Thursday, October 7, 2010

Amy Butler camera case

A couple weeks late for the Amy Butler-themed Sew and Tell...but here she is!

There are about a million things that I need to be doing before leaving on our trip, but this is something that I just wanted to do. So to heck with pre-cooked meals for the kids or laundry! I had 2 requirements for this camera case:

1. cute (check!)
2. PADDED (also check!)

A couple weeks ago I dropped our camera onto the cement driveway. Did not bode well. When I tried to turn it on it actually sounded like it was screaming in pain. So, new camera for me! But I had to promise the hubby that I would be MORE CAREFUL. Since I rarely use our existing case (not cute enough), I thought the solution was clear- I needed to make a case that I was excited to use, and had lots of padding!

I really love how this turned out. I didn't use any pattern- actually, I started this at 10 p.m., with a head cold, half asleep, and didn't even sketch out a plan or measure stuff first. Crazy, I know! I am usually a planner, but not this time- I literally just cut one piece at a time, added it to the bag, then cut another to fit in. Not a method I plan to use again, as I spent some quality time with my seam ripper, but somehow I got it done and looking pretty decent. I kept it compact (I want to be able to throw it in my purse), and made it 3 dimensional to add width to accommodate the camera. I used a zippered closure to ensure that the camera would stay securely inside. A swivel hook was added to the wrist band, so that it can be hooked onto a backpack if need be. My favorite is the front pocket for the charger. I ran an elastic along the top to help prevent the charger from falling out. This made gathers, so I did some gathers/pleats across the top flap as well. I love the texture this added.
A general rule in my life is: if you can add a button, DO! Love 'em. I was excited to find the perfect home for this cute vintage button I found thrifting this spring. The loop tab is another "error"- I realized I forgot to add one in the flap seam, then layered the grey and dot squares on the flap to attach it. In the end this is one of my favorite details! The lining....well, it got pretty messed up, but who sees it anyway?? I was also excited to pull out these lovely Amy Butler Lotus fabrics that I have been sitting on forever (I think these were my FIRST fabric purchase, actually!). I love to buy fabrics, but have a hard time cutting into them. This was so worth it.

Can't wait to strut this bag around Italy next week!

I will be sharing with some of the great blogs on my side bar :-)

23 comments:

Unknown said...

This is so cute! I love it.

emilyc @ Sew Super Sweet said...

Genius! And super cute too! I am envious you could put him together piece by piece!

Have a wonderful trip!

Amy @ Increasingly Domestic said...

Adorable!!! I think my favorite part is the square that attaches the elastic...so cute!

Leila said...

Too bad you didn't make a pattern. My husband has been on my case to make a camera case. I dropped our camera too. Then lost the replacement camera in the airport. THIS one Has to last! :)

Mary said...

This is SO cute! Great job!!!

Elämäntapaidiootti said...

What a beautiful case! And my type of working, one piece, second piece, oops, third piece... :D That is worth Italy! :)

SoozeM said...

Wow that is super awesome! I think you definitely need to make another one so you can do a tutorial for all of who are just not clever enough to cut pieces as we go :) I love the button tab detail too!!

Anonymous said...

Man! I need this, and you didn't use a pattern?!? I guess I will have to do some planning so I can copy you. GREAT JOB!

Rene' said...

Awesome camera case!!! Great fabric choice. Thanks for sharing!

eye_on_sparrow said...

What a cute camera case. Very nice added details. I especially like the elastic pocket for the charger and the little pleated flap.

Lauren said...

Wow it's wicked cute! I love all of the details. Great job! The laundry will be there when you get home!

p.s.phyllis sews said...

Love the story behind the case and I concur on your feeling about buttons! Awesome work!

Haylee said...

Nice job. I love the fabric and it is super cute.

amylouwhosews said...

You do know this is my favorite Amy Butler print of all time, right?? I LOVE THIS!! The little ruffle is so sweet too. Great job! Thanks for joining us!!

Kristen said...

It looks great. I love the fabric! I like the idea for the charger and those pleats are sweet!

Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

Very cute! I looove the gathers on the front pocket! What a great fabric choice, too! Great job!!

Anonymous said...

What a cute case - so practical - well done! I love the button :)

Miri said...

Sweet!

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

Hi there Kristie!

I'm happy to tell you that you won the Modern Marigold giveaway on my blog! If you could email me at craftinessisnotoptional(at)gmail.com so I can pass along your info that would be great! Thanks for entering and congrats!

Jess :D

Carla said...

What an excellent finish for the week and the fabric is perfect!

Lappedamen said...

Another great idea among the Sew & Tell in this round. I am like you - don't use our existing camera case because it is not very nice. And the result; my camera does not work anymore. I have to buy a new camera and I would like to make a camera case like yours. Thanks for sharing.

malia said...

This is so beautiful! I love Amy Butler and have this same pattern in scrapbook paper. Great work!

malia said...

ps thought i was already following but didn't "see" myself so did it again