A couple of months ago, we had to get a large tree in our front yard removed. Some really bright person planted it on top of the septic tank, and once the roots disintegrated the tank, it had to be removed. This was of course good because having a functional septic tank is necessary, but the less awesome outcome is that we now have zero shade on the front of the house. Gone are the days of really sleeping in [like until noon or beyond] since having Layla. But now the days of sleeping in until 8am are gone as well thanks to the bright morning sun.

I’ve tried using a pillow to just cover my eyes, but it will inevitably inhibit my ability to breathe [I hate having my nose/face covered with anything like sheets or pillows because I do not like breathing in warm air]. When I got up this morning, I knew I had to do something. So I rushed to my bookshelf and pulled out In Stitches by Amy Butler. I knew there was a pattern in there for a sleep mask.

I grabbed the scrap bag that came with my last order from AMH’s store, and immediately started cutting out my fabric.

The pattern called for four layers of batting. I thought that was a bit excessive and would be an utter pain to quilt, so I opted for three thinking that would still be awful to quilt. I have to tell you, it was not that bad. I drew out my quilting grid on muslin prior to quilting which simplified matters very much.

It was a super easy, and uber gratifying project to tackle. I love the fabrics I chose- the quilted front is a flannel from AMH’s LouLouThi, and the solid blue is [I’m assuming] a Free Spirit Designer Solid. Topstitching with only a 1/8″ seam allowance was certainly the most challenging part of this small project. That step required me to sew through four layers of fabric and six layers of batting, so that is why you can see some inconsistency in the topstitching.

My eyes will be closed when I’m wearing the sleep mask, so I think I will hardly mind the mistakes. Here’s to getting to sleep in till 8 or even 9am! 

-Meredith