Triple C

Having only time for the small stuff I managed to sew a pretty (and PINK!) little cozy for my new (and PINK!) camera. Yes... I could have bought one. But where's the fun about it?

Then I thought that a custom camera cosy might be fun for others too, so I made a little tutorial for making your very own. Your camera will feel very happy, safe and warm inside!

As mine was finished already and there was no need for a second where I could take pictures of the progress, I tried my hand at drawing the steps for you. You may see that I'm not a freak with those graphic programs, but you will get the idea of what I mean. (Or at least I hope so!)

[Please click on the pictures for larger versions!]

	First, take your camera's measurements like indicated on the left (but of course NOT when it's opened up...) Take the measurements at the widest parts. If you are not sure about your measurements or if you make the cosy as a present for someone else, visit the manufacturer's homepage for information.
! As the cosy is doubled and interlined with a voluminous batting it is neccessary to add some ease to the measurements. I rounded my measurements to the next 0.5 cm, which I also did for Mr. Mad's cellphone cozy. It worked well both times, so it can't be completely wrong. Example: If the taken measurement is 2.2 cm, the working measurement will be 2.5 cm. If you have a measurement like 5.9 cm go right up to 6.5 instead of 6.0 cm to be completely on the safe side.
	Draft the pattern using the working measurements. Take the picture on the left as a guidance. Arrows in the same color means equal measurements are used. The length of the closure flap depends on your taste. I made mine 1/2 as long as the measured width of my camera.
	Round the edges of the closure flap if wanted. Add seam allowance in preferred width. I tend to use 1 cm, as this is exactly the width of the foot of my sewing machine, so I can use this as a guidance while sewing. (I eliminated the other lines so the seam allowance comes out better. No need to do that on your pattern!)
	Decide where the closure will be (red). You only have one pattern, but for a better understanding I made extra-patterns for lining and outer shell. On my camera cozy I used a velcro closure with the soft side attached to the closure flap (on the lining) and the hook side attached to the outer shell. Make sure they will meet when you close the case... Take a look at the picture for a hint for the placement (blue arrows).
Cut the pieces from fabric (2 x), fusible interfacing (2 x) and batting (1 x). I used a fat quarter of quilting cotton, a lightweight iron-on interfacing and a tight batting (which almost felt like a soft, thick kind of felt...). Fuse interfacing to wrong sides of the fabric pieces like indicated by the manufacturer. Mark all lines on both pieces, additionally mark placement of velcro on the right sides. "Quilt" your batting to the wrong (fused) side of the OUTER SHELL fabric. I used simple parallel lines, but you can do whatever pleases you. If you don't want a quilted look for your finished cozy, just baste the pieces together with some handstitches. You can pull them out later. Sew the velcro to the right (fabric) sides of your prepared pieces. If you plan to add a belt loop or a keyring like I did, do this now.
	Fold your fabric at the center of what later will be the bottom of your bag (red line), right sides together.
	Sew side seams closed on outer shell fabric, trim seam allowances of batting close to the seam to avoid bulk in that area. Repeat both steps with the lining, but leave a gap (ca. 8 cm) in one sideseam for turning. Depending on the size of your camera it might occur that you only have to sew 2 - 3 cm on each side!
	By now you have something that should look similar to a flat little totebag. Carefully press seam allowances open. You may insert a tightly rolled up piece of fabric or the handle of a wooden spoon in the case to make this step easier. Working one at a time, bring sideseams down to meet the center of the bottom (that's why you marked the bottom lines before). Sew across the resulting triangle. Carefully cut back the triangle to avoid bulk. Repeat with the lining. Now your pieces should look a bit boxy and more like a camera case than before.
	Slide the outside bag inside the lining bag, right sides facing. Align side seams. Carefully and slowly sew around opening and closure flap. As the case is pretty small, you may only be able to work a few stitches at a time. Very carefully cut back seam allowances on the batting. Clip deep corners where closure flap meets the opening. Cut back seam allowance at those points. Add some fray check if it makes you feel better (at least it makes me feel better, I used it additionally to the fusible interfacing). Clip seam allowances at rounded points of closure flap.
	Carefully turn the bag inside-out through the gap in the lining's side seam. Press seams around the opening edge and the closure flap. Close turning gap by hand. Most digital cameras have a wriststrap attached to them. Put your camera inside the case and mark placement of the wriststrap on the outside of closure flap. Sew a buttonhole in this flap to pull the wriststrap through.

TA-DAAAAAAAAAAA!
Your very personal, stylish, custom and surely unique camera cozy is finished! ^-^

Have fun... Hope to see some new camera cozys out there soon!