I am a notebook person. I usually have a few going at a time - at least one for idea sketches, one for garden notes, and one for writing. I wanted a way to tell them apart quickly, protect the pages from kid spills a bit, and give me a place to put pencils or notes. So, today I sewed my first rough draft of a journal cover.
I like how it turned out, and I got the general size right - not bad for a rough template. I plan to make a few more with multiple pockets, some appliqué or embroidery on the outside, and perhaps a tie to close it now that I know how it pieces together. I just need to decide on the fabric!
I like it! It reminds me of covering books in junior high with brown paper bags or other 'book covers' and then decorating them. That was one of my favorite parts of fall!
ReplyDeleteDid you use a pattern from somewhere or make it up? Maybe I'll try to make something like that for binders for keeping things straight for the classes I'll be teaching next fall... any hints for how much bigger to make the cover so it stays on, but isn't too tight? That's the part that seems tricky to me. For the brown paper covers we always just cut and folded them over the books as we made them - I suppose that could roughly work for fabric too, as long as you account for seam allowances.
thanks for sharing,
-K
I didn't have a pattern - this first one was experimental. Now that I have an idea of how it goes together and what worked (I had to sew additional seams to get it tighter and tweak a few times in this first try), I will measure to make a pattern for the next round - so I'll know the final sizes when I do that. In general, I laid the notebook flat on the fabric and gave myself 1" around the outside for seams. The whole piece is lined in the contrasting fabric as well. :)
ReplyDeleteAren't notebooks addictive? I have a weak for them, can't pass a paper store without adding one to my collection. And last fall I made a few covers as well, with hand felt and fabric. Fun! It looks wonderful, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteoh...I love this. I'm making some bridal shower prizes right now and I think I'll add this to my list!
ReplyDeleteLove to read your blog and remember my beloved WI!!!
Cool idea.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is always toting a notebook around. I love your cover- it's so pretty. Maybe an Etsy shop? ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty. How fun to pick out the different fabrics to match what the notebooks are for.
ReplyDeleteI'm a notebook addict as well.
"Hi, my name is Tammy. I'm addicted to notebooks." hee hee :)
I bad about spending $$$ on fancy journals and sketchbooks! But this is a great way to take an inexpensive notebook or pad and make it my own! Fun! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletegreat idea- we've done those kind of notebooks decorated with scrapbook paper- makes them really pretty
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I am glad you don't have a pattern, I wouldn't follow it anyway;) (I make my daughter crazy by not reading instructions or only consulting patterns after I make something) I really like the pockets, I like sticking postcards in my journals or I often have bits of paper falling out, this is a great solution!
ReplyDeleteawesome! I think I'll do this-- make all those ragged notebooks more appealing. Thanks!
ReplyDeletevery nice Denise :)
ReplyDeleteJen
I made a similar cover for a binder and LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteYou did an excellent job free handing. What a great idea for that style of notebook. My daughter has to have a few of those for school and I never thought to cover them. I will share this with her and possibly cover each for the different subjects.
Thanks for sharing this.
Count me in on the Notebooks Anonymous group. I've got about 10 of them, I'd guess. And I think about writing in them waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than I actually write in them. Great fabric!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea! I want to make some too. Yours is very cute :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a journal person also!!! Love your cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my blog :) I will be back to visit.
Laura
I love it!...I wannna go try
ReplyDelete