tutorial & pattern: retro owl sunglass case

After seeing this post on Cathy of California's blog awhile back, I fell in love with the vintage crafts pictured ("mc call's needlework and crafts" fall-winter 1967-68). I especially loved what I assume is an owl-shaped glasses case. If you know my blog then you know I have a thing for owls (hooo doesn't???), plus I'm always breaking or loosing my sunglasses so this is the perfect project for me. In my quest to figure out how to make my own sunglass case, I thought I'd share my method with you!



Begin by downloading the pattern in PDF format here. In case the PDF doesn't work for you for some reason, I've also uploaded the pattern to Flickr.



Cut out all of the pattern pieces using your favorite felt. I used Recycled Eco-Felt for mine because it's cheap and I wasn't sure how the project would turn out. A nice wool blend would work nicely as well. You might notice that I included a "beak" in the pattern but didn't use it in my project. I originally sewed on an orange beak but then had to remove it to install the snap (duh!). I decided I liked the owl sans-beak just as well and left it off. Oh, and I used scalloped scissors to cut out the larger eye pieces. If you don't have fancy scissors, don't fret. You can cut scallops on your own or just cut plain circles.



Now stitch everything together, beginning with the front side of the owl. I used a running stitch to stitch on the overlapping feathers and outer eyes. I cross stitched the "eye-balls" on but you could try any stitch...maybe a French knot...or sew on some wiggly eyes or buttons for fun. Finally, I used a running stitch to stitch the front and back of the case together. Feel free to experiment with different stitches! *If you are doing to sew on the beak (the small triangular piece), wait until AFTER you install the snaps (see below).



Lastly, I installed a snap closure. You can get a fancy snap tool like mine at your local craft store. They are fairly in-expensive (especially if you bring your 40% off coupon). A less-expensive option is purchasing the snaps with a snap applicator tool — you'll just need a mallet to hammer the snaps in place. You can save even more money by going with sew-on snaps. Just follow the directions on the package.



Now protect your shades in your brand-new case!

P.S.) Yes, these ARE my real sunglasses! I bought them from the Red Velvet Art online shop. LOVE!!! Now you understand my new logo a bit better.