Kindle Case

I finished this project awhile ago, but I couldn't post it until now because it was a birthday gift for my mother-in-law (happy birthday, Arlene!). So without further ado, my first attempt at a non-skirt, zipper project...

I found the crocheted Kindle case tutorial at Little Birdie Secrets about a month ago, and I thought it would be a fun gift to make for Matt's mom since she just got a Kindle. But at the end of the post, she mentioned having a sewn case tutorial that she would be posting later, so I held off and waited for her to post the fabric option. I'm so glad I waited because it ended up being (relatively) easy and so stinkin' cute!

Matt even got to pick out the fabric (after I texted him the picture of my top three options). He picked my third choice, but it ended up being perfect for this project (plus I went back and got my top choice for another project, haha).

I had never sewn a zipper or used interfacing (well, there are a lot of sewing techniques I've never done, considering that this was only my third project), so the task seemed a little daunting. I followed all the steps in the tutorial, but my machine kept stopping when I tried to sew over the zipper. It freaked me out, so I just skipped that part. Once I finished the bag, I realized the error of my ways. The zipper that just pulled straight off might have helped a little with that realization. After a brief moment of panic, I emailed my friend Jessica (seriously, click on that link and check out her blog; she's so talented!) and asked begged her to tell me what I did wrong and how I could fix it.

After backing up a few steps, I was able to re-attempt sewing over the zipper, and sure enough, when I went slowly enough over it, the machine was fine. Problem solved.

I wasn't sure the opening was big enough for the Kindle to fit through it comfortably, but I'm assured that it does. I would call this first bag attempt a success.

And oh my goodness, I cannot wait to post the latest project I finished because I quadruple love it. But alas, I keep making gifts and can't post the pictures until I send them off. Argh.