REMNANT 101: DIY Sleep Mask

If there's one thing I've learnt about my fabric hoarding problem, it's this - there's not much of a problem with storing a lot of fabric because at some point it will get used. As my fabric stash depletes thanks to a couple of (as yet unblogged) projects, the real problem is the remnants. I just can't bring myself to throw out a few scraps of a fabric I love, no matter the shape or size, if it's pretty it stays. Which is an issue coming from someone who actually has very little use for remnants (I'm no quilter!). So, in a positive effort to force myself to actually use some of my beloved remnants, I'm starting up a new series on A+M: Remnant 101, where I'll be posting a little project I've sewn up from remnants every once in a little while.

So, today's project comes in the form of a rather unimaginative sleeping mask. Unimaginative, yes - I mean these are just so simple to sew! But useful? Hell yeah! It's starting to get really light in the mornings here, and as someone who isn't much of a morning person, I've been needing something to stop me waking up at the crack of dawn. Which is where the DIY sleep mask comes in. Trust me, after whipping up one, you'll want to make many more, as these are so quick, simple, and yet useful and pretty enough to give as gifts.

You Will Need:
Small woven fabric remnants
Batting remnants
Elastic
Pins
Thread
Bias Binding (Optional)

Process

1. Cut out a template from scrap paper, by folding the paper in half and drawing a loosely curved eye mask design down the centre fold. Cut it out, and unfold the paper (this makes both sides of your template symmetrical.

2. Using the template, cut out two eye mask pieces. They can be in matching, or contrasting fabric - experiment for different designs.

3. Pin the batting to the wrong side of one of these pieces. I chose the checked piece, and then stitched it down by following the lines already on the pattern (guidelines for the win!). When you've stitched it down (either with a grid design or a freeform design), you can trim off any excess around the edges.

4. Cut the elastic to the width of the eye mask, and pin in place to the front of your eyemask, at either side. I'm pretty sure the elastic I used here is lingerie elastic, but it's cute so I used it regardless!

5. Sandwich the elastic in place by pinning the two eye mask together, right sides facing. Stitch the two together, leaving a 2 inch gap for turning out.

6. Cut notches into curved areas, such as the area around the nose, to ensure that when turned out it is tidy. Turn out the right way, and carefully fold the small open edge down and stitch shut. At this point, your eye mask will be finished, and the design will be reversible, so you can flip the elastic to whichever side you like.

7. OPTIONAL If you want to tidy up your finish, apply a bias binding around the outer edge of your mask. This will help to hide the stitching from sewing up the gap used for turning out. If you choose to do this, your mask will no longer be reversible, as applying the bias binding will push the lace to one side. As this one is just going to be used by me, I didn't add the bias as I was happy enough as it was, but I think for future versions/gifts I will add some.

And there you have it - a remnant stash buster that can be whipped up in an hour or so, and most importantly is useful and cute. The great thing about this is that the fabric needed is very little, so you can make one of these out of even the smallest remnants. I know people with upcoming birthdays are going to be sure to receive one of these, because they're just too fun to make.

If you're looking for more to do with your remnants, I've found a couple of projects from the A+M archives (can you tell the navy and white check is my favourite remnant?):

-DIY Wire Headband
-Basic Zip Up Bag

Let me know if you try this, and I'd love to hear what you do with any remnant scraps!