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Jan 24, 2012

Camera Lens Sleeves

I have a really good camera bag.  It's a sling style and has plenty of pockets.  It looks something like this:


But I also like to be able to just put my camera in my purse and carry one bag around.  Unfortunately that doesn't protect my camera and lenses very well.  I came up with the idea of making little drawstring "pouches" for each spare part. 

Camera Lens Sleeve

I have a set of fleece sheets that are no longer used - they are soft and cushiony, but not bulky.  And I love the grey colour.  The pillow case alone provided more than enough material for me to fashion my pouches.


Here's what I did.

I turned the pillow case inside out and laid it out on a flat surface.  I took my longer 55-250 zoom lens and put it in the pillow case, sliding it down to the bottom corner.  Using a pillow case is nice because two of your seams are already sewn for you. 


I used a ruler and a Sharpie to mark where my other side seam should be. It should be snug but not too tight.  I measured two inches beyond the edge of the lens on the open end to allow the bag room to close (plus a hem) and marked it.
(radius is one inch - allow an extra inch for hem)

I removed the lens and drew straight lines to join the marks, making a rectangle on the material.  While you could draw the lines with the lens inside the pillowcase, I found that they didn't always end up being straight.  I cut out the "rectangle" and got to sewing.


You're going to close the top of the pouch with a drawstring, so there are going to be open edges where the string comes out.  You'll want a nice finished look there, so take your two raw edges on the open side and fold over the material - right side out - sewing a very small hem on each one, all the way top to bottom. 


Take your top open edge and fold it over 1 inch, right side out.  Sew all the way across the opening about 3/4" from the edge. 




Do you see how you have a nice finished edge at each end?  Aren't you happy you sewed those tiny hems?


Turn your pouch inside out and sew the open side together, keeping as close to the first hem as you can. Only sew up as far as the stitching that goes across the top.  You don't want to sew your drawstring opening closed.

Camera Lens Sleeve

If the bottom isn't already sewn for you, sew it closed now.

You now need to string a ribbon or cord through the top.  I used a navy & white flat ribbon that used to be the handle of a shopping bag.  Resourceful, yes?  I have found that the easiest way to string the ribbon is to attach a safety pin to one end and feed the pin through the hole. 


Slide the ribbon all the way through, tie a knot at each end to keep it from slipping back , turn your pouch right side out and admire your work.

Camera Lens Sleeve

Camera Lens Sleeve

The lens fits perfectly and I'm not so worried that it's being damaged in my purse.  I might keep it in the pouch even when it's in the camera bag in case it should fall out (not that that's ever happened - not more than once anyway).

Camera Lens Sleeve

Camera Lens Sleeve

Camera Lens Sleeve

I then went ahead and made a pouch for my smaller lens, my Lightscoop flash redirecter, and my little point and shoot.  It's especially good for small cameras as they're always getting tossed in a bag or knapsack (as you can see from the scratches on it already).

Camera Lens Sleeve
(See the difference when the flash isn't bounced?)

Camera Lens Sleeve

Camera Lens Sleeve
my little army

I think I'm going to make one for the camera body, and probably one for the battery recharger because that cord is always all over the place, even when it's in the camera bag. 

Yes, I'm out of control.  Snuggies for everyone!


43 comments:

Makaila said...

Brilliant!  I need one of these so bad.  Going to try my hand at it.  Thanks for sharing!

BizHitzy said...

This is so smart!
I'm always trying to be careful with my camera when I don't have or want to carry my big camera bag....this would make my life so much easier!
You should make and sell these on an ETSY store!

Jessica Hendry said...

That is such a good way to upcycle old sheets so that they are still as functional as before and is a design that can be used for almost anything electronic!

Condoblues said...

Girl, you have no idea how much money you saved making your own! I am kicking myself for buying a lens pouch while I read you post.

Steph said...

Cute and useful-my favorite combination!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Awww, thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

I hadn't thought of it. Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

I hope you post pictures when you do!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Ha! Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

I'd love to see what you come up with!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

Katie goldsworthy said...

What a good idea! I need to make one of these! My camera definetly needs some extra protection!

Thanks for linking up to Tell it to Me Tuesday @ Creatively Living!

--Katie

Carrie said...

What a great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

Sarah said...

I love this idea! I'm always carrying my camera around and having to be careful with it since I'm too lazy to bring my bulky camera bag with me! I'd love to be able to just throw my camera in my purse!

Simply Designing said...

Great idea!  Thanks for linking up at my latest link party!

I am going to feature you on Saturday on my blog.  Feel free to stop by and grab an "I've been featured" button if you like.

Have a great week.

Ashley
www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

BarbSteadman said...

That's awesome. Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

These are really easy. I'm new to sewing too so if I can do it, you can do it!

Ashlee Prisbrey said...

Love your camera cozies!  I'm featuring them today on Topsy Turvy Tuesdays, thanks for linking up!  What a GREAT idea!

Sarah McGinn said...

My husband will be so excited! Right now I carry my nice point and shoot (for my purse use) in a Thomas the Tank Engine sock!!! And I just got a sewing machine - wish me luck! I'd love for you to come share: 
http://dwellonjoy.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-ever-dwell-on-friday.html

Tonia @ TheGunnySack said...

Great idea!  It's so important to protect that wonderful equipment!

Stephanie @ Sugar&Spice said...

What a smart idea!  I'm always worried about protecting my lenses.  Thanks for sharing!

Mindy said...

Love this idea!  I always need a way to protect my electronics like this:)

Sarah McGinn said...

And thanks so much for sharing at my new party! I'm hosting again THIS Friday so if you have more ideas, I'd love to see them! I'm your newest follower too!

Grace said...

What a great idea.  I need to make some for my camera.

BarbSteadman said...

That's so awesome! I hope you post your results! By the way, I edited the instructions to make them a bit clearer.

Tina @ Babycakes Blog said...

By the way I found your link on the Dwell on Joy link party.

Tina @ Babycakes Blog said...

That's really great!  My mom would love those, she always has her camera with her, so it would be nice to just slip one of those on the lenses when she doesn't want to put it back in her camera bag!

adventuresindinner said...

Love this idea!  Thanks so much for sharing-you are going to be a feature this week at our Pin'inspiration party.  Pop by and grab a featured button when you have a chance :-)

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks Jane!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

Darby Hawley said...

I just saw this featured at Crafty, Scarppy, Happy and I love it!  I'm pinning this so I can make it too!!! Thanks for the tutorial :-)
Newest follower :-)

pinkertonjamesl said...

This was amazing.I really like to make it.This look so wonderful and extra ordinary work.Different camera models covers are also different type of make it.

mopeds

Cassie Box said...

Love this!!  What a great idea! =)

Jenny said...

I'm new to sewing and could not figure out a way to make closeable lens pouches...thanks for the tutorial!

Annie B. said...

Love this !!!!!!!!!! Super cool idea!!
Love your Link up!!
 Come visit mine !! http://sailingwithbarefeet.blogspot.com/

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