Need a Last-Minute Gift or Stocking Stuffer? “Check” it Out!

Need a last-minute Secret Santa or gift-exchange goodie for that party tonight? Stumped for a little “something” to present your holiday hostess? Searching for just one more “stuffer” for that special stocking? Here’s a quick and clever solution to all of the above: a smart and stylish checkbook cover! It’s an easy variation on the iPad case from my November 23 post; one that you can probably whip up in an hour or less.

The finshed cover as shown measures approximately 7″ x 3 1/2″…perfect for a standard book of personal checks

What You’ll Need:

Cotton batting, fusible web, lining fabric: one 7″ x 13″ piece each

Fusible web, outer (front) fabric: one 9″ x 15″ piece each

Fabric and fusible-web scraps, decorative threads, beads, buttons, trims, and other embellishments as desired

Directions:

1. Fuse lining fabric, right side up, to batting using the 7″ x 13″ piece of fusible web.

2.  Apply 9″ x 15″ piece of fusible web to wrong side of outer fabric.

Left: cover fabric and fusible – 9″ x 15″; right: batting, fusible, and lining fabric – 7″ x 13″

3. Center prepared batting, lining side up, over fusible-web side of prepared outer fabric. Starting with the two long sides, turn outer fabric to the lining; press to fuse. Repeat for both short sides, squaring the corners; press. Clip excess fabric at corners on the diagonal.

4. Fold unit in half, lining sides together; press. Unfold, and then fold both ends of the unit inward to about 3/4″ from the center fold; press.

5. Unfold.  Quilt and embellish as desired. The second area from the bottom will be the front cover. (Note: If your intended embellishments include raised items–such as buttons–close to the side and/or bottom seams, you might prefer to add those after completing the next step.)

6. Refold the two “flaps” back toward the center, lining sides together. Starting with a few backstitches, topstitch a 1/8″ – 3/16″ seam all around the perimeter of the unit.  Finish with a few backstitches.

7. Insert your check register in the top pocket and your checks in the bottom. Finished!

Honestly, making these little cuties is addicting! Once I had completed the pink and green version up top for a gift exchange, and finished up the step-by-step sample for this post, I found myself thinking…hmmmm…who else?

My British friend and co-author Chris Porter loves the stagecoach- and covered-wagon checks that she selected for her American bank account, so I dug into my stash, and made this coordinating cover. (I just knew I’d find a good use for that boot button one day!)

My childhood friend Christy, whom I wrote about in my June 15 post, loves cats, so I made this to tuck into her holiday card this year.

 Then there are my “baby” sisters, to whom I’ve dedicated my book, Cuddle Me Quick.

My sisters Loretta (left) and Charlie (right), circa 1961. I’m sure they’ll be THRILLED to see this photo 😉

After verifying their favorite colors, I went to work.

A purple cover for Ret; a green one for Charlie

Then, of course, I needed one for myself as well…

I hope you find a moment to treat yourself to something wonderful during this busy, festive season. Have a peaceful, safe, joyous, and healthy holiday…and “Happy Birthday” to all you Christmas babies out there!

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