DIY: Yoga Mat Carrier

I had bought a Groupon for Core Power Yoga, and finally activated it last week. Talk about a workout! (Core Power, if you would like to send a free membership my way, please do!)

My previous yoga mat carrier wasn't thick enough to hold my mat and towel rolled up together. Also, the pocket on the outside wasn't secure and with my luck my keys would end up in the sewer. Thus, it was time for an upgrade.

Here's the fabric you need:

• 1/2 yard fabric of your choice (carrier)
• 37 inches by 1 3/4 inches (closing strap)
• 32 inches by 3 1/2 inches (arm strap)
• 8 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket back)
• 6 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket bottom)
• 2 1/2 inches by 5 3/4 inches (pocket top)

First, the pocket:

 Hem the exposed edges of the pocket. Since this is for me and the pocket is interior, I didn't care much about the hem not being exactly straight.

Line up and pin the pocket.

I didn't want to worry about the security of my belongings in this pocket, and I wasn't in the mood to install a zipper or snap. So, I created a pocket in which the edges overlap a bit.

Here is the pocket all sewn up! I left a 1/2 inch allowance at the top of the pocket, so allow for installation later.

Second, the arm strap:

I folded the arm strap fabric in half and hemmed a half an inch from the edge. I considered flipping the strap right side out, however, I liked the look of the hem. I cut the excess fabric close to the edge. I did the same thing with the closing strap.

I pinned the arm strap to the exterior fabric.

I sewed the strap to the exterior fabric, reinforcing it by going over and reversing twice.

Installing the pocket:

I folded over the exterior fabric two inches to allow for the closing strap to fit through. I pinned the allowance on the fabric between the folds of the exterior fabric and hemmed the length.

To create the tube:

I folded the fabric half, hot dog style, so that the fabric was inside out. Starting at the bottom of the closing strap hem, I hemmed the edges.

To create the bottom:

I folded the  tube, like you would to create a line when ironing pants, and sew the hem.

 I folded the fabric to create a diamond (fabric origami!).

I brought up the points of the diamond together.

I sewed the hem just above the base of the triangle.

Chop! Turn the tube right side out.

Inserting the closing strap:

If you have a safety pin, it would work best to guide the strap through the opening. I couldn't find any safety pins, so a clothes pin had to do. Warning: be careful where you place your hand when guiding the strap, it can easily be lost with a clothespin.

Insert the clothespin and guide the strap.

All tied up!

Voila! A completed yoga mat carrier, just in time for yoga class tonight!

DIY: iPod Arm Band

It's Labor Day!! Which means, the unofficial  end of summer and the upcoming change of seasons. Labor Day also means barbeque with family, friends, and my favorite pups, and more importantly, the fact that I need to get my butt to the gym tomorrow after eating a slab of ribs tonight.

I usually just stick my iPod of the elliptical or in my sports bra, however both these methods are incredibly ineffective. I usually drop it a few times or the cord is constantly getting caught in the handlebars. I decided to make my own, however I wanted it wide enough that I could stick my license, debit card, and gym membership card in as well.

I started with two pieces of elastic measuring the circumference of my upper arm, 11.5 inches. I didn't add any length to the elastic because once sewn I want it to stay taut against my arm.

I sewed the two pieces of fabric together flat using a zig-zag stitch.

Next, I reinforced the arm band loop by hemming it on all sides. This piece measures 2 3/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches.

I sewed the arm band loop onto one side of the fabric that will serve as the pocket for the iPod. Before sewing, this piece measures 8 1/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches.

All sewn up!

Fold the fabric with the print facing inside and sew to create a pocket of the iPod.

Slide the elastic through the loop on the backside of the pocket.

Fold the elastic and sew into a loop.

Flatten and sew the elastic flaps down. I also added a snap at the top to secure my belongings.

My gym playlist:

• Girl Talk- All Day Album
•  Blue Scholars- Southside Revival
• Britney Spears- Me Against the Music
• Kanye West- All of the Lights
• Lupe Fiasco- The Show Goes on
• Cobra Starship- Good Girls Go Bad
• Drake
• 3oh!3 
• The Killers- Mr. Brightside
• Micheal Jackson- Billie Jean

What do you listen to when you workout?

Happy Fitness!

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