Hi Sarah I have no ideas at the moment but how nice that the machine has gone to one of your daughters. I hope they enjoy using it

What a lovely Mum you are! I was thinking of a double batting cover for sturdiness, make pattern from old cover if possible.. use a iron-on batting or spray glue on both the outer fabric and on the lining fabric pin wrong sides together and bind edges to finish off. Definitely Embroidery.. Does this make any sense I can picture it in my head it looks beautiful.. Good luck awaiting photo's of finished project.. Marian

What a lucky daughter, hope she will make good use of her gift.The latest thing in my local sewing shop is covers made from quilted material.Being already padded does not require any moe thickness with patterns of thread bobbins, sewing machines, buttons and any sewing tools you would like to embroider.They do look great, i just purchased the material and in the coming weeks shall begin to make my own. As my husband and i are off to America for a months coach tour with friends next week it may be some time before i begin. good luck on your project. Sandra.

A nice solid color double sided pre-quilted fabric would work nicely. I used a fairly stiff upholstery fabric in a solid color and the embroidery stands out nicely. Hugs. Nan W

What a lucky daughter and a wonderful Mom you are! Hmmm, as for the cover, I would definitely use batting and quilting along with embroidery designs...I was thinking if you wanted it to be somewhat stiff..you could slide some of that plastic needlepoint canvas in-between the final layer before you bind it up...that could give the case some structure to stand...it's only in my head, but it sounds viable...hmmm...

For a large beautiful open design to stitch, look at Anita Goodesign's new set, Carol's Doodles - all kinds of sewing items combined in each picture and the designs are a nice 5 x 7 size that will show up.

Your daughter is lucky. I have two old machines (inherited one) and a newish machine and only sons!

You are wonderful mom to do this for her. You have had wonderful ideas for the cover. I have used a double layer of fleece for my machine covers. I cut out both layers and embroider one layer before stitching the layer together.

What a wonderful gift for your daughter!
As far as ideas for keeping it sturdy and formed well, do you have something in your area (or online) like at the link called Timtex Interfacing?
There is a product called Flexi Firm. It is supposed to be comparable. There is also a product called Stiff Stuff Firm Sew-In Interfacing.
These products are washable.

Alternatively, if none of these things are available, you could make a pocket on each side and insert cardboard or plastic that could be easily removed when it needs washing.

Thank you ladies for all your wonderful suggestions. **** 4 all.

Sarah, since all of your projects are so meticulously sewn, I thought you might like to see these sewing machine covers.
http://tinksquared.com/tutorials/

you may find something here