Cute and Simple Matching Laptop Case

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So a few months ago I bought a new much smaller laptop computer to use for blogging on the go.  It’s this one from Lenovo, my niece has the same one for school.

I just needed a cute case for it, and why buy one when I can sew my own?  This case is actually just a simple zippered pouch, the classic craft project.  Just a little larger and with a lining.

Since it can be tricky to make a pouch with a lining, I found this lined zipper pouch tutorial.  And if you need more help, I found a video tutorial for a lined zipper pouch too.

Anyway, I started by cutting four rectangles of fabric approximately 1.5 inches (about 4 cm.) larger than my computer.  I used fabric leftover from my new tote bag (see Cute Navy and Pink Pocket Tote Bag with Tutorial).

I cut two pieces of the cute pink flannel for the lining of the case and two pieces of navy blue for the outside.  I could have cut some batting for padding too if I wanted, but this was fine.

I also cut a smaller rectangle of the pink flannel for a cute outside pocket.

I hemmed the top and added some lace before pinning it to one of the outside pieces.

After sewing, the pocket is finished.

I then started adding the zipper.  Instead of just pinning along the top, I let the zipper go partially down the sides and around the top corners.  This will makes it easier to get my computer in and out.

I had to carefully curve the zipper at the corners.

After pining and sewing the zipper to both sides, this is what it looks like.

After sewing the outside and lining to the zipper, I added the lace along the edge.

You can see it is the same lace I used for my tote bag and my 2DS case (see First Aid Kit to Cute Nintendo 2DS Case).  Now all my bags match!

Anyway, then I just stitched around the sides…

…Turn everything right side out…

…And the case is ready for my computer.

Here’s the updated list:

• Costume
• Case
• Doll and Kitty
• Little Halloween
• 3 Skirts
• Accessories
• Socks
• Overalls
• Ornaments
• More Cases

Three down, seven more to go.  The next couple projects should be up soon, and there will be lace involved.  Look forward to it!

Give it a try:

• Coats & Clark Polyester All Purpose Zipper 22 in
• Coats & Clark Dual Polyester Thread
• Singer Sewing Kit Beginner's

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Purple and Lace

The bad news, this post is unbelievably late, like several weeks late.  The good news, I finished all the projects on my list.

First up..

…a laptop case.

This project is actually a bit of a substitution on my list.  I intended to make something to “cover” something else, but this became more of a priority.

I found myself needing to replace my laptop computer (one of the reasons this post is late) for a larger but thankfully better one.  Since it was larger it was too big for my old case so I needed something new to cover it with.

I made it nearly the same way as one I made previously for an old netbook I had (see It's Covered), just no bias tape and I use fleece and poplin fabrics instead of denim.  It’s actually the same purple poplin fabric as I made for my tote bag (see Catching Up: Bags and More Bags).

Fits my new laptop perfectly and matches my bag, what’s not to love?

Next project…

…yet another bag, that matches too.

Yes, I am really loving the purple fabric.  At first glance this looks like a small lacey purple duffle bag.  But it’s designed to carry something besides gym clothes, dolls.  It’s a carry bag for my ball jointed doll so I can take her places without fear of damage.  The design is roughly based on this doll bag tutorial.

The inside is lined with fleece just like the laptop case, and there’s plenty of pockets to stash extra clothes and supplies.

There’s a pocket on the outside for convenience.

As you can see, there’s plenty of room for her, and possibly for a friend if I get another ball jointed doll in the future.  Or if I just want to lug other dolls or plushies with me somewhere, I’m set.

And this isn’t the only thing I made for my doll, or the last of the purple fabric either.

I also made clothes.  A cute lace trimmed skirt with a matching light jacket, they’re perfect for spring.

I originally planned to make the jacket a little different around the collar, but I goofed up with it so had to improvise.  I actually like it better like this so all is well. 

I also goofed with making the pattern for the front of the jacket.  My doll is a tiny bit more developed in the bust than she looks and I neglected this fact, so that’s why there is only one snap at the top to close it.  Anyway, it looks adorable and that’s all that matters.

Here’s the updated list:

• Covers
• Bag
• Jacket and Skirt
• Hearts
• Little Dresses

Five down and out.  Coming up, Easter sewing!

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Yay! Birthday Time!

That’s right.  Today is my birthday.  Age-wise it wasn’t exactly one I was looking forward to, but a birthday is still something to celebrate no matter what the number.

Technically I already celebrated it last Saturday with my closest friends, the hazards of a week day birthday.  We ate pizza and hung out which is always fun no matter what day it is.  I received several goodies this year, gifts from friends and from myself (it makes the whole aging thing easier).

First is these dice bags.  I have been dragged into the wonderful fanciful world of Dungeons and Dragons by my friends, so these will really come in handy.  They were apparently bought from a vendor at a craft fair, love the MLP print one.  Of course a new dice bag isn’t complete without…

…Dice.  I got to pick them out myself.  I think the colors go nicely with the bags, although that probably isn’t the most important part but it’s still fun.

Moving on, there was only one thing I really wanted to do for my birthday.  A trip to the Sanrio store. It was fantastic, one little bitty store packed with so much cuteness.  Even the plastic shopping bags were cute!

As a gift for myself, I got this Chococat laptop sleeve for my new computer.  Did I mention I got a new computer?  I’ll give more details on that later.  Anyway I needed a case for it and this one was on sale and too cute to resist.

Back view.

My friends got me a grab bag.  This was one of the reasons I wanted to go in the first place.  I can’t resist grab bags.  It’s always fun to see what surprises await, and you get them at a fraction of their normal retail price.  Plus, if you don’t like the contents than you can give them as gifts or even sell them.  It’s a gift the keeps on giving. 

So what was in this bag?

On the right is a set of Keropi stickers with a “sticker book” and the left is a Hello Kitty bobble head and a stretchy bracelet with a thankfully removable Hello Kitty charm.  I say thankfully because I really don’t like the bracelet part.  I don’t care what anyone else says, orange and pink do not go together.  Beyond that, I think I faired very well with this pack.

And one last gift was these birthstone earrings from another store at the mall.  I know my birthday isn’t in June, but I got to pick them out and I just prefer the June stones the October ones. The color is more me. 

So overall it was a good birthday and now there’s more to look forward too.  Halloween! In just 2 more days.  Just wait until you see the costume I made.  Look forward to it.

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Crash

A funny thing happened more than a week ago which should explain my rather long absence.  I had my netbook in my backpack with a rather heavy textbook.  I put the backpack on a low table where it almost immediately fell off.  When I turned on my netbook, the screen was black.  The computer was on and working perfectly, but I couldn’t see a thing, apparently something to do with back lighting.  The really funny thing happened after I replaced it when my new one finally arrived.  I put the old one on my night stand and it fell off that, then my sister turned it on and it worked.  You could actually see everything.  So now I have a newer netbook to work with, my mom has my old one to play around with, my sister has a smug look on her face.  But anyway, I’m back and every has returned to “normal”.

Tip:  An associate at Wal-Mart mentioned that prices on electronics are almost always better online rather than “instore”, and there are frequently special deals on the site and a better selection.

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It’s Covered

I really needed a new case for my netbook, the old wasn’t cutting it anymore.   So when I saw this tutorial on Crafty Gemini on making a custom quilted Laptop cover, I was set and ready.

It came out pretty good, much nicer than my old one.  For the outside I used part of an old denim skirt.

The inside is more of this print that I love.  I used bias trim in an odd shade of green because I think it actually looks kind of cool, and with the bright orange buttons it has a quirky look that is definitely one of a kind.  I think my netbook will be happy in it, it’s name is Paul.  Yes, I name my computers.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Four down, five to go.  Next is more doll clothes.

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