Playing Nook-y

Last week the coolest gadget ever entered my life - a Nook Color.  Now keep in mind that I do not have a smartphone, use Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, or any other cyber-stalking tools, so I'm easy to impress with such gadgetry as an e-reader.

Not only does the Nook read books, it went out and fetched my email for me!  It's like a virtual dog that doesn't need fed and doesn't crap in the yard.  It also has loads of books and gadgets and gizmos to entertain the kids, plus lots of apps I have yet to fully explore.  It also surfs the internet in speedy fashion.  I'm enthralled!

What the Nook doesn't do, however, is come with a protective cover.  *sigh*  Of course not.  How else would They get you to drop another $40 for such an important accessory?  Well go ahead and put your wallet away, because I've designed a cheaper (and prettier) option.

This is a simple little project for a Nook sleeve.  The measurements are specific to the Nook Color, but this is easily adjusted to fit any size e-reader, tablet, or other gadget.  I'll explain how to adjust the pattern at the end of the tutorial.

Nook Sleeve Materials List

• 1 fat quarter (or 2 coordinating fat quarters if you want the lining different from the outside)
• 1 large button
• 1 elastic ponytail hair tie
• 1/4 yard extra firm sew-in interfacing
• Scrap of quilt batting OR fleece, at least 7" x 20"
• Thread

Step 1 - Cut the pieces. 

From the fabric, cut one outer piece 7" x 20" and two lining pieces each 7" x 10." 

Cut both the interfacing and the batting to 7" x 20."

Step 2 - Set the lining pieces aside.  Layer the remaining pieces with batting on bottom, interfacing in the middle, and outer fabric on top.  Line up the edges and fold this whole thing in half so the fabrics are right side together.

Step 3 - Sew the two long sides 1/4" from the edge.  Make sure to backstitch at both the beginning and end of the seams.

Step 4 - Turn it right side out and push the corners out so they are nice and sharp.  If any batting or interfacing hangs out the top, go ahead and trim everything so it's even.

Step 5 - Sew on the hair tie in the center of one side, on the right side of the fabric. 

 

Step 6 - Lay the two lining pieces right sides together, and sew the two long edges with 1/4" seams.  Do not turn right side out.

Step 7 - Slip the lining onto the sleeve by sliding it over the outside.  The right sides of the fabric should be together.  Line up the top raw edges, and tuck the hair tie down between the layers. 

Step 8 - Carefully stitch around the top with a 1/4" seam allowance.  When you reach the hair tie, back up and go over it twice.  You don't want that tie pulling out of the seam later!  If your machine has a partially removable table for sewing sleeves and such, it makes this step much easier.

Step 9 - Pull the lining up and press it flat. 

Step 10 - Turn the raw edges of the lining 1/2" to the inside and press.  Stitch the opening closed with 1/8" seam allowance.

Step 11 - Push the lining down inside the sleeve and give the whole thing a good press. 

Step 12 - Sew on your button, and slide your Nook Color inside!  Voila!

Note: to adjust the pattern, simply measure your device and add 2" to each side.  For example, my Nook measures 5" x 8."  Adding 2" to those numbers gave me 7" x 10" - the size of the lining pieces.  The other pieces could also have been cut to 7"x 10", but I choose to just cut one large piece and fold it over instead of having to sew a bottom seam.