Tutorial: Back-to-school pencil pouch with chalkboard handwriting panel

A pencil pouch like this one with a chalkboard handwriting panel stitched on the front would make a great back-to-school gift for a teacher. Melissa from Polkadot Chair shares a tutorial showing how to make one. The handwriting panel is made from chalkboard cloth, with the writing guides drawn in with stitches. If you’re gifting it to a teacher, fill it with pencils to help stock the classroom.

Click below for her tutorial:

Pencil Pattern Featuring a Touch of Chalkboard Cloth, by Polkadot Chair

[photo from Polkadot Chair]

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Christmas is one of those holidays that you just can decorate too much for. There’s no limit to the amount of holiday cheer you can bring into you home! There’s no such thing as too many Christmas decorations. You can bring Christmas décor into any room of the house – including the kitchen! Which is kind of fitting given how many Christmas activities and gifts are made in the kitchen. We’ve rounded up 13 Christmas kitchen accessories you can sew for your home or to give as gifts.

The list includes holiday themed hot pads, potholders ,aprons, and more that you can sew and decorate your kitchen all season long. Most are things you can make in an evening or less. These would also make wonderful hostess gifts for any holiday parties or gatherings you’re attending. Read on for the kitchen sewing ideas!