Laptop Sleeve

Back in September, shortly after we returned from our Great Western Adventure, the N key on my netbook decided it didn't want to work anymore.  This was poor timing for our bank account, so I attempted surgery to fix the key.  After a few different attempts at fixing the problem and a little while trying to use the netbook without use of an N key, I threw in the towel and ordered myself a new laptop.  Thankfully I get a discount through work, so the damage wasn't quite as bad as it could have been.

I could have ordered a case when I bought my laptop, but all of the cases were black and boring.  Most of the time I keep my laptop out on our side table in the living room, so I wanted something pretty.

I finally built up enough courage to cut into my precious Ruby Star Rising viewfinder print.  Thankfully I didn't have to use that much of it, so I still have a lot left!  The lining is a teal flannel that I picked up at Joann for super cheap with a coupon.  It's so soft and I think it goes perfectly with the viewfinders!

I used Elizabeth Hartman's Laptop Sleeve pattern for Sew Mama Sew.  The pattern was really easy to follow even though you have to do your own math.  I double checked mine to ensure that I wouldn't end up wasting any fabric, but in true form, I made a mistake.  I measured the height of my laptop from the front without realizing that it angles up and is higher in the back.  Gah!

Of course I didn't realize this until after I had finished the sleeve and tried to insert my laptop.  After some struggle, I was finally able to close the flap with the computer completely inside, but it took way too much effort.  I was disappointed and torn about what to do to remedy the situation.

The next day I woke up and realized that if I took it all apart I could sew it back together with smaller seam allowances.  Mindblowing, I know.  It saddened me to have to rip out the seams and basically start from the beginning, but I kept telling myself that there was hope that the laptop would just slide right in when I was finished.

And guess what?  It totally worked!  I decreased the seam allowances from 1/2" to 1/4" and that was enough to create ease in the sleeve.  It's so easy to get my laptop in now!

I definitely could not have found such a pretty sleeve in a store.  And it looks gorgeous sitting on our side table too!