Have you ever read the blog "May Your Bobbin Always Be Full"?? I came across it via Pinterest, specifically her free motion quilting sketchbook. (p.s. Chelsea, if you click the link, beware, there is an icky spider picture just a little ways down ;) If you are a machine quilter looking for inspiration, DO check it out. Being newly inspired myself, I decided that I needed a sketchbook too. A plain one is fine, but one with a patchwork cover is even better. :)
I had pinned several different tutorials, and ended up going with this one at FairyFace Designs. Being a part of Sarah's beginner sewing series, the tutorial was simple and easy to follow. The one change I made was adding a very light interfacing to the cover (not the lining) and to the interior pockets. It adds just a tiny bit more structure and keeps the patchwork in check at the same time.
For the patchwork, I used the stitch & flip method described in 'Quilting Modern'. I love the book, but as I've said before, improv piecing does not come naturally to me. So I pretty much copied one of the examples on page 103 for this layout. Baby steps, right?
I added just a little fancy stitching to the edges of the inside pockets, which worked out really well. And since this is my FMQ sketchbook, you get to see a few of my preliminary, first try, FMQ sketches. NO idea how I would ever actually sew these, except for the loops and maybe the stipple.
Overall, the project was a success. The fit is pretty good when the notebook is closed, and a little weird when the notebook is open, but I have a feeling that this would be the case no matter which tutorial was used.
Have a great day everyone.
23 comments:
oh I do love it....I was going to make some more of these from Sarahs tutoral series too. Love the quilting patterns
How pretty!
oh, I love this, what a fantastic idea, Heather.
I love to cover notebooks! Yours is lovely!
It's a sketchbook cover! I was really intrigued when I saw your photo from the last post. It's so fun and quirky. I love it! I think I might have to play some with the stitch and flip technique.
Really really nice!! Fantastic baby step!
I love your design, and I definitely need a sketchbook!
I'd say the weird factor is because the notebook has a spiral sort of binding, which means the covers have a certain amount of wiggle room. Something you can live with - and it looks beautiful... and give some of those patterns a try - they look like winners.
Thanks for the warning! I almost posted a shot of my ginormous chiclet light spider but I figured it would scare people. I'll have to work my courage up so I can take a look.
Love the sketchbook and your fmq ideas are gorgeous. You should come over some time and try them on the beast!
Very cool! I love the idea of the sketchbook, and your cover is just beautiful -- not to mention, your sketches look terrific. ;o) Great job!
Your cover is beautiful, but I'm really jealous of your SKETCHES!! Your first try, REALL?!! I've been trying to doodle stippling for months and I just can't get my brain and my drawing hand in coordination with each other. And naturally, what I can't draw, I can't quilt... :-)
Such a cool idea! I have seen so many pretty journal covers but I'm like, "I never would use a journal." But that's a great idea to use it for FMQ practice! Love the design as well!
So beautiful, Heather! Those little triangles are so cute and grey squares really great! x Teje
I really love this! You did a marvelous job!
Oh this is so pretty, just like a line of bunting!
I love the piecing on this project. Very cool!
I love this--both the cover piecing and the idea of an FMQ journal for ideas. :)
A beautiful cover!
It's beautiful Heather!
beautiful! good luck with the FMQ ;)
That's wonderful, what a great idea. I would want to doodle in that all the time with such a pretty cover!
Very cute patchwork! So many people love that book--I need to get my hands on it! Thanks for linking up, and just be sure to add a link back to Craft Book Month for your chance to win--love your project!
Love the patchwork cover, What size are the blocks if it's a 13" by 9.25"?
Were the 2" squares or 3"?
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