RSC15: Where Sunflowers Go To Work

I was recently issued a new laptop computer for work.  It's the smallest laptop I've ever used, just a little larger than an iPad.  I've grown to really appreciate its portability, since I use my computer as I travel to different medical offices every day.  In the past, I've always used a rather large rolling computer bag to tote all my paraphernalia around, but this laptop is so small the rolling bag seems kind of overblown.  I've been experimenting with just using a large tote bag, and that's working well.  Except the laptop needs a padded cover to help protect it while I'm traveling.

 

Thanks to Dasha, I was reminded of an iPad sleeve tutorial by Amber of One Shabby Chick.  I made several of these sleeves a few years ago for various tablets and laptops in my household.   Dasha used yellow scraps for her sleeve, but when I started looking through my stash I found a great piece of sunflower fabric and knew I had to use it. 

 

Who wouldn't want this fabric greeting them on a work day?! "Sunny Side Up" by Rennie Rau Marquez for Hoffman International California Fabrics, 2012.

 

Amber's excellent instructions required me to make two quilted pieces for the outside of the sleeve.  I started doing just straight line quilting on my first piece, but decided it was too boring and this fabric was perfect for practicing some free motion quilting.

 

I learned I have a L O N G way to go to get proficient at free motion quilting, but this was fun.  If you really want to see my lack of proficiency, just click on the picture for a larger version.

 

Here's the finished bag, waiting to see if I adjusted the measurements correctly for my laptop.

 

Success!  It fits perfectly!

 

Closed up and ready for work.  I'm almost looking forward to Monday!  

Now I think I need a new tote bag - the one I've been using is my favorite for toting sewing projects.  I'll pass on making a tote bag, though.  For that I'm going to use the services of Cedar Key Canvas, a small Florida business I discovered years ago during a magical trip to Cedar Key.  I've been buying their bags for years and they never disappoint.  This is a perfect excuse for a new bag!

I'm not quite finished wrapping up my yellow Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects for the month.

 

If the wind ever dies down, I'll be outside spraying adhesive to complete this fabric-covered bulletin board.  I've never used an adhesive spray, so wish me luck!

There's still plenty more yellow Rainbow Scrap goodness to be found at this week's link up.  Hope you're inspired to be scrappy!