Make a laptop case

1. Cut cotton drill or calico into two pieces, one measuring 50cm x 60cm and the other 30cm x 50cm. Wash both in soapy water, rinse thoroughly and wring out but leave damp. Find the centre of the larger piece of fabric, pinch between finger and thumb, then tie a piece of string around it. Take a second length of string and wrap it around a few centimetres from the first. Repeat until you have tied a number of wraps. This will create a starburst pattern. Pleat the smaller piece, starting at one of the longer edges, then tie at intervals to create a striped effect.

2. Make up blue dye in a bucket, adding water and salt according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing rubber gloves, place the larger piece of bound fabric in the dye bath and push down until it is submerged. Leave for one hour, stirring occasionally to ensure that the fabric remains under. Remove from the bath and rinse out the excess dye