Bride's Rescue Kit

Most of this past week was spent working on my sister's bridal shower gift. I'd seen the idea of a "Brides' Rescue Kit" several places, and decided to make one for Grace. I made Mary Mulari's cosmetic bag from her book "Made for Travel" to contain everything. Once again, I proved that I can't make a Mary Mulari project without altering it in some way. This was my second time making the cosmetic bag. The first time I used a double sided quilted fabric that required me to drastically change the directions. This time I was just going to follow the directions, but ended up making a few changes.

First, I didn't like the way the inner pockets had worn in my original bag. I ended up cutting two pockets, one out of the bag fabric, and one out of the outer pocket fabric. I sewed them into a tube and turned them right side out; the remaining raw edges are hidden when the lining is sewn together. You can sort of see the two-tone pocket in the picture below.

Second, in step 5 there is a typo. It tells you to draw lines 3.5" from each edge of the bags outer fabric. These lines need to be 3" from the edges. Second, after stitching down the pocket sides, stitch two lines across what will be the bottom of the bag. I think I measured out 1-2 inches from the center. This will keep anything you put in the pocket from slipping down to the bottom of the bag. I've had this happen with my original bag, and apart from panicking when you can't find whatever slid down there, it can be rather difficult to get out.

Third, in step six, you sew ribbon and braid together. I didn't do this for either bag. For the first, it was because I was being lazy. For the second, I couldn't find any braid in the right width and color. The bag seems fine without it. Also in step six, instead of meeting the ribbon handle edges as diagrammed, I folded over one end and sewed it over the other raw end.

What's in it? Here's the list! (Most things are trial or travel size)

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Listerine Spray
• Lip Balm
• Germ-x
• Spot Remover(s)
• Emery Board
• Clear Nail Polish
• Tissues
• 1'st Aid Kit
• Sewing Kit
• Nail Kit (clippers, tweezers, etc)
• Wet Wipes & Makeup Removing Wipes
• Mirror
• Hairspray
• Lint Roller
• Baby Powder
• Tums
• Feminine Napkins
• Safety Pins
• Bobby Pins

Some things I wanted to add, but couldn't find and/or ran out of time: Advil, Asprin, etc., mini Static Guard, and hand lotion.

Seatbelt Cushion

I made this a couple of months ago, and finally took some pictures of it! The pattern is from Mary Mulari's Made for Travel book. I had made the cushion once before; this time I thought it would be nice to make one covered with cotton, for the summer months. It turned out pretty well, although a bit on the small side. Easily fixed the next time I make one.

How I did it: I started with two 12" squares, one of fleece, one of cotton. I sewed around 3 edges, leaving the fourth open to turn right side out. The remaining raw edge was serged. Folding it in half, I placed one side of the velcro along the sewn edge. The serged edge of the cotton layer was placed about halfway under the piece of velcro. For some reason, I didn't catch in the fleece layer - possibly to reduce the bulk in the seam. I then placed the other piece of velcro as per the directions in Mary's book.

Mom's Shawl

This was a Christmas gift for Mom. It is the Travel & Television Shawl from Mary Mulari's Accessories With Style, page 50.

As with most of Mary's patterns, I would make a few changes. I would have sewn the cuffs on before the pockets and binding so that the seams could be hidden under the pocket and binding edges. I think that I would also have preferred to turn under the pocket edges or do a decorative stitch, rather than using the binding. Otherwise, it was quick and easy to sew.

Backpack Purse

As I was working on updating my blog today, I realized there are several FO's that I have yet to blog about. First up, this Backpack Purse by Mary Mulari.

This is from Made For Travel, Page 57. There are two changes I would make to the directions. First, as with the Beach Tote, I would serge all pieces before beginning sewing. Second, use a reinforcing stitch on the seams at the top. The fabric is not holding up well at the top. I think sergeing and a good reinforcing stitch would have prevented the problem. Other than that, I'm happy with my new purse. It has nearly eliminated the shoulder soreness caused by regular purses. One other change I made was to make beaded zipper pulls for the front zippers.