A little DIY

It's back to reality people. I've hit the ground running and "back to school" preparations are in full swing. Although most of these projects are for my classroom, they can easily be used in your home!

First up: A stool seat cover

I bought a plain, white stool at my beloved ReStore during my last trip to Charlotte. I don't sit much during the school day, however, during long afternoons entering grades into the computer at school the hard wood can get a little uncomfortable. I decided to make a cushioned cover.

You'll need:

* foam

* fabric (just half a yard)

* grosgrain ribbon (at least 2 yards)

* sewing machine

and... I highly recommend a bodkin!

Start by tracing the stool on a piece of foam.

After cutting out the foam, place it on top of the stool and measure the complete diameter (from leg to leg). That sounds confusing, let me try again. Place the measuring tape underneath where the leg meets the seat, then take it up over the top, across the foam, and back under to the where the opposite leg meets the seat. My stool had a 12" seat and the measurement from leg to over the top to leg was a generous 21".

 Next, double fold the edges and pin. Then, stitch along the inner fold.

The next step may be frowned up by sewing gurus. But, it worked for me. 

I threaded the ribbon through by bodkin and then stitched it down temporarily. 

Next, make a tiny vertical cut in your new hem... then, insert the bodkin and ribbon.

Thread the bodkin through the hem until it goes completely around and comes back out through your slit. You'll have to play with it a bit to work the bodkin through. 

Cut bodkin free from the ribbon. Place cover over foam and stool. 

Pull to gather and tighten cover. You'll have to play with it. 

Tie ribbon!

Ta-da!

I'm using the same fabric for all the "me" areas in my classroom: 

my stool, and a little bulletin board for memos, student notes, and pictures. 

Remember this $1.99 find?

Look at it now!

I covered with the fabric, then hot glued this cute ribbon to it. 

Can't wait to put it all in my classroom!