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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Confessions of a Kindle Convert

Patchwork Kindle Sleeve by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

I always seem to be the last one to jump on a new trend. It's not that I have anything against progress, mind you. Most of the time my reasons are either financial or motivational -- a nice way of saying that I can be a cheap stick-in-the-mud unless we're talking about something near and dear to my heart like fabric. So when the first e-readers hit the market a few years back, I wasn't interested. Nothing could tempt me to choose that little screen over holding a real book in my hands.

Patchwork Kindle Sleeve by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

It's taken me a while, but after letting my husband talk me into getting one for my last birthday, I've found that there's room in my life for a Kindle. I've only bought a few e-books so far, but I must admit that it's incredible to be able to click that purchase button and instantly have them ready to read. It also works wonderfully for big books which are just plain exhausting to lug around with you everywhere. I'm finally getting past the first hundred pages in Shelby Foote's massive Civil War trilogy -- which I've started and given up on at least half a dozen times over the years -- and it's just as fascinating as I knew it would be.

Patchwork Kindle Sleeve by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt

Of course, a new electronic device means a new case, and I had so much fun sewing a little sleeve for my Kindle. I went with a patchwork log cabin design, using prints from some of my very favorite designers. This time I decided to hand quilt instead of using my machine, even adding two french knots at the center of those flowers on Ayumi's adorable teapot. The case is backed in brown linen and lined with a Paris map print. I finished it off with a leather button and hair elastic for the closure. It's simple and sweet...just the way I like it.

So for those of you who've been holding out like I was, give in. Get yourself an e-reader. You don't have to use it for everything, but it's pretty great for a lot of things.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to 1861...

17 comments:

  1. I didn't think I wanted one either - I really don't read that much. But I won one! And I find it especially terrific when I'm sewing by a pdf pattern - easy to use at my sewing table w/o taking up much room. Plus I've taken it on more than one trip - my method of checking the internet, taking trip notes, etc.

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  2. woops! Forgot to say the most important thing - your cover is darling! ;-)

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  3. I love my Kindle Paperwhite! I would rather read on it than a regular book---I never thought I would be a convert, but because I can read in bed or outside and it fits so easily in my purse I love it. The best is making the font big and not needing reading glasses. Plus I borrow tons of books from the library on it. I got a hard cover for mine, but your little sleeve is fabulous!

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  4. I have a kobo reader and love it - such quick access to books and so small to carry around. I do really need to make a pretty cover for it like yours though!
    On a different note - I just ordered your book - yay! So excited - hoping it doesn't take over a month to arrive xx

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  5. Such a lovely case for your Kindle! I'm going to stick with books ~ I've always had a love for the smell of a good book and you can't get that with an e-reader.

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  6. I have had every Kindle e-reader since the first one except the Kindle fire. I also read from my Kindle aps on my phone and iPad mini. My husband has always referred to me as "my laundry fairy." He tells people his dirty clothes magically appear clean and folded back in their rightful spots. On occasion he left Starbucks gift cards for the Laundry Fairy. Last week, and package arrived addressed to "my laundry fairy." Well this time it wasn't a coffee card. It was a brand new Kindle Voyage which is the best Kindle yet. What a great husband I have. Now I need to make your case for this one. Your case is adorable.

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  7. Check out your local library! Mine lets me check out books on my Kindle for FREE! How awesome, right?!?

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  8. nice work on the case! I believe you've hooked me on those books by Mr. Foote, also!

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  9. Love this! I've had a Kobo since they came out and loved it. Now i just use the Kobo app on my phone but i still love the feel of a good hard cover novel in my hands!

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  10. I love my Kindle! Your library might have a program for checking out books online.

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  11. Love, love, love your adorable Kindle cover! And I'm so happy to see that you used Ayumi's sweet Lighthearted fabric for part of it. The kitchen print is a fussy cutter's dream, right? And the text print is so versatile. Glad you're enjoying your Kindle!

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  12. I got my first ereader (a Rocket eBook) Just as they stopped selling them, it had a little accident (still don't know who cracked the screen or how.) So I *knew* I wanted a Kindle, even if it took me a while to actually get my hands on one.

    A couple of weeks ago, I finally got a smartphone and I'm loving the Kindle app. Before I got my hands one one, I didn't think it made any sort of sense to read on that little screen, but having my books with me everywhere and being able to synch to where I left off in my Kindle is just wonderful.

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  13. Awesome case Heidi! Love the fabric combo.

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  14. I love your case. I haven't gotten a Kindle yet either but I don't get a ton of time to read lately either. Maybe once I've finished the books I do have on my shelf, I'll consider getting one too.

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  15. I refuse to give in yet, lol! I love reading from real books and I have enough screen time in my life. Books and sewing are my getaways from all that. Anyway, I do love your case. :)

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  16. I loved this post, probably because I could have written it! I do have to say, as a fan of big history or historical fiction novels, it is much nicer to get hit in the head with the lightweight kindle than the big book when you fall asleep reading in bed, ha ha. I'm still a sucker for a really pretty book, and of course sewing books are much better in person. Love your kindle case too!

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Aren't you the sweetest for leaving a comment! Due to all the ads that bombard this section, I have to moderate everything first, but look for your comment to post in a day or two. Thanks so much for writing!