A New Toy...

Gen 6 iPad and Pencil

Some days come with wonderfully pleasant surprises. When I moved back to the farmhouse this spring, I tried to turn on my Gen 1 iPad, only to find that it was completely, irrevocably, and sadly "dead". I couldn't even turn it on. (boo!)

Then, I recently "cracked" my iPhone 6 plus screen, and lamented that I may have to spend the money to purchase a new one. (double boo!) So, yesterday morning, I made an appointment to take my phone to the Genius Bar at the Bayshore (WI) Apple store. Mid-afternoon, Handsome and I headed the hour south for my appointment.

Apple Pencil and iPad Cover

While waiting for my appointment, I was checked in by one of the geniuses, who took a look at my phone. I had purchased a screen protector this spring, and it turns out the crack was in the glass screen protector and not my phone!! We removed it, and my phone was good as new! (This revelation saved us about $150 (or the cost of a new phone), and a couple of hours' wait. (squeeee!)

Getting back to the iPad issue, Handsome decided to surprise me by letting me choose a new iPad. I chose this beauty. Handsome had a brand new Apple pencil (used to "write" on the screen to mark documents, etc.) that he also gave me, so now I'm back in business.

I got a protective cover/stand, and I'll keep everything together in one of my handcrafted cases when I'm not using it.

New Gen 6 Screen and Apple Pencil

 

I'd hoped to write this post on my iPad, but I still have a few things to learn in the new operating system before I can do that. Maybe tomorrow. Today, I'll be learning new things, and transferring a bit of data into my new "toy". Thanks, Husband!!

Back To The Drawing Board...

iPad Case - Beta Version

 

As a dearly departed, old friend used to say, "Some days, it just doesn't go by the book". Today was one of those days. 

Handsome asked for a case for his newest (larger) iPad, so I set about making one for him. I chose a beautiful (authentic) Harris tweed fabric, and a coordinating cork fabric. I pulled a beautiful, soft, organic cotton flannel for the lining. Then, I measured the iPad, cut out the fabric components, and began my assembly process. When all was said and done, it fit, but was a tight squeeze, and after all the adjustments I made trying to make it fit, it ended up with more than a few flaws. ugh

What I have to change: 

1. The strap for tucking in the flap has to be longer. (I made it the same size, and it was holding the body of the case too tight to insert the iPad.)
2. I need to taper the flap from the fold to the end of the flap so that it properly fits under the strap.
3. I need to increase the size of the entire case so that it's not so tight. (I didn't account for the lining taking up more of the interior space).
4. Next time, I'll make it in practice fabric to double check for fit.

It's really beautiful fabric, so it's a good thing I have more. This fabric won't go to waste, though. I'll cut it apart and create a little zip case to hold Handsome's iPad cords and stylus. I'll do that today, along with the new, improved design for his tablet.

If you're wondering where I am, just head into the studio. I'll be sitting at the "drawing board", and then my machine. (I just wanted you to know I'm just like everyone else. Some days, it just doesn't go by the book.) wink

Completed Special Order...

Oh, dear. I so enjoyed yesterday as I spent my time designing a

custom iPad cover for my friend, Sharon J. of Corgis In My Garden.

She asked for an appliqued' corgi, and chose colors of rose,

gray, and white. Beyond that, she left the design up to me.

Oh, and she wanted it to have a flap, too. She emailed the measurements of

 her particular iPad model and I took it from there. I had so darn much fun!

I lined it with a fabric using tiny rosebuds, so I think I met all her

requests. It's all finished and ready to ship on its way to her and 

the Corgi girls. I sure hope she loves it and gets lots of use from it.

It's nicely padded, so I know it will protect her tablet for a long time.

If you're interested in a special order tablet cover, please contact me. I'd

love to create something just to your taste. I price them according to the

features and size you choose. I'd love to play in the studio for you, too!

Productive Studio Time...

 I finally got back into the studio yesterday!

I had a list of things with deadlines, and

I managed to complete everything on my list.

Yay, me!

We'll be celebrating Joni's Birthday at Coffee Club

on Saturday and my hands are the last to touch her gift

from us. Joni loves ducks - specifically Rubber Ducky -

so choosing her fabric was easy for the girls. 

Nora, Kathy, Fay and Brenda assembled the whole quilt.

 My tasks were to bind the quilt, add the hanging sleeve and label.

 We included Flo's name on the quilt label for all the quilts made in

 2013. Because Joni's quilt is actually the last one in this cycle, her 

label has Flo's name on it, too. We'll miss Flo for a long time to come.

I can share this with you because Joni doesn't have a computer, tablet

or smart phone. She won't see it until we give it to her Saturday.

No surprises were ruined by sharing this finish with you!

 I also finished these cases to take to our Guild meeting last night.

I added velcro to these two cases and they're now finished "sleeves".

The velcro will keep the tablet from slipping out unexpectedly.

 I added flaps to these two, so they're finished cases. I wanted to

give the Guild members an idea of what I'm working on. Only

twenty to go! I have until the third week in February to finish the

rest of them. I know that Pat, who is in charge of the Boutique was

really happy to have them, and I know she'll like having more to sell.

Today, I'll be working on Mom's Birthday gift. I'm going to make one of

my sewing organizers for her that will match the armchair pincushion I

gave her for Christmas. She told me she liked the organizer idea last 

month, so I'm happy to surprise her with one. I know she'll love it.

I have a full day ahead, so I'd better get back to the studio.

See you tomorrow with a few more finishes.

Wishing you a creative day, my friends.

Cases Or Sleeves?...

 I had great fun in the studio yesterday. I got this far on a number

of my tablet "assembly line" pieces, and then I started to rethink.

 At this point, my tablet cases would be considered "sleeves".

 The main fabric is embellished and padded. Then, I

lined them with soft, pretty flannel to protect the tablet.

 What I'm rethinking is whether to keep them just like this - as sleeves.

 Or to add the padded, lined flap with the velcro closure.

 If I add the flap, the "sleeves" become "cases".

Many people (women) slip their iPads and Kindles into

a tote bag or handbag when they carry them, so I

wonder if the flap is necessary. More work, but would

they bring more money for the guild, too? I can't decide.

Sleeve or Case. hmmm

What do you think?

To flap, or not to flap? 

That is the question.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

 I'm having fun in the studio with my tablet case project.

So far, I've had a lot of fun choosing elements to embellish each one.

I'm using vintage laces and fabrics that coordinate with my custom tapes.

 My goal is to make all of them fun, girly and pretty. Today I'll begin sewing.

The assembly line process makes things progress a lot faster, so I'll

be sharing a few finishes with you tomorrow. It's off to work I go!

Setting Up The Assembly Line...

 I ordered these custom twill tapes for a project I've been thinking about

for quite a while. You've seen my tablet cases in previous posts, and my

idea revolves around those cases. I developed my own case pattern last year, and

 now I'm ready to set up a little assembly line so that I can donate about twenty 

four of them to our guild Boutique for our upcoming quilt show (in February).

 I'm going to start working on them today. I'll cut all the fabric pieces,

and sections of trim to start sewing them just like an assembly line. I'll

coast right along from one to another and be finished in no time!

I'm nearly finished with the first block in the Wooly Critter Sampler, too!

I just have to stitch the detailing on the flower petals and leaves.

Photographs tomorrow!

Yes, Honey...

 It's not often that I get a special request from Handsome, but when he asks

 me to create something just for him, my answer is always, "Yes, Honey!"

To tell the truth, I'm always honored to do things for him, whether it's to

hold the new snare wires just where he needs them until he can tighten them

onto his newest drum; cut his hair; or help him with something in the yard. I'm an

old-fashioned wife that way. This time, his request was for a new iPad case.

 I have a stash of music-themed fabrics (don't look so surprised!), so I hauled

them out and let him choose his favorite. I just purchased this one at 

Sandy's Quilt Shop and I love it! I glad Handsome did, too! Next, I showed him 

his choices for the lining/contrast fabric. He also asked for a velcro closure instead

of the flap I usually add. Once that was all decided, it was time for me to wake up 

Prissy (my Babylock quilt machine) from her afternoon nap and get to work.

By late day yesterday, I handed the finished iPad case over to Handsome.

He thanked me and told me it was exactly what he envisioned.

Mission Accomplished!

I can't tell you how much I like seeing that smile on his face.

I got an email from my friend, Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

She's moved her blog over to WordPress, in case you hadn't heard.

I want to share her new URL so that you can visit her new home.

She's at http://mockingbirdhillcottage.com/ now.

She'll be glad you stopped in to visit.

Be sure to click here to enter my 1200 Post Giveaway if you haven't yet.

I'll be drawing all the winning names on August 31st at midnight.

There's still time to enter!

Such A Busy Day...

Yesterday was a really great day. Handsome and I spent the morning doing outside "housework". We cleaned the gutters yesterday but stopped short of cleaning up the stuff we pulled out of them. That meant the first order of the day involved picking it all up.

While he was doing that, I was making another mess trimming the palm trees and hibiscus bushes. He came around with the yard tractor, pulling a little trailer which he quickly refilled - multiple times. Then, the last order of business was the most difficult job.

The areca palm that has flourished next to our waterfall in the Holidome got really out of control. It was absolutely stunning to see it next to the pool, but unfortunately, it was outgrowing it's in-ground planter and we feared it would start pushing the pavers and damaging the pool. We had to take it out.

We were really sad about removing it, but we worked our way right down to the base. All that's left is to split the root ball and take that out, too.  Taking it out has sure opened up the light in that corner of the pool! (We're trying to tell each other that it's a vast improvement, but we're only halfhearted in our enthusiasm.)

We finished our work by noon which left the rest of the day for me to spend in the studio. Trouble is that I have so many projects I'd like to work on right now that I didn't know where to start. You know what happens then, right? Yup. I cleaned the studio! (Don't laugh!)

By late afternoon, everything was cleaned and I chose the fabrics in this picture to make another iPad cover. (Thank you to the sweet person who purchased my "girly" iPad cover the day after I listed it on Etsy!) I'm going to make more girly-themed covers, but I came across this fabric (which I love) while I was organizing some of my stash, so I'm going to make one with this, too.

I'm going to spend my whole day in the studio, so I'll show you what I accomplish tomorrow. I hope you have a creative day, too!

New iPad and Reader Cases...

I finished two new cases yesterday...One is a creamy, sweet, 

Vintage chic iPad case which will fit the first generation iPad and more.

The back of the case is embellished with a vintage doily 

with more pretty, vintage lace and shell accents on the front.

Inside the case, you'll find a beautiful script-style fabric...

as well as more lace and an interior pocket!

The binding for the flap is even hand sewn.

This case measures (approximately) 8 1/4" x 11 1/2". (Outside)

 It's padded and pretty.

Can you imagine a sweeter way to protect your technology?

 My second case is a little smaller.

It measures (approx) 7" x 9" on the inside 

and 7 1/2" x 10" on the outside so you can

measure your reader to see if it will fit.

 The reverse of the case is constructed using a British-themed fabric,

and finished with the iconic "Keep Calm and Carry On" tape.

What do you think?

 This one is lined in soft, blue flannel with trim to match the exterior.

Both items are available in my Etsy shop: brynwoodneedleworks

I'm working on another design in the next day or 

so and can't wait to debut that one, too! Soon.

Tag says he thinks it will be his favorite!

My Newest Completed iPad Case...

A padded, safe spot for my iPad to sleep.

 Yes. I finished my iPad case yesterday!

The front with the flap open, showing the velcro closure.

 To honor my British birthplace and Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee...

The back, featuring Lillalotta's "Keep Calm" wide twill ribbon.

 I chose a Union Jack and "streets of London" theme.

Nice, soft and coordinated inside.

I lined my case with soft blue flannel.

Of course, I had to add a strip of fabrics mirroring the exterior of the case...

and my Brynwood label.

One folded "Keep Calm" label will hold my stylus. I'm using my Union Jack pencil for the photo.

 It's the perfect size for my first generation iPad.

I'm also finishing a second one better sized to the second generation iPad.

That one will be available for sale soon.

(If you're interested in one, please email me for more information.)

Now that I have this project finished, I'm on to one of my UFOs.

More on that tomorrow.