75. Easy Batik Runner

MATERIALS

Gel Bleach Pen
1/2-millimeter, stainless steel tip
Table Runner: 12" x 42" hemmed cotton canvas; or store bought
Napkins: 16" x 16" hemmed cotton canvas
dressmaker's pencil
template (PDF)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fit a gel bleach pen (available at grocery stores) with a 1/2-millimeter, stainless steel tip.
   
2. hem cotton canvas—natural fibers work best—into 16-inch square napkins and a 12-inch-wide runner; store-bought linens will do.
   
3. Test a discreet area to make sure the fabric reacts well to the bleach. Use a water-soluble dressmaker's pencil to mark a grid on the fabric; where the lines intersect, create a 2-inch square, as pictured.
   
   

   

   
   
   
4. With the bleach pen, draw a freehand flower within each square and add dotted lines between flowers. (Or download the template here.)
   
5. Let the bleach set until the pattern has faded to the desired shade, about 20 minutes.
   
6. To rinse, lay the fabric flat in a shallow pan of cold water; let stand for a few minutes (work in sections for the runner).
   

Resource: Martha Stewart

58. Easy Felt Eyeglass Case

MATERIALS

One piece of felt (or felted fleece)
needle
scissors
thread or embroidery floss
eyeglass case pattern (PDF)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Print out the eyeglass case pattern, making sure not to reduce the size when printing.
   
2. Using the eyeglass case pattern, cut out your piece of felt
   
3. Fold the felt in half, lining up all edges
   
4. blanket stitch the edges, sewing the side and bottom edges together, and leaving the top open:
   
   BLANKET STITCH INSTRUCTIONS:
   
   1. Stitch the thread into the layers of felt so that it can't be seen.
      
   2. Push the needle out of the felt and below the edge of the eyeglass case on the outside.
      
   3. Bring the thread up and around the cut edge to the opposite side and push the needle in.
      
   4. Push the needle straight up toward the top edge and through the middle of the thread.
      
   5. Move the needle over however wide you want your stitches to be and push the needle straight down into the top edge and back out the outside 1/2 inch down. Reapeat steps 3-5 until you have the complete edge stitched in the blanket stitch.
      
      

      

Source: Owning-Alpaca.com

48. Backpack

This is essentially a fabric box with a lid-flap closure & straps. It looks difficult but is deceivingly easy. Even easier, they suggest using an old wool blanket, "for that rustic look."

The PDF'd Pattern and Instructions can be downloaded here.

Source: Clotildes Sewing Savvy