Cell Phone Case

Barbara Blankenship © 2005

I received a very unique gift from friend and fellow crazy quilter, Jenny Clark. It was a pre-made cell phone case similar to the twill or canvas bags you can purchase. In her note was this comment: “several years ago we had done a contest for the magazine using a lunch bag out of the same type of fabric and the gals who did those just did incredible work on them… dyed them and then did CQ on them.”

My imagination conjured up a picture of this case and I was compelled to begin immediately. This is the finished project. I have had an overwhelming response from everyone who sees it. The compliments are too numerous to count.

For those of you looking for a challenge I would recommend this small case. They can be purchased from Dharma Trading Company. For any of you who make one, we will definitely want pictures!

Below are some of the techniques I used to complete mine.

• Remove the 2 Velcro pieces
• Remove the small belt loop – this will be covered, embellished and replaced
• Dye the entire case in a color that will coordinate with the fabric you use

Areas to CQ:

1. Outside area which includes the back of the case and extends to the front, excluding small pocket
2. Small pocket
3. Inside flap area

Use muslin to make your pattern: run your fingernail inside the binding area of each part listed above. Cut this out allowing approximately ¼” for shrinkage. Also allow for a seam allowance where the crazy quilting meets the lined area. *See below

Crazy quilt these three pieces of muslin and embellish staying clear of the seam allowances.

Lining:
Inside area behind the cell phone and the 2 side pieces, inside and outside. Make your pattern as you did above and cut just a fraction larger. I used the outside back to make my pattern, using the silk dupioni lining piece. The four side pieces can be measured in the same way. Check for exact fit and adjust accordingly. When you have the correct fit, carefully burn the outside edges of each piece to prevent fraying.

I used Fabric-Tac glue to attach the lining pieces. Use a very small amount around the edges of each piece and allow to dry. Using a large amount of glue will make it extremely hard to attach your bias binding.

Covering the case:
You will have your inside lining in place and dry. Baste the crazy quilted pieces in their appropriate place.

* Turn under the seam allowance in four places:

1. The inside where the quilted piece meets the lining.
2. Outside where the back reaches the plastic.
3. Front outside flap where it reaches the small pocket.
4. The pocket piece at the opening.

Cover the belt loop you removed with the same lining fabric and embellish with some decorative stitching. Stitch this in place with beading thread.

Bias Binding:
Cut bias strips 1 ½” in width. Measure the area you will be binding and allow several additional inches. Sew the strips together in one continuous length. Fold the two raw edges to the center and press well.

With right side of binding against right side of case, hand stitch in place. Fold the binding covering the raw edges of your crazy quilted pieces. This will enclose the original binding.

The binding will have to be bias cut due to the rounded areas. You will need to ease in the fullness being careful not to show any gathering. This is the most difficult part and also the reason for using a small amount of glue on the lined areas.

At this point you will realize that everything is stitched by hand and a thimble and needle grabber is a must! It is quite a challenge but the results are well worth the effort.

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