How many hours do we spend doing laundry, taking care of our families clothing looking at boring packaging of our various laundry products? (I hear a very loud groan in the background) I say it's time to pretty things up a bit and make laundry more fun and convenient at the same time by adding this little fabric dryer sheet holder.
Can I get a little too excited about these little projects....yes. Do I think I have plenty of company....yes. So I put together a little tut for y'all if you want to give this a try. I am by no means a pro sewer, so feel free to add your own touches here and there as you like.
These are a few of the items needed to get started with. I think picking out the fabric is the hardest part for me, there are so many options. Of course I changed the fabric after the first picture, and changed the ribbon well into the project.
Cut two pieces of fabric 9" x 11 3/4". One side will be seen inside and can be contrasting or both the same pattern.
At this stage, you can lay out your ribbon before putting right sides together so they can be sewn in.
Also cut 2 pieces of interfacing (or cardboard) 7" x 2" and 2 pieces at 4" x 2". Then cut one piece 7" x 4 1/4".
Then find an object that is round such as a lid or plate and use it to make a rounded edge on the fabric pieces at all four edges. You can use a pencil to mark and make you cut.
Then put both side right sides together and sew a 1/4" seam all around, leaving a 2" or 3" gap on one side.
After turning inside out, lightly press with an iron to give straight edges. Fold in unfinished edge first.
Then use the opening to insert your pieces of cardboard or interfacing. Line them up and push as close as you can to the edges. If you choose interfacing, you can use an iron to adhere at this step. After ironing, I made a finishing stitch all around which closed the open spot left on the side.
Then use a fabric pencil or chalk to drawn where the edges are. This will be you sewing line. Take your piece to your machine and sew down those lines. At this point I realized my ribbons were not at the correct location and snipped them off. Your ribbon should be sewn where the lines go to the edge of the fabric.
Then pull your ribbon and tie in a bow at all four sides. I decided to attach strips of fabric for my ties with unfinished edges. I like the look of a fuller bow.
And here is the before and after shot. I think we all love Bounce and other great dryer sheets out there, but the flimsy packaging...not so much.
The added benefit is the ease in reaching your dryer sheets and not fussing with the lid of the box, and it adds that fabulous smell to your whole laundry area. Some of us have rooms, some closets and some a corner of a bathroom. Well, they will all look more fabulous!
And if your curious, the picture at the top includes my big ball jar of homemade laundry soap. I have my recipe here. There are other great recipes out there as well that I've seen. Its a great way to save money on laundry and something you might want to consider trying as well.
Have fun and please let me know if you like these kind of ideas. Hugs....
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