Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Tutorial Tuesday - recycled wool tissue cover


I had made some tissue covers for Christmas presents, as some of you may remember. I had made a rectangle, and sewed it up, but I just wasn't happy with how the corners stuck out on those. I set to work, and through trial an error found an easy way to make squared off corners. Here is my tutorial!

First, you want to use a wool that has been felted, but not felted stiff. You want a little stretch, since all pocket packs of tissues are not the same size. They are close enough that they will be fine, as long as you have a smidge of stretch.

Next, make a rectangle pattern that is 7" x 5 1/4". Cut out your rectangle using your pattern. Make one of the shorter sides the hem of the sweater, if you want a nice finished edge.


If you are going to sew on an applique, this is the best time to do it.


Now fold it the way it will be, but inside out, making sure your finished edge is on the inside... I made the mistake of doing the reverse TWICE! Me and my seam ripper are close ;) . You can now sew the sides.


Here comes the corner part. Flatten the corners, sew across them, then snip off the excess fabric, and you will have nice squared corners.



Flip it right side out and voila! You're done!


If you want the corners sticking out for animal/monster ears, just don't sew those corners, like on this one:


I will sell some at the fairs this summer, so i'm making some now, while I still have the time. Can I ask which ones you like best (you can click on the picture to see them bigger)? I want to see which designs I should concentrate more on. I am very proud of my little bird. I made my own template, and surprised myself with how good it turned out. Any suggestions for other designs I should do?

16 comments:

mamawithstars said...

Those are really cute. I like the space ship one, it's great! I also LOVE the heart ones.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

your so creative!

Unknown said...

sweet! I like the monster with teeth and the star.
what, no monster trucks? he,he,he!

Jess to Impress said...

soo cute - i love the one with the heart. these would make great mother of the bride or bridesmaid gifts too!

Jessy Ray

TrishB said...

I love the ones with the birds!

AprilMayAugust said...

I really like all of them! There is something for everyone :)

Anonymous said...

I love these!!! Just went through all my OLD sweaters that have not been worn in years so that I could felt them to make the tissue covers!
My favs are the hearts, monsters, stars. Actually, I think they are all great!!! :)
Amy

Tina said...

I agree with Raven, you are brilliant! I can't wait to give these a try. I like the bird ones the best I think, the fit for any season.

Thanks for another awesome idea!

mamaTAVE said...

Yes, the birdies are nice.
I like the hearts, too.
But, the monsters....
You must make more monsters! I can't think of a kid who would not want one of those in his/her backpack. Seriously. More monsters.

Jean Marie said...

Personally, I like the heart and birds best. Another idea I had was to make a flower shape in one or two layers, and use a button for the center of the flower. A spring and summer look is what I was envisioning. Probably a product of severe spring fever!! :)

Unknown said...

bird
heart in middle
star
evergreen

I really like the bird but I think it would work better slightly smaller. It just looks like it doesn't "fit" right now.

Very nice! Like!

Unknown said...

oh, you should do some recycle symbols too. :)

Tina said...

Well, I made a few of these last night. That are so stinking easy! I cut out the rectangle then let Emma do some needle felting on them. So simple and fun for both of us!

Resweater said...

Thank you all for the fabulous feedback! I really appreciate it! Lots of great ideas!

florigamigirl said...

Hi! I love these, especially that monster! How about a car with button wheels? some random dots? a flower?
I had to add flowers!

NeedlesAndKims said...

Can't pick just one, they're all so cute! My top three are the one with different color circles, the stitched flower and the space ship. Love your creativity!