Evolution of Apple Products: iPod…iPhone…iPad…iCozy.
Wait what’s an iCozy?
iCozy n: custom-made sleeve (‘Cozy’) to fit your personal i-Product or other electronic device that needs protection, created by Craig Iffert
iCozy
How did it start?
It all began when Craig got his iPhone and was looking at the cases in a store called 5Below. They had the normal rubber ones but he wanted something that covered the front and back to protect the phone when it was in his pocket. His revelation came when he noticed that JoAnn Fabrics had 8.5×11 foam sheets. When he saw these, he had the idea to create his own sleeve that protected all sides of the phone but that wasn’t bulky and could fit easily in the front pocket. He purchased a few foam sheets and got some soft cotton fabric as well.
How is it made?
Craig tried a few different ways before he perfected iCozy. Using the sewing machine, he fabricated the first one using his basic sewing skills that he learned from his mother. My dad said that a sewing machine is just like any other tool, a ban saw or table saw, that you need to learn to use properly. The first 5-6 creations were not aesthetically pleasing; they were functional but very messy looking since all the threads showed. After trying a few different techniques, he discovered a trick: insert the foam inside the fabric cozy so you can’t see it. The internal sleeve holds the foam that is sewed in inside out and folded together so everything is contained inside. This is “when the magic happens.” He then slowly works the seams on the inside to make the iCozy right side out. It keeps it looking clean from the outside.
Perfection adj: tight enough so foam doesn’t slip out, but loose enough for one finger to push the phone out of the iCozy
Once he got it just right, he made a pattern out of cardboard to help with the width of the stitching to make it snug. Now he can make more if he needs them. Just like how Henry Ford only allowed his Model Ts to come in black, Craig’s iCozies only come in black.
How many are there?
Craig has one for home and a backup one for travel. Whenever his phone is not in his phone holster, he has it in an iCozy to protect if from scratches. Overall he has made about 20 of them–the first 5-6 being prototypes. Craig usually makes them in small batches of about 5 so that way there are extras in case he loses one. Has currently has 3 left. He even gave one each to our two neighbors and another one to his co-worker. He doesn’t think they actually use them, but he likes it as a conversation starter, just like his bikes.
Are they only for iPhones?
No, they are for all electronic devices. In fact, the first Cozy was made for his digital camera. It was really short, stubby, and bulky (this was before the foam inside technology was created). When Craig got his iPhone, he redesigned it with the iCozy technique to make it skinnier and nicer. Then I got a digital camera and he used the new iCozy technique to make me a nice Cozy for it. Over Thanksgiving break the iCozy took a new turn when he sewed one for my grandma’s iPad.
Thinking about going into business?
Craig does not plan to go into business. He doesn’t really have the time or desire to. The purpose of making the iCozy was just for his personal necessity and creativity rather than for anyone or anything else. He has considered sharing a tutorial on his YouTube channel but decided that he doesn’t have the time.
And the BURNING question….
Can I buy my own iCozy?
Nope sorry. But if you really really wanted one, I could probably pull some strings.