I always feel a little lame posting about an iPod cozy. In the realm of sexy knits, the iPod cozy ranks only slightly above the dishcloth. No one makes an iPod cozy for the glory, the kudos and the prestige. No matter how beautifully crafted, or cleverly designed, chances are a handmade cozy isn’t going to make you anybody’s favorite gift-giver come the holiday season. After weeding through what seems like a million iPod (or mini device if you prefer) patterns I think I can sum up the reasons most people bother to make the things despite the fact that store-bought cozies are generally cheap, well-made and almost always a bit more dignified and sleek than your average handmade version if you just want to prevent a few nicks and scratches.
- Quick gift – a popular reason, but not a favorite of mine. As much as I like making a cozy for myself, I don’t really need a cozy as a gift, and I don’t know anyone else who does. I’m sure if I gave a friend one though they’d lie to me about how much they loved it and smile. As I would too, of course.
- Trying new techniques (Or glorified swatch.) The main reason for my first cozy.
- Using up leftover yarn. The main reason for my second iPod cozy. Fun fur and acrylic is a surprisingly good iPod cushion, you know.
- For a beginner project, it can be a lot less of a commitment than a scarf or even a hat.
Looking at these reasons I quickly figured out why I wasn’t finding what I needed in cozy pattern land. These were no longer my reasons for needing a cozy. The fact that I wear and use my iPod nearly daily has given me ample time to be super-specific about why I do need an iPod cozy. Also to wonder if possibly I could look into better uses for that brain power. However since I made the list I’d thought I’d share just for giggles. So, what would my perfect iPod cozy do?
- Be wearable. Guys don’t really have this problem, but in women’s clothing, you often don’t get pockets. Don’t get me started. For long walks I also prefer the freedom of not carrying a bag. I’d rather not have it attach and dangle like a keychain either. I have a full size iPod. If I attach it to my shirt it stretches uncomfortably. If I attach it to my pants, it tends to pull them down. This can be embarrassing. If it doesn’t do that it bangs against my body and leaves bruises. I don’t want a belt or fanny pack as I’m not going for tourist (un)chic. No garter, not really going for wayward bride, sporty hooker or Xena warrior princess. It’s a bit much for everyday. This leaves an arm band as the most practical option. Yeah, I know. I’m picky.
- Be comfortable and breathable.
- Able to stay put, really stay put on my arm and not fall down, slide around or allow the iPod to slide out if I lifted my arm above my head or bent over to the ground. This is a huge sticking point with the existing patterns I found. Again, the full size iPod thing. A little flimsy ribbing is not keeping that thing attached to my arm.
- Lightweight.
- Simple and sleek with as few frills or distractions and as unobtrusive as possible. I may not be able to bring sexy back with an iPod armband but it didn’t have to be the equivalent of the baggy, weekend sweater or looked like a stuffed animal either.
- No hardware to fiddle with. Nothing to catch on clothes.
- Durable.
- Pockets for bare necessities, key, money, id.
- Easy access to controls
- At least a little protection from the elements. I wouldn’t be wearing it in a monsoon, but I don’t want to panic if it starts to rain or snow.
It’s not like I’m asking for much right? I admit I was nearly broke down and bought a neoprene armstrap. The only thing that stopped me was the ones that held the full size iPod were only available online and I really wanted to see it in person before shelling out the cash. Looking at the picture it looked like the blood pressure contraption they used at the doctor’s office. I wasn’t all that jazzed over the prospect of buying myself a fancy blood pressure iPod holder. The other option was to upgrade and buy something smaller that I could probably hide in a bra strap or something. The ball of yarn was cheaper.
So with my criteria outlined, I came up with a plan and you can see the result.
It doesn’t use up leftover yarn, I actually bought a new roll just to make it. It’s not a quick gift. The sucker is mine all mine and while you can probably finish it in a day if you’ve got nothing else to do and certainly a weekend, it’s knit on US 0 needles and required more seaming than anything that size should. I didn’t learn any new techniques though it could be a good canvas for trying new techniques. There’s no fancy patterning to jazz up the knitting, this is about as mindless as it gets.
Is it a success? I don’t know yet. It fullfills everything on my list, but I have to road test and run it through its paces. Initially though, I’m really happy with it. I’m fairly sure it’ll stay up even if I run, touch my toes and do jumping jacks. It’s got a pocket for ID or other cards, a change/key pocket, and a long pocket for bills or whatever in addition to the iPod pocket and a flap to keep it all in. It required a lot more seaming than I like, especially since I wanted the seams to look as seamless as possible, but the final effect was worth it. The yarn also helped. It’s nearly impossible to see any sloppy work in the colors. The plastic was going to be optional but it turns out that it’s necessary for the proper fit of the band. I’ll have to find a better grade of plastic, I just recycled some I had on hand to make do for now. I don’t know if it brings sexy back, but I do know it won’t be languishing at the bottom of my bag.
