Looking for holiday gift ideas that are inexpensive and easy? Crafted from scrap fabrics and leftover trimmings, this is a truly green homemade gift that every girl would love to receive!
You will need:
2 pieces of fabric, measuring 5” x 9-1/2” for outer case
2 pieces for lining
2 pieces of felt for padding
Miscellaneous trimmings for embellishment
That’s all you’ll need! Even if you don’t have leftover fabrics, you can make a case with 1/8 yard of fabric. For an even thriftier gift, check the remnant bin in your fabric store for smaller pieces that are usually half price.
Pin or staystich the felt to the outer fabric pieces. Apply your embellishment to the piece of fabric you will be using for the front. (It’s helpful to go ahead and stitch them on with the felt padding already in place. However, if you are using a thick fabric such as felted wool, you may not need the felt padding.)
Sew lining pieces to front and back at top edge. Press seam toward lining. If desired, understitch to keep the seam in place.
With right sides together, sew along sides and bottom edge of fronts, leaving bottom edge of lining open. Trim corners of bottom fronts, make turning the corner out a bit easier.
You can also trim away a bit of the felt, if you are comfortable cutting close to your stitching.
Turn inside out. Carefully pull out the corners with a pin or your seam ripper. Fold in ¼ inch on bottom lining and stitch closed.
Fold lining to inside of case. You can use a pencil or chopstick to press corners into place. Press, with a little steam, to flatten the seams.
Imagine the possibilities! Here are some of the different embellishments I have used on my eyeglass cases this holiday season
Felted wool cutouts
Vintage buttons
Fabric yo-yos
Crochet flowers and circles
I’ll certainly be having some late nights these next few weeks, finishing handcrafted items to sell, and crafting gifts for loved ones. I hope to have time in the next few weeks to share more of my handmade, creative items. This time of year I always think of the many other artists and crafters also burning the midnight oil, making handmade gems to sell and items to gift. I wish for all to have a prosperous gift season! For the first time, I’m linking in to Kimba’s DIY, with my crafting soul sisters – if you are looking for holiday how-to’s, it’s the place to be! I hope you all pick up some crafty inspirations for yours elfs ….
These are adorable! I just ordered a new sewing machine today, I have an idea of what project I will start working on once it arrives.
Posted by: Heather | November 30, 2009 at 11:46 PM
These are precious and simply adorable! I'm so glad you came over to comment so I found you. Adding you to my blogroll right now!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | December 01, 2009 at 09:38 AM
These are really cute. I don't sew at all, so I can't make them...but, I would love getting one. I'm sure the sewing bloggers here will be taking a lesson.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | December 01, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Sew smart! Love this cute idea!
Posted by: Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage | December 01, 2009 at 10:34 AM
love love love these!! might have to do a couple for my little girl's teacher. you did a great job!
Posted by: stacey | December 01, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Very cute! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Mandy | December 02, 2009 at 11:41 PM
beautiful........like it..
Posted by: sapna | August 11, 2011 at 10:48 PM