by Billie Staib

Created on: September 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

Cell phones. Almost every one has one. Myself, I am the proud owner of an iPhone. Although I am not really much of a phone-talker, my iPhone allows me to keep the functionality of a phone, camera, laptop, GPS, MP3 player, and (most importantly to me) electronic book reader. The only problem with these little gadgets is that like most electronics, they can be a bit fragile. So how can we protect these gems of ours? By making a cell phone cozy, of course!

There are many ways to make a cozy for your cell phone and the method you choose is really just a personal preference. Here are a few examples listed by craft choice:

Yarn-a-holics: If you find yarn irresistible, you will find that you can knit or crochet a cozy in no time. There are many free patterns available online to get you started. My personal favorite is to knit a cozy in the round. I start off with a few rounds of 1x1 ribbing and then just knit every round until the cozy is the right size. I then use a double bind off to finish off the bottom and viola! You can also just knit or crochet a rectangle the size needed to wrap around your phone and then sew up the side and bottom. Add in a wrist strap, drawstring, or button flat if desired. You can line the cozy with fabric for extra durability. Or, if you are using 100% wool, you made the piece a little bigger than needed then felt it!

Fabric Fans: For those of us that find fabric stores just as appetizing as a candy store, you can easily whip up a cozy in no time using your favorite fabric. The only thing that you really need to keep in mind is that the cozy should be thick enough to add some protection to your phone in case you drop it. You can use a thicker fabric such as fleece, or maybe this is a good time to try your hand at quilting! A quilted cozy looks beautiful and adds a nice layer of padding for your phone. As with yarn-based cozies, there are a thousand ways you can dress-up and personalize your cozy using sewing notions or free patterns that you can find online.

Green Giants: If "going green" or recycling is your passion, you can easily find some cozy-making treasures at a local yard sale, flea market, or thrift store. These places often have gently used materials that you could reuse so that you can make a fashionable statement. Some items you might consider are old stuffed animals, small purses, or antique tins. Another fun idea is to use an old drink cozy and a stapler to make a new, custom-fit cozy for your phone!

The possibilities really are only limited to your imagination. By making your own cell phone cozy, you can make sure that you have a custom fit for both your phone and your style. You will have an item that vibrates with your personality and calls out to those around you that appreciate the ability to craft your own treasures. If nothing else, these handmade creations will definitely give you something to talk about!

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