Project How-To: Pretty Storage Pockets

Project How-To: Pretty Storage Pockets

gifts for women hanger cover Mother's Day gift ideas Rosina Cassam Stitch Craft Create Gifts 2013

This fabric hanger cover provides plenty of pockets to store accessories.

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday, May 11. If you're looking for a project to sew for a special mother in your life - whether your mom, sister, daughter, aunt or friend - we have a great idea to share. This pretty cover designed by Rosina Cassam for our sister magazine Stitch Craft Create's gift edition transforms an ordinary clothes hanger into a practical storage unit. It takes no time at all to make, and it's a perfect present for ladies of all ages who can use it to keep all their favorite fashion accessories at hand.

What you need: 
• Patterned fabric 
• Plain fabric 
• Coordinating thread 
• Wire hanger 
• Pencil 
• Paper 
• Ruler 
• Scissors 
• Sewing machine 
• Iron

How to create:
NOTE: Seam allowances are 3/8 inch.

1. To make hanger cover pattern, trace around top of wire hanger and lengthen bottom line to about 12 inches. Add a 3/8-inch seam allowance around perimeter. To make pocket pattern, fold over top part of hanger cover pattern and use lower part only (about 8 inches deep).

2. From patterned fabric, cut two main hanger cover pieces and one pocket piece.

3. From plain fabric, use main hanger cover pattern to cut two lining pieces and one pocket piece.

4. Place pocket pieces right sides together and sew along top edge. Turn through to right side and press flat.

5. Place one of main hanger cover pieces right side up on your work surface and lay pocket on top with lining facing down, aligning raw edges along bottom edge. Sew along pocket sides and bottom edge.

6. Measure 5 inches in from sides to mark pocket divisions and machine stitch to make three pockets.

7. Place hanger cover lining on top of pocket with front right sides facing, and machine sew along bottom edge only. Press; fold open along seam edge and press. Repeat with remaining fabric pieces to make hanger cover back.

8. Pin linings to hanger cover pieces and sew around top edges.

9. Place lined back and front together, right sides facing, and sew along top edge, leaving a 2-inch gap. Turn right side out and press flat along seams.

10. Insert hanger through gap.

Shop the Mother's Day Sale in our Martha Pullen Online Store for more great gift ideas!

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia

Homemade Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Homemade Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

gift ideas stitch craft create Stitch Craft Create Gifts 2013

Stitch Craft Create Gifts 2013

With the holidays around the corner, many of us are thinking about what kind of special gifts we can make for our friends and family members this year. Of course, garments, linens and home decor items are always popular and well-received, but there are lots of other creative gifts you can stitch up as well. Our sister magazine, Stitch Craft Create, recently released a special edition devoted entirely to the concept of homemade gift giving. Below, we've shared photos of some of the fabulous projects this issue includes, as well as a list of other small project ideas to jumpstart your planning.

Garter Mug Cozies (left) and Pretty Storage Pocket

Men's Custom Tie

Bath Time Buddies (left) and Modern Stars and Stripes & Square Jack Pillow

Girl's Weekend at the Lake Quilt (left) and Garden Baby Bib

Small project ideas:
• Set of table napkins: Use several fabrics from your stash that play well together. Cut, hem tie with a ribbon and you're done.

• Set of placemats: Same drill as with the napkins. You may want to line the mats to make them more substantial.

• Journal covers: Purchase journals and make fun covers for them.

• iPad/iPod/iPhone padded cases: Pad a case with washable batting and hand-stitch it sashiko-style.

• Pillows: Stamp, paint or stencil a design on canvas, then stitch the fabric into rounds, squares or bolsters.

• Throws: How about denim for the outer layer and a cozy lining of soft flannel?

• Basket: Make an outer cover and/or lining for a purchased basket. If you have time, sewing fabric strips together makes a unique quilted basket.

• Cuff/wristlets: Quick, but oh-so-fashionable. Denim scraps are great for a base.

• Canvas dog chew: Really simple! Cut and sew a bone shape, stuff and stitch. (A small, catnip-filled mouse is just right for a cat.)

• Pet collars: Only fabric scraps required. Embellish with ribbon and rickrack.

• Children's pajama bags: How about a cat's head with a flap in back to hang on the closet door?

• Child's superhero cape: Appliqué a super-sized first initial for the hero!

• Sleep masks: Fill with a restful herb mix.

• Sewing-machine cover: For your friend who hasn't discovered the dangers of dust.

• Chef's apron: Perfect for your grillster.

• Pot holders: Everyone needs more of these.

• Holiday ornaments: Stuff and stitch shapes, adding a ribbon to hang.

For more great gift ideas, be sure to check out Stitch Craft Create Gifts 2013. Inside are tutorials for 50+ homemade gifts. With projects involving sewing, paper, jewelry, yarn and more, this will be your go-to issue to inspire a perfect gift for everyone on your list. 

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia