Christmas gifts for little boys

Well I've been a little under the weather lately so my post haven't exactly been on my priority list.  A little over a week ago, a friend asked if I would make some of my stuff for people on her Christmas list.  I agreed, and since I only had 3 weeks (now 2) until I leave I needed to get on it. 

The first thing I made was a race car roll.  A little play mat that I've made in the past so I was familiar with it and didn't have to completely make it up as I went.



Here's what I did...
 
I took the outside piece of fabric and cut it 17"x15".  Then ironed on some fusible interfacing to give it some weight.
 
 
 

 
  Then I cut the inner piece of fabric the same, 17"x15".  I also cut another piece of the outer fabric 17"x4" ironed on fusible interfacing and folded it over one inch on top.
Then I lined up my raw edges and pinned them together.  (Hopefully the picture will make more sense than the words)

Now, take your ruler or whatever and measure 2.75" from each side and mark on the bottom.  This will be where you sew your pockets.  Back stitch at the beginning and end of every line to reinforce your stitching.

Then using felt, make your roads, water, whatever floats your boat.  Sew around the edges. 

Then I used a very compact zig-zag stitch to make the center lines on the road.

Put the two pieces together (right sides facing each other) and pin.
(I know I like to pin, it's kinda like a security blanket for me when I'm sewing).  Using 1/4" seam allowance, sew around leaving an opening to turn.

For some reason the picture won't show up, but make sure whatever you're using to close your roll gets in the stitching.  I used a large hair band.

 Once you turn it, topstitch around the entire playmat.

Here's the finished product.

Hope you like it!

Have a great day, and God bless!