diy

I’ve got hose (sleeves)!

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Last year I was asked by the Husband to make hose sleeves for CPAP machines for his friends. I did the maths, made the list, and we went to Joann Fabrics (RIP) so that he could selected the fabric. I purchased everything I needed to complete these, including fancy sinching accessories. We got it home and since my brain was in a state of chaos, I put everything in the cabinet and did nothing with it. Fast forward a year, and I was ready to resurrect this project. I wanted to make these for this year’s Christmas gifts. And I wanted to do it before the Husband asked me about it.

The stuff:

  • Fleece fabric- 60 inches wide x 84 inches long
  • Matching thread
  • Remaining fabric for ties

Specifications:

  • 7 hose sleeves
  • 7 1/2 inches wide x 83.5 inches long- 1/2 inch seam allowance
  • 10 inches for the ties

These weren’t difficult to make. It was mostly long seams on the sewing machine. The tedious tasks were having to crawl around the floor in order to cut the strips of fabric and having to hand tack fourteen raw edges. I did quite a bit of troubleshooting about the ties. I bought the fancy cinchers, but decided not to use them. Then I thought I would use double-fold bias tape, but I ended up not having any in my stash. I then spent several hours and $20 on a suede cord, then decided not to go with that either. Basically, I spent entirely too much time deciding on these ties. Ultimately I decided to use the leftover fabric and cut two strips to sew into tubes. I centered the ties at the top and bottom of the tubes and sewed two lines to secure them. I only had an inch and half strip of fabric left which made me very happy.

I am very happy that these are done. I am happy that they are off of my to-do list. I am even happy with how they turned out. I have tried them all on a hose, to ensure that they will fit, and everything is good to go. The Husband is very happy with them and already has his in use. This project gave me a little bit of a boost with sewing. It also made me happy that I could figure the specifications and use up almost all of the fabric. All in all, this project is a success!

Loves,

M

Advent gifts- Christmas 2025

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I’m getting fancy this year. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what to knit for Feebs’s advent calendar. I simply couldn’t find something that I thought she would love. One night, we were baking a cake and she put on her apron. Her apron has her name stitched onto it, and she loves it, but it was bought for her when she was 6. To say she is outgrowing it, is an understatement. So I will make her a new one for 25th day. While searching for a pattern, I also came across the cutest pattern for fabric book marks. I thought this was a really adorable idea for three of the days. These items must be complete by November 28 to give me enough time to put her calendar together. I put it up on the morning of December 1 each year.

Apron-

Pattern: Made Everyday- Easy Apron

Pattern notes: I am only using the pattern template because there are no pattern instructions. I scaled down the print size to 75%. I am choosing to make this double sided and won’t need a facing. I will sew the front and back together and use the bias tape to edge the whole thing and make the ties. I have to figure out the pocket placement and ensure that everything is measured and even before sewing it down. I’ve never sewn patch pockets before, so wish me luck.

Fabric: I bought fabric when we were in Oahu to make her a dress. It is a super cute pink fabric with black kitties on it. When we got home, I bought a black and white polka dot fabric for contrast. I cut out the dress pattern, but never made it. The kitty print will be the main side and the polka dot will be the back. I’m adding polka dot fabric on the front for the pockets. Because I had already cut this fabric for the dress, I will have to attach two halves of the pink fabric so that it is long enough to make the apron. Pattern placement is important on the front because of that seam.

Notions/ accessories:

  • Black and white polka dot double fold bias tape for the edging and ties
  • Pink thread
  • Black thread
  • Fabric for a name tag?

Outstanding questions:

  1. What is the best way to make the neck strap(s)?
  2. Is interfacing necessary anywhere?
  3. Placement of pockets?
  4. Do I want to make a name tag?

Book marks-

Pattern: A Place Between the Trees- Make Your Own Fabric Bookmarks

Fabric: It will be the same as the apron. I will make one polka dot, one kitty, and one with both. I have printed out some heart templates in hopes of making one with two hearts attached with ribbon, and possibly one larger heart. The 3rd will be a standard long rectangle.

Notions/ accessories:

  • Tags with her initials
  • Gromets
  • Ties
  • Black ribbon
  • Black thread
  • Pink thread
  • Interfacing

Outstanding questions:

  1. What is the best way to notch the edges of a heart in order for it lay flat once turned right side out?
  2. Is interfacing necessary?
  3. How to keep the ribbon from fraying over time?
  4. What is the best way to make a fabric tag?

I am not going to lie about being slightly intimidated by these projects. Sewing hasn’t been something that I have had a lot of confidence about. I am also a little surprised that I making an apron with no real pattern. I mean, no, it’s not a super complex thing to make, but I will have to measure and place and problem solve. I really hope that everything comes out as good as what is in my head. I am going to go slow and be careful. I want her to love them and use them. I’m going to make a list of tasks for each project in hopes that it is less overwhelming and keeps me on track. I have to say, I am pretty excited to get started.

Loves,

M