Tuesday, June 19, 2012

My New Handmade Camera Case!


Happy Tuesday everyone!

I am so excited to show you the new camera case I just made for the amazing gift Fred just gave me!

He has been searching for a very beginner SLR camera for me to learn so I can spend time with him on photography field trips!

He found a used Nikon D-40 on Ebay for a great price, and it is perfect for me!

I can even use some of his lenses on my camera and he can always use my camera as a backup if he needs one!

He is so sweet!

He smiled when I told him I have a surprise to show him too...

The new padded camera case I just made to protect my new camera!

I think he is very relieved that I did not get him a set of crochet hooks to share my favorite craft too! :)

I made up the design from some 1" high density foam scraps I bought at Joann Fabrics for $4 and some fabric from my stash!




This is the finished box complete with little fabric covered foam bumpers to hold it tightly in place.

Here is how I made it...

I cut the high density foam into 7 pieces...

bottom:
one 7" square

sides:
two 7" x 3" rectangles
two 5.5" x 3 rectangles

small bumper dividers for the lens
two 3" x 1.5"

I wrapped the foam like little gift boxes with the dot fabric & hand sewed it into place. 
Then, I placed them on a 24" square piece of red fabric with an inch of space between them.
And although my little drawing does not show it very well, the top few inches of fabric was folded flush with the top of the foam rectangles to provide a nice edge to whip stitch the top of the box to the foam pads during finishing.

To get rid of extra fabric I did not need in the corners of the box, I cut squares out of the corners of the 24" bottom fabric square.

Finally, I folded up the sides and whipped stitched everything together into a solid box.



Ta Da!

To carry around my new camera box, I pulled out a knitted bag I made in 2006 and shoved it in!
I am so excited that it works perfectly to hold it as my new camera bag!

Isn't it FUN?





Tomorrow I will show you the results of my first photo shoot with Melanie's little bird, Ollie!

He was the perfect little model!

xoxoxo
Melissa

6 comments:

Sketching with Dogs said...

What a perfect camera box Melissa. I would much rather have one of those than a commercial one.
I think Fred should learn crochet for backup if your hands are ever tired, LOL.
Can't wait to see Ollie's photo shoot!
Lynne x

Molly the Airedale said...

What a beautiful camera case to protect your new treasure, Melissa! Fred is the best!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

LindyLou4U said...

Melissa you are amazing! Your camera case is so novel and I LOVE your new camera! Thank you for sharing...can't wait to see Ollie!

Mare said...

Melissa you are SO creative! I carry my better camera in a crocheted bag i made, but it doesn't cushion it that well from bumps and bangs like your padded case does! I can't wait to see your new photography skills!

marianne said...

What a wonderful box you made there for your camera and how sweet of Fred to give you this perfect gift to play with!
You will love this camera!!!!
I have a D-60 which is quite similar and I love to take pictures with it!
Cant wait to see Ollie´s photo shoot and Archie´s new pictures with your fabulous gift.
♥M

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We think Fred is a sweetheart for surprising you with that wonderful camera! And we think the padded camera case is a perfect case for your new treasure! How exciting.. and carring it in that bag will make it very comfortable for you!
love
twee