laptop

Small Projects – Laptop Sleeves

| terriaw

Often times, I forget the smallest things can bring the most joy. Since I only have small pockets of time these days to work on sewing projects (in between classes and homework), I decided to keep things simple by working on small projects.

One of the suggestions I received at the craft show I did last November was to offer a laptop sleeve in my shop.

A padded laptop sleeve has been on my to-make list for awhile, something simple to slide into my backpack.

I’ve been working on two versions with these crazy fun fabrics. My laptop measures 10 inches by 14 inches, so I made the sleeve 11 inches by 15 inches, a perfectly snug fit.

I made a simple small flap closure with velcro. Just need to add a decorative button to the outside of the flap.

I think this is going to be a good way for me to get through the rest of winter until garden season arrives, with small projects to look forward to.

In With the New

| terriaw

I got my new laptop back from the Apple store a couple days ago and I can’t stop myself! They transferred all my data for me, which worked out very slick. It’s amazing how fast a new computer can be.

My old laptop had a version of photo software that was four versions ago, so I haven’t figured out yet where my photos are saved in the new version. I will probably stumble along for a few days before going through a couple tutorials. The package came with new software called Garage Band, where you can learn how to play piano or guitar. I took acoustic guitar lessons as a teenager, so I was thinking it would be fun to learn to play again. (in my spare time!)

new laptop on patchwork

In the meantime, I am making a new laptop bag. Hopefully, I will be back in a couple days with photos of a finished patchwork project.

I’m Having Some Work Done

| terriaw

That’s why it’s been a little quiet around here lately.

old laptop

My laptop is quite old, so we decided to upgrade.

new laptop box

I cannot wait to get it back from the Apple store. They are transferring my files from my old laptop to my new one.

We also upgraded my iPod Touch this summer with the new iPhone 3G.

iphone

Man, am I addicted to this gadget! I can’t go anywhere without it.

I will be back as soon as my laptop comes home again, and I figure out how to use it.

A Day Off

| terriaw

I am so glad I took the day off. I had a doctor’s appointment this morning (all is good), and then I went to the yarn shop to browse. I don’t do much knitting in summer, so I haven’t been to the yarn shop in awhile. They moved the register to make more room, and added some shelves for more yarn. They were also offering harvest latte with pumpkin flavoring – yum-o! It felt good to be back, so I stocked up on a few supplies for new projects.

I’m thinking about making a couple felted oven mitts and potholders, and a scarf and fingerless gloves to match my favorite fleece jacket.

Next on my list is to finish my new laptop sleeve. I made it from a pattern in this book-

But I didn’t follow the pattern exactly.

In my stash I found these great fabrics from Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern collection, so I decided to make the front from a solid piece of fabric instead of patchwork.

It isn’t quite finished yet because I still have to hand sew the lining to the outside, and I’m going to add handles to it, but here it is so far-

Isn’t it cool? I really like how it turned out. This is the first time I have used fusible fleece, and I love it. Highly recommend it. I fused the fleece to both the outside and lining fabrics for added cushion to support my laptop, and I’m happy with the result. It created a lot of extra bulk in the seams, but I trimmed the corners and seam allowances, which helped reduce the lumps and bumps.

Thank goodness I had made the portable cushions from Sew,Mama,Sew’s tutorial series or I would never have figured out how to do the zipper and gusset. The directions for that part in this book were very minimal, so I used the directions from the cushion tutorial and things went together quite smoothly. I will post another picture as soon as I finish the hand sewing and handles.

Now I’m going to enjoy the rest of my day off!