Tutorials - Earbud Round-up!

Back in the day, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see a teenager walking down the street with a cord hanging from their ears to some kind of musical device. Technology has certainly changed things. Now I’m seeing more and more women and men (my age and older) walking past my house, waiting for a bus, and even strolling through the grocery store with that same cord connected to their ears! 

Now that most people have smartphones they can be listening to everything from music, to podcasts, to audio books. Yesterday I was in WalMart and an older woman, probably in her 70’s was listening to something with her earbuds. I was so tempted to ask her what she was listening to, but I didn’t.

I carry my earbuds in a little zipper case that I made (last tutorial down) in my purse, which keeps them nice and tangle free. Here is a nice little round-up of some very different, fun, and free tutorials to keep your earbuds neat and tidy.  

Here’s a cute one that has been knitted.
http://www.hugsforyourhead.com/2014/09/earbud-pouch-free-knitting-pattern.html

I love the fun shape of this one!
http://tizzycrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/earbud-case-tutorial.html

Do you like to work with leather? These look pretty simple and cute.
http://www.designertrapped.com/diy-earbud-holder/

How about this folded flower. I love the use of the KamSnaps with this one.
http://sueoverydesigns.com/blog/earbud-case-ith/

Are you not a fan of sewing? How about these cute cases made from mint holders!
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/05/make-an-earphone-holder-from-a-mint-container.html

This one is too cute for words. It’s a felt owl. The tutorial calls for wool felt, but I would use my plain old acrylic. I think it would be just as cute.
http://empressofdirt.net/diy-ear-bud-case/

This cute floral earbud case doubles as a business card holder too!
http://www.polkadotchair.com/2016/01/diy-earbuds-case.html/2/

Don’t forget mine! This is one of my older tutorials, but still useful! It can hold other things such as sweetener packets and even coins.
http://sherscreativespace.blogspot.com/2015/09/scrap-buster-earbud-case-or-tiny-coin.html

So what do you listen to when you have that cord hanging from your ears?

For one week only you can get the pattern for this trick or treat bag duo for only $2.75! After Halloween, the kids will have a cute totebag to pack up for a weekend at Nanas! You can find this deal right HERE. Offer expires September 29th.

Sewing for a Cause 2016

It’s that time of year again when people are thinking about the upcoming holidays and the hustle and bustle begins! It’s also the time when people think that it’s time to give back. In the photo above is a bunch of small wallets that I’m stitching up to donate to our local animal rescue group so they can use them for their holiday fundraisers. This year I’m also going to do the Case for Smiles project (link below) where I’ll be making some fun and colorful pillowcases for children in a hospital.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few links to get you inspired:

Hey bag makers! Here’s a place where you can make purses for girls in school:
http://sewpowerful.org/ 

Here is one of my favorites which I will be participating in this year. You can make some quick and easy pillowcases that will be given to kids with cancer. Make sure they are fun and colorful!
http://caseforsmiles.org/ 

Here’s one for adults and children. Make some chemotherapy turbans.
http://www.sewing.org/html/turban.html 

How about making a blanket for a child in need? Give them a little extra comfort that they so desperately need.
http://www.projectlinus.org/about/

Since many of you know, our furry little friends are very near and dear to my heart, make up some simple beds that they can snuggle on while in the shelter and waiting for their forever homes.
http://kennelcomforters.blogspot.com/ 

Still haven’t found one that tickles you fancy? Here is a whole list of them!
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/blog/sew-for-charity.aspx 

Do you prefer to support your local charities? Call your local humane societies, churches, women’s shelters, and hospitals to see where help is needed. Many of them do fundraisers throughout the year, while some of them will take any items that someone will find helpful. How about stopping by your local assisted living places or nursing homes, and see if someone could use a walker caddy or another personal item. Not everyone there is lucky enough to have family visit so their needs go unnoticed. You can even start your own!

Whether you sew for charity, shovel your elderly neighbor's driveway, or volunteer your time where needed, one thing is for sure, it will make your heart feel good! That's what I call a Win/Win!