Monday, December 5, 2016

Secret Santa

Shh, it's a secret!

My first attempt at a quilty non-quilt item is less than spectacular.

Travel Iron Tote - needs handles and buttons
The little travel iron tote -- pattern by Sisters' Common Thread -- looks a lot more intimidating than it is.  The instructions are well written, considering it's difficult to describe with words where to put stitching lines in an oversized rectangle. 


A template would have been helpful, but I carefully followed each step, double checking measurements along the way. Voila!  The amazing thing is the stitching lines really make the thing fold like it's supposed to!

So why do I think it less than spectacular?  First, the only elastic I have on hand is pure white so I tried both coffee and tea dying it.

Attempting tea dye
Apparently polyester and rubber don't absorb dye, but I did take a little of the whiteness out.


Could I find my button box when I need it?  NO. So a stop for buttons will be on today's agenda. 

The main reason for my disappointment, however, is the iron I purchased to go in the tote is too big!


I don't have to include the iron in the gift, but I thought it would be a nice touch.  I plan to attempt making a bigger one this week at retreat.  Stay tuned.

And now I'm off to three days of sewing with some really great friends.  Have a great week, Y'all!



9 comments:

  1. Can you reuse any of the too-small project in the second version? Sewing with friends will compensate for the frustration. Don't go overboard on buttons!

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  3. Enjoy your retreat, and happy button-shopping!

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  4. Safe travels and have fun at your retreat. Great secret Santa gift!

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  5. Oh my! I have one of those and my travel iron fits in perfectly. It was a gift and I was thrilled, so I'm sure your friend will love hers. Enjoy your retreat!!!

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  6. That is a very nice Secret Santa gift for your friend. Maybe she will have a small iron that will fit perfectly. Have a fun time at retreat. I'm sure you will get lots done.

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  7. Another option might be to take back the big iron and get a smaller one that fits. That way you wouldn't have to make another tote. Have fun at your retreat!

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  8. Fun pattern, sorry you couldn't match up the iron with the tote. Enjoy the retreat.

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