DIY Network

Crafty Space All systems are "go for lift off" as Steve Piacenza and Cathie Filian unveil some spacy craft ideas. From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-705

(Continued from page 1)

Pulp Book Cover Laptop Case

Every space cadet needs a computer, and this unique laptop case is perfect for crafty adventures in cyberspace.

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Pulp Book Cover Laptop Case

Materials:

tape measure
exterior fabric of choice
lining fabric of choice
quilt batting
sewing machine
coordinating thread
contrasting thread
1/2" elastic
hand sewing needle
science fiction pulp book cover
laser copier
space-themed scrapbooking paper
laminating sheets
laminator
glue stick
double-sided tape

Figure A

1. Measure the width and length of the laptop.

2. To make the flap panel, cut rectangles of exterior fabric, lining fabric and quilt batting that are twice the length of the laptop plus 2" and 1-1/2" wider than the laptop. Layer exterior and lining fabrics right sides together, top with quilt batting and pin in place (figure A).

3. Stitch the layers together, leaving a small opening to turn the case right side out (figure B). Turn the case right side out, turn opening edges under and hand-stitch closed with a whipstitch (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

4. To make the sleeve panel, cut rectangles from the fabrics and batting that are 1" longer and 1" wider than the laptop. Construct the sleeve panel to match the flap panel.

5. Line up the sleeve panel with one end of the flap panel, lining sides together. Slip one end of the elastic in between the panels and pin in place (figure D). Stitch along three sides (backstitch over the elastic) to create a pocket for the laptop. When you reach the third side, directly across from where the elastic was inserted, sandwich the other end of the elastic between the panels before stitching (figure E). Hold the elastic out of the way while stitching the third side.

Figure D

Figure E

6. Laser copy the front cover of the book. Glue the copied cover to a space-themed sheet of scrapbook paper. Center the paper in a 3mm laminating sheet and laminate (figure F). Trim around the cover, leaving a 1/2" border of clear lamination on all sides.

7. Center the laminated cover on the front flap of the laptop case. Secure with double-sided tape; use a zigzag stitch and contrasting thread to topstitch the cover to the case (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

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