
I never make anything for myself. Most things I make are either sold or given away. The other day while wrapping my iPad in a project I was working on and stuffing it into my purse, my Husband suggested that I make my own case. It had crossed my mind to do it myself, but never gave myself "permission" to make something just for me!
One of the reasons I don't make things for myself, is that I can't make up my mind. I fall in love too many fabrics and designs. The thought of making something myself makes everything seem so final. Which is ridiculous! In reality, I can make anything, anytime I want. So I decided that once I saw a beautiful fabric I immediately loved, I would make a case.
Now, I'm always reluctant to actually use beautiful things. What if I "waste" it? What if I mess up? What if I need it for a project in the future? (Isn't that how hoarding starts?! ) This time, I decided to use whichever fabric I loved despite my reservations. So what if I need it for a project down the road? There will always be more fabric I love, even if it's not these specific patterns and colours. There is no point in keeping something beautiful packed away for "someday"!
Luck would have it that I was in the fabulous Hyggeligt Fabrics store this past Saturday for our London Modern Quilt Guild Meeting. I came across a gorgeous Amy Butler fat quarter bundle. Within the bundle were two fabrics that I immediately fell in love with. Both from the Lotus Collection, Full Moon Polka Dot in Cherry and Morning Glory in Linen.
These were mine! I was going to use them for me!
There were a couple of things I wanted to switch up and a couple of things I, unfortunatley, had to change.
The original tutorial is for a full size iPad. So I had to calculate the size to suit the iPad Mini. (My finished size of my case was 6" wide x 8 1/2" long.) I wanted the exterior of the case to be quilted. So rather than cut the pieces of fabric and assemble the case, I quilted them the pieces before assembling. I also wanted the flap to be the full width of the case and I wanted the back to have two fabrics like the front.
After some calculations, modifications, and a little bit of seam ripping, here is the result. I am so happy with the final product! My calculations were surprisingly (or accidentally?!) exact. The iPad Mini fits nice and snug. AND I am happy to report that there is a bit of fabric for me to save for "someday"! Maybe I should make things for myself more often?