Nothing says summer like a pair of sunglasses, so this month’s coffee sleeve is based on those little shades that keep the sun from burning a hole in our retinas. This requires a little higher skill level than some I’ve done in the past, so be sure to read through and decide if you’re up for it before you go cutting anything. Actually, that’s my advice for any project, but I can relate to the I-like-the-photo-I’m-diving-in method.
To make this sleeve, you’ll need:
cotton fabric
felt
3 inches of elastic cord
one button
insulated batting
I used ironing board fabric and cotton batting when I made these, but because this one is difficult to turn, I’d recommend the insulated batting to cut down on the bulk.
Pin the lenses to the fabric piece that will be the front of your sleeve, as shown on the pattern. Note that when you cut out those pieces, the two lenses are different from each other because of the curve of the sleeve. Stitch around each lens close to the edge. Stitch or tie the two ends of your elastic together to make a loop.
Layer your pieces like this and pin together:
Front (with lenses sewn on) right side up
Elastic centered on the far right with the loop facing in
Back, right side down
insulated batting
Stitch around the outside with a 1/4” seam, leaving an opening in the bottom for turning. Clip all of the curves and corners.
See how wonky some of my stitching is? It’s tricky sewing that tight of a curve. Turning this thing is kind of a bear too. Patience and persistence. I don’t want anyone going into this one thinking it’s super easy.
After you’ve won the turning battle, press it well, turning in the opening. Stitch all the way around, close to the edge.
A little wobbly stitching there too, but a bold print helps hide that a bit. Sew your button on the left, and you’re finished.
I realized when I started to cut this out, this might be cute as 3-D glasses as well. They’re made exactly the same way, just using blue and red felt for the lenses.
Admittedly, these are kind of cuter laying flat than they are around a cup, but I think they still get the idea across.
So, what’s it going to be? Sunshine or a movie?