sewing

I’m headed out on a trip this weekend!  Terry and Maggie will be fending for themselves–probably eating pizza while watching a golf tournament.  I finally get to use the overnight bag that I made several weeks ago.  You can check it out here.

So I decided I needed to make an iPad case to match my overnight bag.  Won’t that impress my fellow passengers? Didn’t take long since I have everything I need and had already made it before.  What took long was documenting the steps just in case somebody else would like to make one.  Writing clear instructions is much more difficult than sewing! (Not saying that these are clear instructions.)

So, for those whose eyes roll up into their heads when they see my sewing directions,  here’s a pretty picture of my new lovely iPad case and matching overnight bag.  So pretty.

First you’ll need 2 different fabrics–one for the outer and another for lining.  I used an upholstery weight fabric that would be suitable for pillows from Premier Prints for the outer fabric. The last time I made the case I used denim for the lining but my heavy duty sewing machine could barely get through all the layers, so this time I used muslin for the lining. You will also need fleece and Velcro.

Cut the outer fabric, lining, and fleece 12 1/2 “ wide by 24” long. 

Baste wrong side of outer fabric to fleece, ½” from all edges.  Trim fleece.

With right sides together, stitch lining to outer fabric, leaving about 4” for turning.

Trim corners .

Turn fabric right side out.

Press.

Topstitch ¼” from edge on one of the narrow ends, this will be the top of the interior pocket.

Cut 9 ½” of Velcro

Stitch one side of Velcro,  1” from all edges, on the lining side, opposite end that you just top stitched.

Stitch the other side of the Velcro on the right side of the outer fabric, 3” from the edge that you top stitched.

Turn the topstitch side up 8 ½” for the interior pocket.

Topstitch ½” from all edges, make sure that you catch in the section you left open for turning.

Easy Peasy.

While this gives my iPad a little bit of protection, it’s mostly for pretty.  I wouldn’t drop it and expect the iPad to survive!  That’s just my little disclaimer!

 

For Christmas presents in 2012 I had planned to make a bunch of totes.  I finished most of them but had one bag still cut out after the holidays and waiting to be created!  And even though I really didn’t want to do any more sewing, I hate to start a new project until the previous one is finished. And there are so many things I want to do! So back to the sewing machine.

This bag was different than my typical totes.  (The instructions for my shopping totes are here.)  I first saw this bag on Pinterest and thought it would be fun to make.

I found the pattern for the same bag by Simplicity.  It’s also from StudioCherie but on sale at Joann’s.

This project started out with a strike against it.  It called for batting which I really HATE to sew with–probably why I don’t make quilts. Batting just wants to move around the whole time I’m sewing.

I also had trouble finding “jute webbing” for the handles.  The first place I checked was at Hobby Lobby and the sales lady showed me cotton belting–the same stuff I use for my other totes.  Not wide enough.  I asked at Joann’s and the sales lady had never heard of it so in desparation I went through every aisle and found it the upholstery department. It’s cheap and the handles are very sturdy but it has an ugly red pattern on the back.

I also found the instructions confusing–this pattern is not for a beginning sewer.

After cursing at it many times and breaking a few needles I finally finished it.  And it’s really nice.  And it’s really big!  And I’m keeping it for myself!

I might make it again even though it was difficult, because it turned out really nice.  I love all the pockets and zippers. But I’ll use fleece instead of batting and look for jute webbing that doesn’t have a red pattern.

Now Maggie and I need to plan a trip so we can use our new bag!  On to our next big project!