Thank you for not being perky

I have a concept that works and protects my macbook without adding a lot of bulk… I don’t use a padded laptop bag so I wanted something with some structure.

I took a piece of foam-core I had lying around and some packing foam (you know, the stuff that comes in sheets on a roll like paper towels but not at all like because it’s plastic foam?) I cut the foam core and taped it to make a U shape about 2 cm larger in all dimensions than my macbook, then taped the hell out of it so it would hold its shape. (I think I used the gaffers tape I always have, but anything sturdier than scotch will work.) Then I added two layers of foam sheeting, until the machine almost fit snugly. Again with the taping.

I happened to have a pair of pillowcases I found somewhere cheap that I liked but wasn’t using on the bed so I turned one inside out and fitted it down inside the foam-core frame. Using a big-ass hand needle and heavy button thread, I tacked the pillowcase corners into the frame corners — about 6 knots on a side. Then I folded the pillowcase down and whipstitched the open edge at the bottom.

The second pillowcase got folded around the now upholstered frame and stitched at the edges. This created pockets. I tacked on a length of ribbon that goes around and ties to keep macbook inside sleeve, and added a couple d rings for a shoulder strap that I’ve since removed — I never use them. Mine has a rather Victorian/Steampunk look to it at this point due to the fabrics (cream stripey cases and dove-grey ribbon) but any fabric will work.

It’s a sturdy case — I wouldn’t put it up against a tank, but it handles commuting well… Pictures on request… (the cat ate the camera, I think…)