Gifts for Guys – iPhone Case 3.0

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It’s been really tough getting back into the blogging swing of things. Like, really hard. All I want to do once I put Penelope down for a nap, is nap! I practically get anxiety attacks when I go down to my studio, it’s that unorganized.

Even thoughts of quitting blogging have crossed my mind. *gasp*

I know I’d shrivel up & die if I did that.

This is a great gift (especially if you know that the giftee is getting a new phone or iPod touch!) for Christmas regardless of age. I’ve included an additional pattern piece to make the phone double as a wallet. When gifting, stick an iTunes gift card in there for added awesomeness.

This was originally posted over at Kojo Designs for Gifts for Guys series, but I’m moving it over here.
This tutorial can easily be adapted to be used with industrial felt or vinyl. If you’d like to go a cheaper/also eco-friendly route, head on over to an upholstery shop & ask for leather scraps. Oftentimes they’ll have scraps large enough for this kind of project. They can’t do anything with those scraps & usually discard them. Let’s get started!!

• S U P P L I E S •
  • leather/felt
  • scissors
  • pattern
  • thread + needle
  • clear tape
  • awl
  • hammer

Print the attached pattern & cut out. Tape generously to the wrong side of the leather.

Punch while patterns are taped using the hammer and an awl. You’ll want to be sure to do this over a scrap of wood.

Should look like this on the right side of the leather.

Once holes are punched, cut out pattern pieces from the leather and match up. I flipped the leather inside out for the pocket for variation.

Thread your needle with thick thread (I used waxed linen thread). Sew between the two layers on the first hole and leave a 2-3 inch tail.

Sew in and out through each hole all the way around. Double back.

Once you get back to the start point, tie a square knot between the layers of leather. Trim ends and tuck between the leather.

With scissors or a rotary cutter & ruler, trim down edges to desired width. I like mine at about a quarter of an inch.

Give to a manly guy!

Click the download button below to download the printer-friendly version of this tutorial & the pattern pieces. 

This tutorial/freebie is free for personal use and should not be distributed/republished without my consent. Altering the file NOT ALLOWED. If you would like to use this tutorial for commercial purposes, please email me. Thanks!

It’s super easy & I’ll bet you’ll have one finished within the hour!

You’ll be surprised that this case fits a myriad of electronics. It works for the iPhone 3G – 4s. It works on the touch & would be surprisingly compatible with a few other smart phones. It’s one of those simple patterns that could be easily adjusted for you!

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    1. hey, you take all the time you need to get back in the swing of things. i’m pretty sure none of your readers are going anywhere. plus, i think it’s only natural that in the course of blogging you grow to feel uninspired/weary here and there. take care!

    2. Melissa says:

      Thanks, @Ellen! You’re so sweet.

    3. Tara says:

      Hang in there, you’ll get your energy back, give yourself permission to have a little rest xxx

    4. Brianne says:

      I agree with Ellen’s comment! We will patiently wait while you get settled but please, oh please, don’t quit blogging! :]

    5. Sara says:

      I’m glad to know I’m not the only one thinking about quitting the blog thing, mainly for lack of sleep. But, I’d be really sad if you did. I love seeing all the beautiful things you create and transform.

    6. […] I’ve got some fantastic projects in the works. Gifts for Guys – iPhone Case 3.0 » ISLY | I Still Love You […]

    7. […] Case This sophisticated leather iPhone Case from Melissa at Melissa Esplin can easily be adapted to fit a variety of […]

    8. Carol Shaver says:

      Ahhhhhh! I LOVE THIS!! I want to make this with the wallet option but the pattern download AT ALL. What am I doing wrong? Thank you for your help. :)

      • Melissa says:

        Unfortunately 12 years of images have been deleted off my blog and we’re working on recovering them. It’s a long process. Sorry for the inconvenience.

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