I was scrambling for a gift for my little sisters 14th birthday. I wanted to get her something practical but flashy. Something you might find on a vintage Hollywood vanity. Something to remind her of me everyday.
I was thinking a holder for her makeup brushes. Something simple that could be spiced up. I decided to sit down and make her one.
I figured I could use scraps from the numerous nursing covers that I have made. But I really wanted to use orange fabric and knew I hadn't made an orange nursing cover . . . EVER. So I thought perhaps I would have a chance to run to the fabric store and pick up a little something pretty. But as the days went on and my schedule refused to release me even for a moment I decided to go with what I had and I think it turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.
I procrastinated until the day before her birthday party and finally decided to get to work. First I pulled out my own holder or perhaps I will call it a wrap hmmm I'll think about that. . .
Then I scrounged around my scraps and notions to find a few fun items for ideas. I chose a zebra print for the inside because I feel that it fits Banany's inner spirit. However the subdued feminine subtle floral green made total sense for the outside. A fiery red ribbon and perhaps sparkly buttons hmmm maybe green ribbon . . . as Emy would say "We'll see"
Next I measured my roll (I researched it and that's what "they" are calling it)
Both sides you know.
Then a little math to add seam allowance.
Measure the pocketoes, (it's spainglish try to keep up)
and the little flap that keeps your brushes from falling out.
Then I cut out my fabric.
Lay it out, just to be sure I cut everything right.
Now it's time to start on the pocket and flap. Turn the fabric right sides facing and stitch up the sides. No need to go across the long open side, it will be in the seam anyway. And why do extra work that doesn't matter?
Trim your corners to reduce bulk
Iron the seams flat
Still ironing
Ironed fabric makes me giddy.
I like my seams to be nice and tight so I came up with this idea to place a knife in the seam to hold the fabric at its limit while ironing the seam. I don't know if I came up with it but I didn't know it existed before this day.
Iron it.
All ironed out and lookin' good.
Measure for the pockets
I find that drawing them in is the easiest way to get a straight stitch. Perhaps those of you who are more advanced can do it with a few notch marks but not this novice.
Stitch your pockets
I like the green thread as an accent, just a touch of citrus.
All pocket seams sewn. Be sure to do a little reverse stitching on the top and bottom of these since they will get a lot of wear.
Position the flap
Lay the inner and outer fabrics wrong sides facing.
I trimmed the corners but I'm not so sure that was a good move. I ended up with a little fraying when I was done so that's up to you.
Make your first fold and iron
And your second
Now place the ribbon where it belongs, if you are choosing to use a ribbon.
Stitch around and call me happy.
Testing it out with my brushes. Auntie Gus-Gus, or should I be calling her Sister Gus-Gus in this case, bought her new brushes.
Also could be used for crochet hooks.
I had a bit of a dilemma as to how to close it. at first I wanted to use the sparkly button and wrap the ribbon around it but I couldn't get that to stay closed and if I had been thinking I might have just made it a button closure but then I would have missed out on the pop of red on the outside and I think it really needed it. So I ended up doubling the ribbon in the seam and wrapping it around the folded roll. It works nicely but I think I want to play with that a little next time I make one.
Here are a few finished product shots, still with my brushes.
I enjoyed making this and I completed it during the girls nap time. So it is an easy, quick project for a rainy day . . . or to blaze through only hours before you have to leave for a party.
Not that I condone that sort of procrastination.
However, that seems to be my way of giving gifts to this sister I remember the year I started crocheting I tried to make her a coin purse the day before her party. She got a crochet bookmark.
Eh it's from the heart.
And So That's What She Did. . .
