As I mentioned in my last post, I am making up a few manicure kits for gifts this year. I found the original idea through Sew, Mama, Sew. The tutorial is here . I followed the tutorial to make the kit covers above. Yesterday, I tried my own version. Generally speaking, I think I prefer the tutorial method using stiff interfacing and turning the piece rather than binding. However, I think I would like mine as much if I had rounded the corners instead. The items stay put in my version a little bit better. I am not sure if that is due to the height of the pocket or the quilting.
If you are interested in my quilted version (seen below), here is a mini tutorial:

1. Cut two pieces of material and a piece of quilt batting measuring 6 1/2″ h x 7 1/2″ w.
2. Cut one piece of material for the pocket that is 3 1/2″ h x 7 1/2″ w. Fold under 1/4″ at the top and press, turn again and press and stitch close to the edge.
3. Make a quilt sandwich, place pocket on top, lined up with the bottom edge. Pin in place.
4. Stitch vertical lines in one inch increments starting on the far right, beginning 1 1/2″ in from the edge. Make 5 lines. To make the straight lines, you can use a disappearing marker or follow a design in the material.
5. Attach binding (this is a great use for the extra bits of binding left over from quilting projects.)
6. Make a button hole in the center of the far left hand side. Fold the cover and locate the correct spot for the button and stitch it on (be careful to stitch only through the outer piece of material and not all the way through).

It’s a good, quick project for a last minute gift. The manicure items cost about $8.00 in the drugstore and the rest, you probably have in the house!