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!