Notebook Pen Holders: I've Wanted to Make These for a Long Time!

 I've wanted to make notebook pen holders for a long time, and this week with frigid temperatures outside and 6 inches of snow on the ground, I tackled the project.

First, I watched a few Youtube videos and took notes.  Then I combined the notes, customizing the end project to fit my vision.

Here's what I did ...

Cut: (These measurements are for an 8-inch notebook.  For a different size notebook, measure the length and substitute it wherever 8 inches are called for in these instructions.)

2 pieces of fabric 2 3/4 inches x 8 inches 

2 pieces of lightweight fusible interfacing 2 3/4 inches x 8 inches

1 contrasting piece of fabric 2 3/4 x 10 inches (For a different size notebook, add 2 inches to the measured length of your notebook.)

1 piece of lightweight fusible interfacing 2 3/4 inches x 10 (For a different size notebook, add 2 inches to the measured length of your notebook.) 

Iron the interfacing on to each piece of fabric, fold the 10-inch piece in half lengthwise and press.  Top stitch 1/8 inch from top of fold on folded piece.

Place pocket on top of one of the 8-inch pieces, aligning the bottom of both pieces of fabric.  If you want compartments, stitch down the middle of the pocket piece.  As you can see, I wanted compartments.  (Do not stitch across the fold again!)

Cut 1 piece of elastic 8 inches long and place it pretty side down on top of pen holder and stitch across both ends of elastic.

Place remaining 8-inch piece of fabric with right sides together on top of piece with pocket.

Stitch 1/4 inch around leaving an opening for turning. I also trimmed the seams to 1/8 inch to reduce bulk in finished product.  Clip corners, turn and press being careful not to let the iron touch the elastic.

I'm so pleased with the way these turned out, as you can see, I made two.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial!  I will be making more, next time for larger notebooks!

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Another Recycle and Repurpose Project: Robe #2

 In the last post, I mentioned that I had been given two robes and shared how I repurposed and recycled one of them.  In this post, I'm going to show you what I did with the second one.

It is also flannel and the pattern made me think of the little house on the prairie style ... so that's what I went with ... I knew I had the perfect pair of boots to go with whatever design I came up with, so I took those boots into consideration as well!

Just like in the last 'robe' I cut it off right under the buttons giving me enough of the rest of the garment to stitch into a skirt.  All I did was make a casing for the elastic, inserted the elastic and stitched closed the opening.

Here's how I styled it.  I knew I wanted to play upon the ruffled 'hem' so went to my closet to see what I had that would create the 'prairie' look I wanted.  This top was the perfect color, soft pink, plus it complimented the style of the skirt.

Next, I pulled out my 'cowgirl' boots and the look was complete! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed recycling the two robes I was given into something I would wear!  I hope seeing what I was able to do will inspire you to take a more serious look at recycling and repurposing what you have and or are given.

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine