A couple of years ago, shortly after everything shut down at the beginning of the pandemic, I got back into sewing. A lot. It kept me busy and feeling productive and was a great outlet, while making pretty things for myself and friends. When my friend Amy found out about my obsession, she requested a special project: a travel tissue holder.

She sent me an example of what she wanted, I reverse engineered this project!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• fabric for the outside – 15″x13″ plus a 2″x5″ strip – this is a great fat quarter project
• fabric for the lining – 15″x13″
• bias tape – 1.5″ wide x 27″ long
• sewing machine and hand sewing supplies

Here’s how to do it:

• Cut out your pieces of fabric as shown:

• Make the small strap by folding in half lengthwise and ironing, then fold in the raw edges lengthwise and iron again. Sew along the open edge
• With right sides together, sew the lining and the outside pieces. When sewing the outside, tuck the strap into one end
• Turn the outside piece right side out and iron
• Place the lining inside the outside piece
• Use bias tape to finish the raw edges
• Using needle and thread, sew closed the opening three inches on either end, leaving the middle open

After I gave this to my friend, her daughter liked it so much she took it! So I made a second one for her! She originally chose the polka dots, but the second one is made from a vintage kimono I upcycled.

Sewing for friends is one of my favorite things!

Julie AKA “Jewels”