project: mario pipe tech case

When I picture Super Mario Bros., one of the first images that comes to mind is a green pipe. They are perfect for transporting Mario between levels, and they are just the right size for storing an iPhone or other device! Just watch out, because you might find that instead of your phone rising out of the pipe, it might be something a bit more dangerous...



Oh no! It's a piranha plant!

Truth: I can't get enough of pulling this plant out of the pipe case...it brings me great joy, as I hope it does for you. Let's make one!

You will need:
Green felt (I used wool blend from Joann)
Green embroidery floss
Scissors
Needle

Piranha Plant Wallpaper (one size fits most...if it doesn't work for you, let me know your optimum size!)




The first step is to cut your felt pieces. The size will vary for different devices, so here's how you figure it out.

Fold a piece of felt and lay your device on top. With the fold at the bottom, the doubled felt should be about 1/2-3/4 inch taller than the device. Pinch or pin the felt along the edges to see how wide to cut the strip. It should accommodate the thickness of your phone or tablet, plus give a bit of seam allowance. Cut the strip.

Cut two pieces for the top of the pipe. They should be a little wider than the main pipe strip and a height that is proportionate to the overall height of the case. The piece for my iPod Touch case is 1-1/4 inch tall.



With the main strip still folded in half, use running stitch to sew up the two sides. It's a good idea to make sure your device will fit before you get too far. This is your chance to give it a perfect fit...a slightly snug case will keep things from falling out easily!




Hold the two pipe toppers together and sew one side. Wrap the topper around the open end of the pipe and start sewing across the front. Repeat, sewing up the other edge and continuing across the back.



Faster than you can get through level 1-1, you've got yourself a new case!



On its own, I like the pipe, but when that piranha plant rises up, it really completes the project. Download the wallpaper to your device and use it for the lock screen. Then, just as you're pulling it out of the pipe, start it up for some Mario enemy fun!