Books and Binding

I haven't blogged for ages.  But I'm pleased to say I'm back!   And I've a few things to share. 

 

First up is some gorgeous fabrics that a very dear friend of mine, Heidi sent me, to cheer me up, because a few weeks ago I had all 4 wisdom teeth out - ouch! 

 

 

 

They are a bit thicker than quilting cottons, a bit canvas-y, so I am thinking what I can make with them.  Any ideas??  They are so gorgeous, and I just love those pink birds and butterflies. 

 

I've managed to get some sewing done in the evenings, this time some quick finishes, which have been wholly satisfying after a few days away from the sewing machine.  I started thinking about teacher presents for Christmas, and given that my daughter's teacher is a man, it posed a few problems as I didn't think he would appreciate a mug rug, which is what I made for the (female) nursery teachers last year.

 

Last years teacher presents

 

In fact I was very limited.  A quilt. No.  A cushion. No.  A bag.  No.  Bunting.  Definitely no!

 

Then it occurred to me that perhaps he might like a 'manly' journal, so I searched for a tutorial, and found this little gem. 

 

http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2013/07/15/quilted-composition-book-cover/

 

And I came up with this, using left overs of my gorgeous City Quilter fabrics.

 

 

 

It was soooo much fun to make, and I am thrilled with the result.  It's held together by sewing in a little hair elastic to the back, in this case a black one, which simply wraps around the button.  It's hard to tell in this picture but the whole journal is quilted, and I've just used a hardback notebook that I picked up at the local pound store in town. 

 

I also made one for the teaching assistant, this time a lady, using these gorgeous fabrics.

 

 

 

 

These journals were such a great excuse to raid my ribbon stash and also sift through my buttons of all shapes and sizes, and Cinderella style find the one that was the perfect match.   

 

In fact I got a little bit obsessed with making journals last week and also made a 'London' journal. 

 

 

 

This fabric was in the goodie bag that I received at the Fat Quarterly Retreat, so there was  just enough to make one notebook, and put my gorgeous solider ribbon to good use.  I knew I would find a home for it one day! 

 

I have plans to make lots more journal covers.  They are so fun to make and  I love how different each one looks.  My next one will feature pink, cakes and cake stands - perfect for keeping those baking recipes safe.  Watch this space.

 

But for now journal making is on hold, as I'm finishing a little doll quilt and now that I've finished hand quilting, I shall mostly be binding.

 

 

 Oh and catching up on blog reading.  I've missed it!

 

Sarah x

 

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