** I have written this as a MSWS Ambassador because this is an event that I truly believe in.  It is a totally free and completely online event for helping spouses put their wellness first.  Read more about it here. **

To help you get just as psyched as I am for the first ever Military Spouse Wellness Summit, I am creating DIY tutorials to help you on your journey to wellness.  First up is this easy-sew yoga mat bag.  If you aren’t doing yoga, you should be.  You don’t have to be good at it or be an expert in flexibility to benefit from it (take it from someone that looks like a drunken flamingo when she does it).  It can help improve not only your health but your soul.

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[bctt tweet=”Get started on your journey to wellness in preparation for #MSWS15 with this easy-sew yoga mat bag!”]

Wellness is not just about your physical wellbeing.  It is all-encompassing mind, body, and soul.  When I take the time to do a 20-minute yoga workout (complete with meditation) in the morning, my entire day goes smoother.  If you start, you will likely experience some of the same benefits including increased patience, elevated mood, increased focus, and higher levels of energy.  All of that in 20 minutes a day!  What better way to start putting your wellness first than with such a benefit-packed exercise?  (I’m no expert by any means, but if you’re looking for a recommendation on where to start, I love any of the Yoga Zone DVDs.  They are broken down by levels and I always have such a positive experience with them. Plus you get multiple 20-minute workouts on each one.)

Materials

• 1 yd of Fabric
• Matching thread
• 24” Leather Cording

Step 1

Keeping your fabric folded in half (as it comes off of the bolt) cut out a piece that is 30” by 20” on the folded side.

Step 2

Open you cut piece of fabric and re-fold it in half with right sides together.  Pin the 30” edges opposite the fold and sew.

 

Step 3

Turn right ride out and hem both 20” edges.

Tip:

• Be sure that both hems are sewn folded toward the same side of the fabric.

 

Step 4

Create a gap for your leather tie by folding over the top hem 2” and sewing along the bottom of the hem.

Tips:

• It doesn’t matter which end you choose to be the top unless your fabric has a pattern on it that dictates a “right side up”.
• Be sure you don’t sew the opening to your drawstring hem closed.

Step 5

Fold your fabric in half along the 30” length again.  Pin the edges opposite the fold and sew.

Tip:

• When you fold your fabric make sure the cut side of the hems is facing out as that is the side that will become the inside of your bag.

 

Step 6

Go back to you “yard” of fabric and unfold it.  Cut out a 6” by 6” square.  Trim the square into a circle.

Tip:

• Make this easier by finding a plate that is slightly smaller than your square and using it as a guide to cut out your circle.  Center it on your fabric square then trim around it leaving a quarter inch extra all around.

 

Step 7

This part can be tricky but you want to pin your circle to the bottom end of your bag. (Your bag should still be inside out.)  The best way to do this is to match the edges of both the circle and the bottom of your bag and pin, right sides together.  Press the middle of your circle into the bag instead of out.  Once all of the edges are pinned, sew the circle onto the bag.

Step 8

Thread your leather strip through the hem you made at the top and turn your bag right side out.  Knot the ends of the leather strip to help prevent them from slipping back through your hem.

 

Step 9

To make the strap, cut a piece that is 4” by 32” out of your remaining fabric.  Fold in half, right sides together, and pin the loose edge.  Sew pinned edge and then turn the fabric right side out.  Sew a quarter inch hem at each end.

Step 10

Attach your strap by sewing the top and bottom hems to the top and bottom of your bag.

That’s it!  Even if you only enjoy yoga at home, you will want to invest in a mat and this bag!  The mat if much more comfortable than the floor and this bag will make storage a breeze.  So tell me, what small steps are you taking to improve your wellness?  Have you become convinced to at least give yoga a try?

See where I’m linking up!