If you, like me, aren't one of the lucky homeowners who have
storage to spare, you might be interested in making a vacuum
cleaner cover. 

When you don't have a spot to keep your vacuum cleaner 
"under wraps", one solution is to make it into a beautiful
addition to your decor.

I have seen these covers in magazines, and I thought I would
love to have one, but when I saw the price, I decided not!!
Unless I made it myself...so I went to the local discount store
to look for a pattern.  I don't buy many patterns, and I couldn't
believe the price!  So...I decided I would need to make one
without a pattern.

I love to sew, but there are 2 things I don't enjoy doing--
making ruffles and stuffing items, like dolls and pillows.
So, I thought I would start with an already made teddy bear
that I found at a garage sale for 50 cents.  The bear is 
about 14" wide at the widest point and about 24" tall.
You could use a stuffed bunny, a rag doll, maybe an old
Cabbage Patch doll, whatever you like.

To make the part where the bear slides onto the vacuum
cleaner handle, I just cut open the bottom seam on the bear,
(about a 5" long slit) then I took one of my son's tube socks
that had lost its mate and cut a 12" piece, including the toe
part.  I turned under the raw edge and sewed it into the
hole in the bottom of the bear. 

Then just push the sock up into the body of the bear--you might
need to take out a little of the stuffing.  Now the bear will
sit on top of your vacuum cleaner.

The dress for the bear can be made any way you choose.
You might want to make just an apron, or just a pinafore,
as I did.  You can make it as fancy or as plain as you like.
Decorate with eyelet, ruffles, ribbon roses, etc.  Depending
on the size of your bear, a toddler dress pattern might fit.
I made mine out of fabric that I already had, that matched
the room I keep it in.

If you're looking for a gift that is a little bit different, this would
be great!
 

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