Pouf Ottoman

I found in the clearance section of Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts store a 54-inch wide suede-like fabric for chair/sofa covers, at $7.00 per yard. I thought right away of making a pouf ottoman because the material is soft but thick enough and doesn't need any lining. It's also a bonus for me that it's manufactured in the USA.

The sewing instructions from here was my guide; HGTV pattern is here. I didn't follow exactly as the instructions. I only pasted together 1 triangle and one rectangle, folded the material, made marks where the rectangle and triangles would be, traced the triangle part only, then cut them, and unfolded the material creating just one piece instead of 8 pieces. Leaving the rectangle portion uncut doesn't seem to make a difference on the finished product if it is properly stuffed. Sewing just the triangles probably saved me lots of time. The center opening was left open for filling and hand stitched to close. I still have plenty of leftover material to cover 2 throw pillows and maybe a tote bag too.

I added a button on both top and bottom of the finished ottoman to create a tufted look. I sewed on metal washers first; the leather-covered button is then glued on to the washer and the colorful button is sewed on. It's easy to snip off the washer if I want to change the buttons later.

I didn't realize how large the ottoman is at almost 25 x 20 inches and it needed a lot of stuffing. I filled it with old towels, old bed sheets that occupy much needed space in the basement, and poly fiber fill from recycled material, also made in the USA. This is my first time making a pouf ottoman and it took 3 hours to cut, sew, and stuff. I'm happy with it and will attempt to make a smaller version with leather remnants in my stash.

Sorry for lack of photos during the process.

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Leather USB Cable Organizer

USB cables for Android phone, Kindle, and tablets can be used interchangeably [except iPod] but sometimes the gadgets have to be charged all at the same time. So I bought a 4-port USB wall charger and was given free 6 cables with the purchase. Too many cables are all over the place, it's annoying. Getting a cord organizer from the store is not an option because 99% of what you can buy are made in China. I avoid buying Made-In-China whenever possible.

I used a 3-ounce basket weave embossed Italian cowhide and cut a 9 x 18-inch piece. I could have avoided using the sewing machine by just cutting the leather but I want to protect the charger further by creating pockets. I folded the bottom, sewed the sides, and added another stitch a little off-center for 2 pockets.

The organizer has the iPod cable, two 3-foot cables, and one 5-foot cable. I can sew another strip if needed later. For the closure, I cut two 1-inch "buttons" similar to the ones on envelopes, sewed them by hand, and knotted a very thin leather cord to the bottom button. It's easy to wind/unwind to the upper button.

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