If this project has taught me anything, it is that that sewing is hard. Going into this assignment, I knew that my proficiency level, sewing wise, was at a 1, as I have never done more than sew a button onto some fabric. Therefore, I naturally decided to take on the intermediate level sewing project, making a sunglasses case. Furthermore, rather than following the template exactually as it was given, I decided that I wanted my case to be vertical as opposed to horizontal.
To start this project, I cut a long rectangle with a rounded edge at the top. To measure the dimensions of the fabric, I used the ruler as it offered a guaranteed straight edge. Additionally, I used my glasses to make sure that the spacing was enough, when the offset perimeter was not included. When the first piece of fabric was cut and tailored to my liking, I then cut the second piece of fabric to the exact same size.
Then, following the tutorial provided in the assignment, I began to sew the first piece. I started by marking the path I intended to sew on using chalk. This path line was extremely helpful, as I used a running stitch which I previously struggled to form a straight line with. My initial stiches were a little wonky, but as I continued down the side, they eventually got straighter and more equally spaced. I did the same process for the other side of the black fabric and then the magenta fabric.
After placing the pieces within one-another, I sewed the flap pieces together. Sewing the flap together made it easier to align the pieces, which allowed me to cut off the excess fabric.
On to the stuffing, which is where the problems started. The original template was for a horizontal sunglasses case, and me being ambitious decided that my case would be vertical, which initially caused no issues. However, when attempting to stuff the almost 18-inch piece of foam into my very skinny case, I snapped one side of the magenta fabric. Although, this incident quickly became an almost happy one, as stuffing the foam down the front and up the back of the case became significantly easier when one side was open.
After completely stuffing the case, I re-sewed the side together and then sewed the final open edge together. I then sewed on the snap, but not without an unsuccessful first attempt where I sewed the pieces on the wrong way.
Overall, I am proud of the sunglasses/pencil case I made. Although it is not perfect and has some obvious flaws, like the lopsided flap, it is the first thing I have actually sewn. While I intended to give the case to my mom as she is an avid sunglasses wearer, one of my friends pointed out that I used my own, child sized glasses, for measurements and therefore made a very small case. Seems like it’s glory will have to be reserved for me and me only.
(Clean table pictured below)
Cost Breakdown: Raw Materials * Black Fabric - $0.50 * Magenta Fabric - $0.50 * Black Thread - $1.00 * Magenta Thread - $1.00 * Silver Snap - $2.00 Labor * 4 hours x 5.00/hour = $20.00 Tools * Hand sewing needles - $5.00 * Pins - $3.00 * Scissors - $10.00 Total: $43.00
