Hello! I just got done fixing the inside case of one of the oldest Blessings I have ever seen... I have never done a full fix before, like taking the fabric off and replacing it and glueing and screwing everything back into place. I have it fixed right now so that it should at least last the night (my younger sister owns the flute and case and she has a concert tonight) but I need to know what chance this case has of lasting with the fixes I made. I used purple velvet (not true velvet, but very close) and a sort of glue that is supposed to fix shoes and bond metals and plastics and that sort of thing. There is no foam anywhere where the flute rests and only a few foam pads on the top to reduce shock if the case were dropped.
I cannot take this case in to a repairman to get worked on nor can I buy a new one. I do not know what to do beyond what I have done, though, if it were to fall apart again. Help?

Words from my wife:

If you have some thicker extra fabric you can easily make a slip cover for the whole case. If that doesn't work, she said she can send you one.

Thank you for the generous offer! I think I have some spare fabric somewhere and I can sew without ruining my fingers, but, if I need something, I will rememeber! Thanks again.

(So far the case has been holding strong, but it smells like the glue I used...)

If you can sew, go to Costco (or something similar) and get a shepskin seat cover. ($26 at my Costco, and they sell whole lambskin rugs in the fall for $35)You will need a seam ripper, and a good movie to watch, to disassemble the backing, elastic, and acrylic that they substitute for the real sheepskin on the seat. You will then have enough sheepskin to cover at least 3 flute cases, depending on your sewing skills and the size of the cases.

Sheepskin contains lanolin, which is very nice for your hands but can cause tarnish, so it would be a good idea if you use sheepskin to put some 3M tarnish strips in with the flute.

I am glad to use the real sheepskin because of the physical properties, I think you could play catch with a flute in a thick sheepskin case cover and it would absorb a tremendous amount of shock. Sheepskin is also a fabulous insulator, we are always told, especially with a wood piccolo, not to expose them to sudden temperature changes.

My sheepskin seat covers came from my mom, whose new car has side airbags, which the seat covers interfered with.

I use a 'Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl' for sewing leather. You should be able to find one in a well equipped horse/saddlery shop, or use this address (they don't have a website!)
Stewart Mfg. Co
P.O. Box 643
Northboro, MA 01532-0643

You may find, as I did, if there is anyone who makes western saddles by hand, or even an upholstery shop, that these people have scraps of leather, sheepskin, etc that are easily big enough to make flute case covers with.

I've been sick and not able to get out much, and I am making cases for all of my flutes and piccs, and even a friend or two. I feel like I have Barbies and I'm making them new outfits!!

Tibbycow, that is such a good idea! Thank you so much!!!

I work with western saddles on the side, so I get what you mean about the seat covers and working with the fabric, ect... A good movie is a good idea! Thank you for the contact information, too...

I remember when I was young, I would make barbie clothes (I never liked barbies, but my sister did, and I would make her clothes). This sounds like fun! In the summer, I don't have much to do besides marching band and work, so I think I will set right onto making a cover for my sister's flute and my D.C. I think it would like new clothes!