Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Netbook Sleeve


Photo Link

I have a little netbook computer that's great for carrying around with me, but I didn't have a sleeve for it. I decided this would be a fun project where I could go pretty wild if I wanted to. I think this is pretty wild, and I even got to use my new jewelry anvil to flatten the ends of the metal pieces (heavy gauge wire) so that I could stitch them to the pocket and appliques. There's beading, I stitched small triangles of fabrics to the appliques, and one of the metal pieces is wrapped with fine wire. All of the ends are turned toward the sleeve so there isn't much chance of scratching anything with the metal. I have to say that this was SO much fun to do, though.

There are lots of photos in this post, and you can either click on the individual links and choose a larger size to see them better, or click on the first photo link, and then click through them that way if you like. By the way, the netbook is in the sleeve in all of these photos. It fits very nicely.

I used some heavyweight buckram for the inner layer,

and wrapped it with several layers of cloth, then added a silk outer layer with stitching, and a needlefelted embellished pocket on one side, and appliques on the other.

Photo Link

I originally thought I would use the purple cotton with embossed circles for the whole thing, but after doing the needlefelting and free motion stitching on the pocket, I thought that would be too boring and dark. I recalled the lime silk I had left from a pair of summer pants, and it proved to be the bright punch I wanted. I did some stitching on it, and added a few narrow ribbons as well, but it stayed fairly plain.


Photo Link

This is a close up of the pocket and the appliques.


Photo Link

Photo Link

Finally, you can see it with the cord 'in' the pocket as well. I wanted the sleeve to just fit the netbook, but I swear the cord and transformer, etc. takes more room because it's so bulky. Anyway, it's in no danger of falling out. I'd probably have the cord in my purse separately anyway, since one doesn't always need it.



I'm going to a workshop at UNL tonight and Thursday. It's being given by Susan Taber Avila, and is called Building a Three-dimensional surface with Solvy & Stitching. She has a show in the Hillestad Gallery right now which is worth seeing, and I'm hoping this will be a useful workshop as well. I'm sure it's going to be fun anyway.

12 comments:

Sheila said...

What a cool laptop case. Making a laptop case has been on my to sew list for some time and you have inspired me to do one with embroidering.

Looking forward to hearing about the workshop. I am intriqued about the 3D surface with Solvy & Stitching.

Vicki W said...

That's the most fashionable PC case I've ever seen!

Lilian said...

It shows you had fun making this. It's almost a piece of art. Ain't it fun you can make something like this just exactly the way you like it!!

Rhoto said...

WOW!! THAT is GORGEOUS ;) ;) (Capitals intended!!)
Warm hug,
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)

Sally said...

Really like your case. It's gorgeous! Have fun at your workshop. I hope you'll share your experience. Sally

gwensews said...

I do so love artsy type creative sewing. A case like yours is perfect for trying out technique that may be too "out there" to wear on one's person! It looks like it would have been fun to make. Oh, have a great time at your workshop, and please blog about it!

Mardel said...

What a fabulous netbook case. It looks like it was lots of fun to create and will be lots of fun to use. Please let us know how the workshop goes.

kbenco said...

That is so cool. I love it.

Kathryn, aka fzxdoc said...

Cute cover for your new toy, Liana. It sounds like you had such fun making it. Your lingerie is soooo pretty! Honestly it looks as though it came from Victoria's Secret.

Kathryn

Silknmore said...

What a beautiful piece of art. Very impressive.
Annette
http://fabricateandmira.wordpress.com/

Barbara at Cat Fur Studio said...

Such beautiful stitching and design to complement your computer. There is something poetic to me, in housing a slick, industrial, utility machine in a beautifully crafted case.

Telemarketing Philippines said...

Definitely the most fashionable netbook sleeve I've ever seen. Impressive!