Today’s post was written by Ashley Little, a Web producer for marthastewart.com:
“On Mother’s Day weekend, sewers across the country hosted Singer Sew Very Easy house parties sponsored by Singer and House Party.
I’m always up for a craft party, so I invited 16 friends to my Brooklyn apartment. (Somehow, we all fit in there!) Singer provided a Confidence Stylist 7467S machine and enough fabric for 15 guests to make a rolled-up accessory case. Because there were so many sewers, I also set up my Viking Emerald machine.
My party guests ranged from novice to experienced sewers. Some guests stuck with the accessory case project, while others scoured the stack of scrap fabrics for inspiration. One guest fixed a ripped dress, another transformed a plain gray T-shirt into a cute dress. Guests made headbands, totes, and even handkerchiefs!
1 To make the accessory case, first pin 2 pieces of fabric, right sides together. Sew around the case, leaving a 4″ opening on one side.
2 Clip the corners to make them less bulky.
3 Turn the piece right-side out…
4 …and press it with an iron.
5 Fold 1 edge of the square to form the pockets of the case. Pin in place.
6 Sew straight lines across the fold to form each small pocket. This is a great time to use decorative stitches!
7 Trim all those loose threads!
8 I decided to use my case to store some of my sewing supplies. You also have the option of adding a ribbon for closure.
9 This was Jen’s first time using a sewing machine.
10 Rowena and Jen show off their finished accessory cases.
11 Sara learns to thread the Viking machine.
12 Anne brought this antique Singer sewing toy for everyone to see. The toy was designed for kids to sew alongside their mothers.
13 Jessica brought scrap fabric to share with everyone.
14 Jenn used some of the scraps to make a simple handkerchief.
15 Anne used the scraps to make a personalized Tote Bag.
16 Natalie sewed a cardholder for her Metro card and ID.
17 Jennifer created a floor pillow out of this poppy fabric.
18 I made one of the rolled accessory cases.
19 Jessica sews her accessory case.
20 The group posed for a photo near the end of the party. Creative overload!
Every guest left the party with a finished project and a bag full of goodies from Simplicity, Singer, BurdaStyle, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, and Martha Stewart Crafts.
Just because you missed the party doesn’t mean you can’t make the project! Download Singer’s rolled-up accessory case instructions and follow along with my how-to photos below. You can see more candids from the party on my blog, The Feisty Redhead.”
Thanks, Ashley!
(If you’re interested in the Confidence Stylist machine, scroll to the bottom of the instructions to print a coupon for 10 percent off the machine when you visit participating Jo-Ann Fabrics stores!)