Making Coats for...Everything

It's coat season; around here lately, just about everything has gotten a coat.

If you're looking for a good way to protect your investment in a good pair of sunglasses, the delicate screen on your phone, an e-reader, or a tablet, just go to the local notion shop, find a nice sturdy yet soft piece of material, some thread, and you're ready to start making those coats.

No pattern is needed other than the item to be "coated". It is a good idea to use pinking shears and a sewing machine if possible. If worst comes to worst, some close hand stitching would suffice.

Measure around the item, give yourself plenty of room for seams,  and cut around. Make sure the front sides of the material are facing one another. Stitch together on three sides. While the item is still wrong side out, turn a 1/2-3/4" hem around the open end. Turn the item right side out. Add a couple of snaps to the top hem. You're set!

I've seen "sleeves" for these items sell for as much as $50. or more...ridiculous! You can have one whipped together a just a bit for, depending upon the material and size of the "coat", around three or four dollars.

That savings keeps the cottage running much smoother.

Have a lovely day!

Darning the Sock

No, it's not a castanet; that pretty little wooden egg-shaped item with a handle is a good, old-fashioned darning ball. I discovered one a few years back, and I have decided it's one of the most indispensable items in my sewing arsenal. 

To use, you just simply run the darning ball to the hole in the sock. This will give you a great foundation on which to keep the hole steady as you pick up the yarns to make a nice stitch that will hold, but not have an uncomfortable lump from the seam the sewing creates. Tiny stitches anchored carefully with just a few of the threads of the sock will make it look almost good as new.

So, the next time you're at a flea market or antique store, look for one of these handy-dandy items. You'll be able to darn the sock, not just say "Darn the sock!"