Here is a quick and easy project for Dad on Father's Day. Shoe inserts filled with lavender to keep work or leisure shoes sweet. The inserts are made from a toddlers shirt repurposed into a utility item.
The flannel fabric is soft and masculine and the cuffs give strength to absorb the pulling and pushing that will be encountered when the inserts are used. The two inserts are joined by a piece of scrap leather to add to the masculine appeal and utility. The leather makes it easy to pull the inserts out of the shoes and keeps the pair of inserts together even when they are not being used. There is minimal sewing in this project as we are using the form of the sleeve already stitched together. The stitches used are simple enough for a young person to stitch up the fabric. Stitches through the leather are a bit more difficult and a young person might need assistance joining the leather strap to the inserts. Alternatively, use more fabric from the shirt to create a matching strap. A fabric strap will be a little easier to attach.
The sleeves are cut from the shirt body and used as a template for the calico lining. I did not alter the shape of the shoulder of the sleeve and this has resulted in the insert having a pointy shape. If you don't like this shape simply trim the end for a more rounded look.
Using the sleeve as a template, cut the calico. I found that the lining was a little short and next time would make the lining at least as long as the sleeve from shoulder to cuff.
To counter the lining being short I added a little poly fill to the ends of the inserts before placing the linings into the sleeves.
The linings have a little poly fill at the toe end to ensure a soft point, then filled with dried lavender. The top of the lining has a little more poly fill added to stop lavender falling out of the lining whilst it is being stitched closed.
Throughout this project I used simple Whip Stitch and Back Stitch.
If you want to wash these insert covers, remember to remove the lining containing the lavender first. The leather should take some moisture but if you are worried about repeatedly washing the leather strap, make the strap from the remaining fabric in the shirt.
If you don't have access to real lavender, you can purchase lavender oil in discount stores. Put some of the oil onto cotton balls inside the poly fill.
After stitching the toe with the piece inside out, I turned the insert right side out and restitched it. I think this added a little more strength to the piece which will be pushed and pulled with every use. If you are stitching this seam with a sewing machine, a second reinforcing line of stitching is probably not necessary.
To finish off the insert I stitched the cuff placket closed and added the leather strap. The strap is attached to the top of the cuff. When the inserts are sitting in the shoes, the strap should be sitting on top so it can be pulled out cleanly. This leather came from an old leather lounge and I tried to use the old stitching holes (more repurposing). This was not particularly effective as the needle went through the leather pretty easily and I didn't realise that sometimes I missed the old holes completely.
When sewing leather with sewing machine thread, I would recommend using 2 strands of thread for extra strength.
Happy Father's Day!