Sunday, January 16, 2011

E-reader Cover

My brother's birthday is coming and I was running out of ideas for cross-stitched gifts to give him. Then he told me he bought an e-Reader, one of the lesser known brands that he got for a really good price. So a perfect opportunity for creating a pouch to protect it. I found the dimensions online and it's very close to one of the Kindles. So I whipped up this version based pretty much on the tutorial at Junie Moon. I left off the pocket since I don't think my brother will use this to listen to music. I had planned to make a cross-stitched card with a cute Margaret Sherry design, but in the end I decided to sew the design onto the pouch instead. I just turned the edges under and used Stitch Witchery to fuse it to the pouch. Then I edge-stitched on the machine to be sure it staid put. I think the pouch is a bit big, but better too big than too small. Since I didn't have the reader in hand to check out the fit, it was really my only choice. It's nicely padded with a velcro closure so I hope it will be good for something if not the e-Reader. Next time, I would taper the flap on the sides since it kind of sticks out a little funny. I keep telling myself that's the charm of hand-made items!





Big thanks to Nia for helping me find this cute as a button design. My brother loves crossword puzzles. I just changed the words in the puzzle to be more appropriate than the original 'Nice Cross Stitch'.



On another note, I had a wonderful surprise at our local Farm Women's Market last week. I met a lovely woman who owns a 'farmette' in Mt. Airy, Maryland, where she raises 'fiber animals' including alpacas, llamas and angora goats. For January/February she has rented a stand in the market where she is selling her hand-spun and hand-dyed fibers. These products are in the most glorious colors that you can imagine. For any yarn I pointed to, she could tell me the name of the animal that produced the wool. It made it so personal.

Take a peek at her website, Avalon Springs Farm, if you get a chance. She also has an Etsy shop where you can buy some of the pretties online:
Avalon Springs Farm on Etsy.

26 comments:

Jan said...

What a cute idea. I'm sure your brother will love it.
Thanks for the link to Avalon Springs.

Deb said...

That is such a sweet idea. I'm sure that your brother is going to love it and get a lot of use out of it. And thanks for the link. I always love looking at hand-dyed yarns.

Annette said...

Wow You have stitched that so beautifull.. I also saw it on Nia blog, and have been searching also and found the pattern, it's on my to do list for this year!!
You made such a beautifull bag for your brother, He will love it!!

Melanie said...

Oh, that's super clever and fun!! I'm sure he will love it!!

Cole said...

What a wonderful gift!! And those hedgehogs are super cute too! I'm sure your brother will love it :)

Jane said...

What a lovely sister you are. These things always look different when they're flat to when they are filled. I'm sure he will love it

Nima said...

wow...lovely idea...i'm sure your brother is going to love it.

Lainey said...

Another wonderful idea and finish Annie, your brother will love it.

Deborah said...

Very cute idea. It came out great.

Danielle said...

I love this. What a unique idea.

Robin (Samplerbird) said...

What a clever gift for your brother! And that little hedgehog design is adorable.

Lucy said...

I love it....I have a Nook and they definately need some protection!! Great Job!

Carol said...

Oh, how cute! I remember those little hedgehogs from Nia's blog and think they're adorable. And what a great idea to make your brother an e-book reader, Annie. I'm sure he'll love it (and the e-book reader!).

Margaret said...

What a great present for your brother! I love the crossword xs you put on the front too! I'm afraid to go look at that etsy shop. I love yarn but don't knit enough to justify a purchase! (Love your fingerless mitts btw!)

Pumpkin said...

Now that's a unique gift! I love how you changed the words in the puzzle :o) I hope he likes it Annie!

Nicky said...

Aaaww, that is so sweet. I guess you have a very happy brother now, what a lovely unique gift!

Lee said...

Just love the hedgehogs and love your stitching of them.
As I read your blog DH was at the table doing the morning's cross words so thank you too for an idea of something I can stitch for him. Males are always hard to find things for so you have done well

♥ Nia said...

Adorable Annie!! =)
Nice detail with the words that you stitched ;)
Great job with the cover! Thanks for sharing the tutorial! :)

Lois said...

What a great idea! I'm sure your brother will love it.

Karyn said...

Thanks, Annie, for stopping by for a visit...and your advice, I am off to search for your suggestions :)
I love your blog and am now a follower. I look forward to reading more.
XO
Ma Teakettle

Jackie's Stitches said...

I can't imagine that your brother wouldn't love it! I love how you personalized it.

Blu said...

That's really cool. Love the way you changed the words in the puzzle.
How could your brother not love it?

Siobhán said...

What a neat idea! I am sure your brother will love it.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What a creative and wonderful gift!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

How cute the holder for your brother is! blessings,Kathleen

Ranae said...

Ah! That is the cutest design with the hedgehogs playing a crossword.
The finish is very clever and makes a great guy gift