guidelines stitch on dotted lines to create dividers and attaching pocket to inside cover.  I used blue water-soluble marker to create guidelines.

Step 8: Pin front to inside cover (right sides together)

Step 9: Sew 1/4 inch seam all way around leaving 1-2 inch gap for which to turn cover inside out

Step 10: Cut around curved edges of fabric to create a smoother corner when pressed

Step 11: Turn work inside out and press

Step 12: Topstitch around outside

Step 11: Add snap closure to front and you’re done.

If you give this a try and find that you have any problems or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

These are my favorite pair of work flats!  As you can see they’ve had a lot of wear.  The outside of the shoes are still in great shape but I thought the inside could use a little pick-me-up.

Here is a simple and quick tutorial of how to update your sole(s)!  This can help rejuvnate an old pair or customize a new pair!

Step 1: Gather your supplies!  All you need are shoes, tracing paper, fabric, cotton batting, scissors and fabric glue.

Step 2: Trace the original shoe insole.  It’s a little worn, I know!

Step 3: Using the tracing paper template, cut out the new fabric and the cotton batting lining with pinking shears.  I think the lining adds a nice thin layer of cushion without making the shoe too tight!

Step 4: Sew the cotton batting to the fabric.  I used a 1/4 of inch seam allowance.

Step 5: Test the new insole to see how it fits.  You may need to trim the fabric around the toe and heel. Once the insole fits perfectly its time to get out the fabric glue.  Use a generous amount of fabric glue to adhere the new insole to the shoe.

That’s all and your done!  It’s not much but I feel like I have a brand new pair of shoes!