In the end result of my case, I decided that it was more important to focus on function than aesthetic. As much as I loved the concept for my original design, it turned out to be less practical and less sustainable than I wanted it to be. 100% of the materials used in my final project were recycled items. I created two slightly altered iterations of my initial structure pattern, and made two cases, which are designed to work together to suit my needs in terms of function. The outside case is slightly larger than the first, at 5.5 x 4 x 2 inches. I reused an Ikea bag for this case, making it resistant to rain and snow. I liked how light, yet durable the material was, and it also gave the bag a new life. The second case is made from a woven pink fabric that I picked up after volunteering at Fabscrap. This one is 0.5 inches smaller in width, and fits snugly inside the outer case. It protects the camera from damage by providing cushioning, while the outside adds structure and protects from weather.
Although I wanted my case to be waterproof, my final product is weather resistant and is more structurally sound than my initial plan. It’s also much more sustainable. I’ve learned how to source materials responsibly and utilize the items around me to create objects that I need. I now have a financially and environmentally sustainable source for supplies, Fabscrap, and I’m cultivating the skills necessary to make items with purpose. I’ve created a bag to carry my school supplies with me out of the rest of the Ikea bag, and I’m planning to make some simple tank tops out of the fabric I found at Fabscrap. This was my first sewing project, and I’m very happy with the result. I’m grateful to finally have a case for my camera, and I hope to pass on my case and my passion for photography to my children one day.
