Brighten any computer workstation space with printed fabrics chosen to match an individual’s passion or hobby and create a trio of easy to sew thoughtful gifts. Cotton prints can be found designed around so many themes: the ever changing seasons, animals or nature designs, sports themes, licensed novelty characters from comic books, TV shows, movies, or whimsical conversational prints, the choices are indeed endless.

Desktop monitor dust cover - Dress up a desktop monitor with a cheery fabric dust cover. A simple rectangle of fabric can be used to drape over a monitor front to back. No need to sew closed the sides at all. Fabric ties or a button and pony tail holder on each open side can loosely secure the cover. For the length of fabric - measure the flat screen monitor from top to bottom and multiply by two, then add two inches for ½ inch finished hem allowance top and bottom as well as the small amount of fabric that folds over top. For the width – measure the monitor screen from side to side and add one inch that will allow for the 1/2 inch finished side hem allowances.

This dust cover can also be made reversible when lined with a similar amount of fabric. The cover can then do double duty when made of coordinating seasonal fabrics where one side might have fall colors and one side for winter, or two fabrics themed each for spring and summer. Self-fabric ties or a button/pony tail holder can be attached to the fabric cover to the finished ends or at a midway point when draped over the monitor. Once tied or buttoned, the cover can remain so secured as it will easily slip on or off with ease.

Mouse pad makeover - Cover a rubber mouse pad with coordinating or the same fabric used for the monitor dust cover. Just some spray adhesive and new fabric on an old dingy long used mouse pad can give the pad new life, if the rubber bottom is still in good shape. Of course a new one can be purchased for this project. It may or may not be necessary to peel off the old or original fabric cover. Spray a thick coat of the adhesive onto the mouse pad top and lay the new fabric on top. Trim with sharp scissors or a rotary cutter around the edges. Temporarily place a flat heavy object on top to secure the new fabric to the mouse pad. Some Fray Check may be needed on the edges if the fabric appears to fray.

Mug rug coaster – This is a fabric sewn coaster, often quilted, used to protect surfaces from any hot or cold drinks. A mug rug is simple to sew and can be in any of a variety of shapes. When the mug rug is made of the same or similar fabric as the monitor dust cover and matching mouse pad, the desktop trio can be a great gift idea. Easy to make from leftover fabric scraps, use two of any five-inch squares and a piece of cotton batting for insulation. Simply sew a 1/4 inch seam all around with right sides together and batting on top leaving a two-inch opening on one side. Trim the corners and turn right side out. Press, machine or hand stitch the opening closed, quilt the top if desired or top stitch all around to secure.

Work place computer desktop spaces are often of a routine efficient design, however it is relatively easy to add a welcome change to the decor using a cheery whimsical, seasonal or theme fabric that can make a happy difference.

Mug Rug Designs found on Pinterest.com

Mousepad Makeovers as seen on Pinterest.com

Sew happy, sew inspired.