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Sewing Classes For All Levels – Join Us

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Sewing supplies lying on a bright blue picnic table

Sewing may feel like the perfect winter activity, but a variety of exciting projects can easily keep you busy when the extreme heat arrives. Summer vibes call for lightweight fabric, vibrant colors, and bold sewing patterns. Not sure where to start? Add these top sewing projects to your summer to-do list:

Sunglasses Case

Sunglasses are essential on bright days, especially in Arizona. With all the wear and tear they receive, it is important to have a safe place to keep them when you head indoors. This project allows you to use leftover fabric scraps to punch up what might otherwise be a boring storage solution.

  • Cut selected fabric into four rectangles, measuring 7.5 X 4.5 inches.
  • Pair off the rectangles. There should be two groups of two featuring inner fabric and contrasting outer fabric.
  • Sew around the outer edges of each rectangular pair — but leave one of the short ends open.
  • Turn the inner fabric rectangle inside out and stuff into the outer fabric rectangle.
  • Match the top edges of each rectangle and sew around, leaving a small opening. Be sure only to sew through two layers at a time.
  • You can add a drawstring or a ribbon if desired to secure your sunglasses.

Couple smiles on a picnic blanket

Picnic Blanket

Few summer activities are quite as charming or enjoyable as a classic blanket-based picnic. Once you’ve completed this project, you’ll have a beautiful blanket on hand for impromptu picnic adventures.

  • Select two colorful tablecloths of approximately the same size — one cotton and one waterproof vinyl.
  • Place the cotton tablecloth over the vinyl tablecloth.
  • Pin the fabric of both tablecloths together at the edges.
  • Use quarter-inch stitches to sew along the edges.
  • Continue with quarter-inch stitches as you sew bias tape along the edges.
  • Up the ante by adding a velcro strap or ribbon to keep the blanket folded when your picnic is over.

Sewing supplies sitting on a pink background

Clothespin Bag

Ditch the dryer and hang your clothes on the line. This gentle method protects both your clothing and the planet — and it’s deeply nostalgic. This cute bag makes the process easier by keeping your clothespins in one place.

  • Choose contrasting swatches of fabric to add a pop of color.
  • Measure fabric pieces two inches wider and twice as high as the hanger on which you intend to place the bag.
  • Pin your chosen pattern to the fabric. Fold in half lengthwise before cutting around the pattern.
  • Pin the outside and liner pieces together along the edges.
  • Sew around the entire shape but make sure to leave a four-inch opening.
  • Use a top stitch on the curved seam.
  • Finish by sliding on the hanger and filing the bag with clothespins.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, an afternoon at the beach or a day full of chores, the personalized accessories described above can add instant color and whimsy to your day. Challenge yourself with a new summer sewing project — you’ll love the result.

Ready to level up your projects? Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum schedules a variety of basic sewing classes to help you develop key skills. Equipment is also critical; we offer new products and sewing machine repair services. Reach out today to learn more.

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