17 November 2006
So, I've been playing around with design ideas -- ideas for the book of patterns I'd like to do. I learned many things from making The Crafter's Companion, and one of the big lessons was to think long and hard before deciding to illustrate the instructions. Using photography has its own problems, but at least they're different problems!
I learn and plan by doing, so I've made a little mini tutorial PDF for one of the simplest projects I've ever come up with: the mouse mat cover. It's SO simple that I don't think it really justifies a step-by-step pattern, but if it inspires people, it's worth it! There's no sewing involved, so it's perfect for those non-sewing fabric hoarders out there (I know you exist!). I think it works best with large-scale prints (like my Kaffe Fassett cover), but don't let me tell you what to do!
Download the PDF by right-clicking here and saving it to your computer.
This is a very cool idea. I agree about the Kaffe Fassett, it is lovely.
I would recommend that someone try out their mouse on the fabric before affixing it to the mouse pad. Some optical mice can be quite finicky about colors. We had one that wouldn't work with an orange mouse pad.
posted by craftydabbler at November 17, 2006 11:36 PM
Great idea ! I was thinking of buying a new mouse pad. Now I'll have to try making it myself. Thank you
posted by Mireille at November 18, 2006 08:39 AM
What a wonderful idea! Thank you so much! I'm covering my mouse pad immediately!
Also: I have been enjoying The Crafter's Companion very much! It's awesome!You did a fabulous job and I can't wait to start some of the projects! You Rock, chick! Thanks, Kim
posted by Kim Sherrod at November 19, 2006 04:04 AM
Ahh! Thank you, thank you. I had lusted after your mouse mat in a post about your desk over at the Snowbooks blog. Now I can have my own. Or one for each day of the week! Or even one for every trip I make to my computer.......Nah!!!
Thank you.
I'd also like to express a great appreciation for the blog over at Snowbooks. It is not only very funny but fascinating and one of my fave reads. For obvious reasons you are unable to leave comments over there but I wanted to tell at least one member of the team how much I enjoy it.
Cherry
posted by Cherry Menlove at November 20, 2006 09:06 AM
That is such of a great idea. It's one of those "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF IT?" ideas. I sit here on my comp and look at this out of date way out of style mouse pad I have and your idea is just what it needs. Thank you for the tutorial!
posted by Angie at March 27, 2007 03:12 AM