Whenever Apple releases a new product, you can always find slick cases and carriers from companies like Belkin and InCase that come in your choice of neoprene or silicone and a host of predictable colors and patterns. Â While silicone and neoprene are great for implants and scuba diving, I usually turn to Etsy to see what more design-oriented and textile-friendly cases its crowd of crafters have whipped up. Â After all, if you’ve just dropped hundreds on an iPad, why throw a perfunctory sleeve over it when you can dress it in fabulously tactile materials like mottled leather, felted wool, and linen?
Here are my top picks for the discerning iPad user:
1. The Portel by portel, $39
Portel’s iPad case has that slightly steampunk, retro-modern aesthetic I can never find when looking for a great pair of shoes. Â Its blend of grey felt, brass grommets, and dark leather create a beautiful, simple casing for your iPad that quietly announces “I’m from the future, and this is how we roll.” Â Extra points for the portel’s presentation.
2. Felt iPad sleeve by byrdandbelle, $48
byrdandbelle’s wool felt sleeve with leather detailing is a must-have case for lovers of mid-century modern aesthetics. Â It’ll go perfect with Herman Miller Eames chairs, espresso, and reclaimed wood floors.
3. Alice in Wonderland iPad sleeve by Sakizome, $20
Sakizome’s affordable Alice in Wonderland iPad case is too cute for words. Â This Japanese-style patterned sleeve features an adorable vintage Alice in Wonderland montage that makes me want to pinch it.
4. SKIN iPad sleeve by FERUTOBags, $50
The SKIN by FERUTOBags wins serious points for sheer volume of leather. Â If Hobbits carried iPads, this is the case they’d use on their journey to Mordor–it’s both sleek, sturdy and yet reminds me of magical mottled-leather-sewing elves. Â That might just be me, though.
5. Padded linen iPad sleeve by JiuJiu, $18.99
Synthetic materials be damned–I’m a sucker for anything linen. Â It’s just so breathable! Â Your iPad will look very sophisticated in this naturally textured, padded linen case. Â Plus when you bust out your all-linen summer suit, you’ll look incredibly…uh coordinated.
6. The iMaxi by hiphandmaids, $35
The iMaxi is perfect for those iPad owners who spent months mocking the iPad’s name, but then went ahead and bought one on release day anyways. Â It’s a giant maxipad-shaped case, complete with wings (for extra protection)! Â Extra points to the hiphandmaids for bringing physical form to a pun.
7. Little Red Riding Hood iPad case by Thitaree, $28.49
Did I mention that I’m a sucker for adorbzable fabrics and patterns? Â Check out the pattern on this Little Red Riding Hood linen iPad sleeve. Â CAN’T STOP THE CUTENESS!!!
8. Bacon and Egg iPad case by Antjes, ask for pricing*
Any iPad case involving bacon wins my vote. Â This felted-wool case turns your cold, futuristic tablet into an inviting breakfast of bacon and eggs. Â Plus, you can store your headphones/accessories in the front egg-pouch! Â If you’re on the fence about buying an iPad, an excuse to buy this case should be reason enough.
Published: Apr 5, 2010 03:26 pm