iPod Case
Aug 23, 2008 Sewing
Two years ago, I tried to make an iPod case. My first attempt didn’t meet my needs. I’ve been meaning to give it another go, but I haven’t gotten around to it. Then I saw Petchy’s tutorial and I saw the light. Her iPod case looked a lot easier to make than my own.
Now Petchy’s measurements are for an iPod Nano w/video. I have a first generation nano. Consequently, I needed to adjust my measurements. I believe I cut my fabric to 3″ x 10.5″, and I use 1/4″ seam allowance.
I ended up making two cases. The first case was too skinny and too long. It might work for the second generation nano. The second one was just right. The above measurement are from my second attempt.
I made one modification. I added a loop out of ribbon to the back of the case. When I fly, I’m always worried about leaving my iPod behind. Now, I can on attach the case to my belt loop with a small carabiner clip, which I’ll pickup from REI next weekend.
To top things off, the iPod case in on my to-do list. I can actually cross this off the list.
Small, yet done
Aug 17, 2008 Sewing
Lately, I’ve been trying to finish many works in progress. I’ve discovered that there’s a reason things don’t get done. Projects hit a rough spot. It’s tough to move past them. I’m still not done with the doors in my craft room. I thought I had everything lined up. Then I discovered that the belt sander needs new sand paper. I bought the sandpaper. now I need my dad’s help to change it. Despite my reasonable visual spatial skills, I can’t figure out how to manipulate the thing. Ugh!
So I moved on to a smaller project. A week ago, I started this pincushion. This weekend, I finished it. Yea!
I successfully threaded the ribbon through the pincushion by using thinner ribbon, a smaller needle, and a lot more patience. Last time, the needle got hung up in the batting. Even though I used less batting in the middle, I faced the same problem this time. By slowly, pulling the needle through the batting with the help of pliers, I got the ribbon through. I have to say that Heather Bailey made it look easier than it was. Maybe I’m missing a vital step or a little skill. Regardless, I’m just glad to have a finished project. Too bad it’s not on my official to-do list.
New Toys
Aug 13, 2008 Life
There has been a bit of new toy purchasing in our household. First Ross’ new toy: a 15″ Mac Book Pro.
While he didn’t “need” a new laptop, it was a good time to purchase. He was able to get a price break when the law school bought several machines. Now he’s converted to OpenOffice want to know why anybody would shell out money to Microsoft when they get get OpenOffice for free.
My new toy is a bike. Behold my new Trek 7.2 FX:
This purchase has generated a lot of drama in my life. I’m vertically challenged. On a good day I measure 4′10″. Realistically, I’m about closer to 4′9.5″. OK, that might even be pushing my height, and yes that half inch can make the world of difference in life. I needed a small small bike. After doing a ton of research on the web, I decided that a Trek bike would be my best bet. I wanted a decent fitness/hybrid bike. Trek’s website advertises a couple 13″ models.
After visiting a couple of local bike shops, I selected the bike I wanted. Then asked if it could be ordered in a 13″. (I tried the 15″ and the stand over height was just too tall for me.) Sadly the bike couldn’t be ordered. All of the 2008 13″ Trek bikes were sold out and Trek isn’t making a 2009 13″ bike. Oh sadness set in.
Now I had one possible option, a 15″ bike with a step-thru frame. It wasn’t my first choice. I thought it might look a little wimpy. After talking to Ross last night, I realized that I was going to have to make a compromise. I could get the step-thru bike or a mountain bike with slick tires. The 15″ step-thru bike seemed like the logical choice. At least I could still get 700c wheels. Ugh. I hate making compromises.
Today during lunch, I went to Salt Lake Bicycle Co. and test rode the 15″ step-thru bike. I rode around the block a couple of times. I liked it. So I bought it. Yep, just like that. Yea! A new toy.
Now it’s time to accessorize the bike. To start out, I purchased a rear bike rack, fenders, a water bottle cage, a pannier, and a helmet. Right now I only have one of these items, my helmet. Everything is on order. (sigh) This is OK, my bike shop is great. They ordered the bike rack, the fenders, and the water bottle cage. I’m being really picky. I want silver accessories to match my bike. It’s really important that the bike and look good together. The pannier is coming via REI. Now I just have to be patient. I hate being patient. In a week or so my bike will be looking pretty sweet.
Oh, and I making a list of even more accessories that I need. Bikes are meant to be accessorized. I’m definitely converting my gas money into bike accessory money.
One more thing, this bike is the 2009 model. I feels indulgent to own a 2009 model when it’s still 2008. I’d never do this with a car. So I’ll savory this moment.
Slow Going
Aug 3, 2008 Life
OK, I tried to get the doors in my craft room hung, but I’m behind schedule. However this isn’t due to a lack of effort. The doors are painted and the hinges & handles are attached. I just need to install them, which I tried to do. Then I remember that the doors were a little tight before I took them down. Now I knew this. So I didn’t paint the edges of the door, but I did paint the door frames. (**sigh**) Using my palm sander I attempted to sand down the door. I made some progress, but not enough. I need to borrow my Dad’s belt sander. So Dad, if you’re reading this post, before yourself for a call from me.
I did a better job with a little shelf for the kitchen. I made this shelf several years ago. Then I didn’t do anything with it. It needed to be finished, and I ran out of steam. Now I need it. The second coat of clear coat is drying. It all look good I’ll hang it up tomorrow.
Next project, a pincushion. Even though I don’t need another pincushion, I decided to make the pincushion from Heather Bailey. All went well until, I threaded the ribbon through the stuffing. The instructions recommended using 1/8″-3/8″ ribbon. I had 3/8″ in the perfect color. When I pulled it through the stuffing the second time it made a huge hole in the fabric. I think it was stuffed too tight.
I did what any normal sane person would do, I made another one. Instead of trying to use the same ribbon (I do learn from my mistakes), I decided to wait until I could buy a thinner ribbon. Hopefully this will mean success. I’ll keep you posted.
