1. Start by making a pattern (4"x9" is a good starting point for most average-size glasses -- larger glasses will require a larger case) and cutting it out of cardboard, rounding the corners.2. Cut two pieces of felt to the correct size and fold down one end of each piece to make a flap.
3. Use a needle threaded with embroidery floss to work a series of French knots across the flap (hiding the starting knot underneath the flap will clean up your design). To work a French knot, bring the needle up out of the fabric, wrap the thread twice around the needle close to the point, then insert the needle back into the fabric close to the original spot and through to the wrong side of the fabric, pulling the thread taut as you work (it may take a little practice on some scrap fabric to get the hang of it). Then work a row of knots across both flaps, carrying the thread across on the wrong side of the fabric.
4. Work a daisy-stitch flower on a piece of contrasting felt: Starting on the back, pass the thread through the felt. Insert needle close to the starting point at the beginning of the stitch. Bring the needle back through the felt where you want the petal to end, making sure the thread is underneath the needle. Pass the needle back through the felt over the thread to hold the petal in place. Work as many as you need to form the flower, then add French knots to the center and to the ends of the petals, if you wish.
5. Attach the contrasting appliquéè to the front of the case using a blanket stitch: pass the needle up through the felt from the back, pull it taut and wrap the thread behind the needle, then pass the needle back through over the thread and repeat.
6. Sew the back and front pieces together in the same manner.
Quick Tip: You can further decorate by sewing or gluing embellishments on the case: try adding a bead to every stitch as you sew the case together, or if your kids want to help, let them sew on buttons and then sew the pieces together using a simple running stitch. The possibilities are almost endless!
