Cushion & Keeper

A little while back I made a cover for my sewing machine (purple and green, of course) and typically, I completely forget to use it. Right now it doesn’t make much difference if I do. My machine sits in its own little closet, surrounded by all 1,000 of its closest sewing notion friends. It has its own lighting and chair, and because there is a door on the closet, it is one of the only things in the house to escape the depradations of cat, dog and dust. The Cat does, however, frequently wind around my feet when I’m sewing. Just on principle, you realize, because cats just can’t stand having places in the house they cannot enter.

I’ve now followed up my much-neglected cover with a quilted pad for my machine, a pad which also features convenient pockets for stashing sewing items that I’m constantly misplacing.

Now there is a pocket for bobbins and scissors. And a conveniently matching pincushion. And of course, one of the most frequently used tools of any sewer’s kit – the seam ripper.

Now there is a removable pocket (attached with Velcro) – a place I can stuff the millions of thread-ends and teeny bits of fabric each sewing project produces.

Now my little closet is a lot prettier, eh? I surprised myself by doing a very tidy job with this. I didn’t even lose my patience until the very end!

Details: This sewing machine pad with pockets was based on a free pattern from Butterick (it’s the Machine Organizer in their Free Patterns section – I think my fabric is prettier). I used felt instead of thinner interfacing, and quilted the back. Theirs is an organizer, I wanted to create something of a pad. Plus, you might as well know that ALL the patterns in this particular group of sewing items are going to feature quilted linen.

Other alterations:  I pieced the front pocket from the same fabric I’m making the other elements from.  I also added the velcro and additional pocket for threads.

One more note – this pattern calls for single-fold bias tape, which I used, but wouldn’t use it again. My quilted pad is too thick for the size and type of tape, and although I made it work, there may have been swearing that took place as a consequence.

Next up is some wrangling with my crochet hooks, I think. I made 2 hook rolls, and I may continue experimenting for the “perfect” hook roll, whatever that means!