Saturday, August 28, 2010

First Pass: The His 'n Hers Kindle Cover



I've got a to do list longer than my grocery list right now, and since I haven't shopped in 2 weeks that's saying something. So when my husband's new Kindle arrived in the mail I saw an opportunity to procrastinate even more and make up a cool cover for it. He ordered the new Kindle 3 with wi-fi, it's really pretty stinkin cool. It's super small and it seems really delicate. I had grand plans of making a cool, quilted cover - but those were traded for, make it quick, get it done now because the kids are going absolutely crazy, and what did you feed them??

So I did some quick measurements and calculations (ok, my computer did the hard work) and came up with a pattern that should fit this little guy really snug and protect it pretty well. I wanted something that my husband would be happy to carry, but was still cool. The Echino bus fabric was perfect. I did a simple flap closure, and had the hubby cut 1" circles out of orange velcro on the laser cutter for a closure. I thought of a snap first, but I didn't want to have to put pressure on a point on the Kindle to close the cover. I normally don't like working with velcro because it always looks like a kindergarten craft project when I'm done with it, but the laser cutter and some super slow sewing solved that. I know you can buy pre-cut circles of hook and loop tape, this would work well too.

As I was thinking about all the innards and lining of this bag, I thought about how cute and cool it would be to make a little patchwork pouch. Then I thought, well why not make one for when I use the Kindle? Well, I don't have time for that - it's redundant anyway. Ah ha moment - I should make this bag reversible!


Flip it on through and this is what you have! I think it's really cute, albeit unpolished. Hence, the title - First Pass. It's a little poufy, and the topstitching is terrible. It barely fit around my sewing machine to topstitch it - a problem I haven't figured out how to remedy yet. Having the plain linen blend fabric at the top of the pouch prevents any 'girliness' from showing when it's turned out to the 'his' side, but gives it a clean look on the patchwork 'hers' side. It's lined with a layer of sew-in fleece (I would have used fusible, but it's more expensive so I don't keep it on hand), and a layer of PUL - that's polyurethane laminate - the stuff used in diaper covers to prevent leaks. So it's also water resistant - in case I happen to be carrying it in a diaper bag with a leaky sippy cup.


I think it was a good first pass, it was super quick, I like it and it will get used. However, I feel the need to refine it a bit and do a second pass. Next time, I NEED to photograph my process so I can do a little tutorial. I do have drawings for the pattern too. Does anyone else have the new Kindle? I'd happily share the pattern - it does fit like a glove. Have a great weekend!

12 comments:

  1. You did a really nice job on this - so smart to make it reversible! Both sides are great. Do you just tuck in the flap on "your" side to close it? I can't believe you thought to make it waterproof too, really smart.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like it! and of course the fabric choices on the patchwork side are soooo happy!!! = i heart Heather Ross!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So fun and cheery and *practical*. Go you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! You are so talented! I saw this linked from comments on a Wired story. Very nice. I'm totally going to do this, though my sewing skills need some work - one of my goals this year. Your photostream definitely inspires!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, just thought of this: I would really love to see how you'd treat a handmade bar tube bike bag. I love these from Rivendell which seem to be EXCELLENT quality but they are pricey!

    http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/brand-v-bar-tube/20-197

    Just a suggestion. I would attempt but again, sewing zippers is intimidating to me...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome! My wife and I have been looking for a nice case for our Kindles. I would love to use your pattern to make a set. My email address is brian@senes.com.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow! That is so cute. I've been looking for something unique for awhile now and am in total agreement that I would love the pattern if you are willing to share it.
    My email is messagemelody@gmail.com

    Really, really awesome!
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really like your work!!! So colorful and pretty. Please send me the pattern for the Kindle cover if you don't mind. Thanks so much!

    Mary

    MaryKatz@me.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are so creative!I saw this through the link on a wired story too! I just bought a kindle and am hunting for a cover right now. If you don't mind sharing could you please email me the pattern? My email address is vshwetal@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi, i found this through a link on Wired as well :)
    Would you be able to email me the pattern too please? I love it!
    amy@jamix.co.uk
    Thank you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a fab looking case,my husband bought me a kindle on sat for my birthday.Please could you email me the pattern too,or would you consider selling one that you made earlier lol.
    My email address is shane.heidi@btopenworld.com
    Many thanks x

    ReplyDelete