I made this up as a birthday gift for Sister Ask recently. It’s vaguely inspired by the Midori traveler’s diary. I like that you can put any notebook in it and have several books at once. Or just tuck a folded piece of paper around one of the elastics/ Both Sister Ask and I are the sort of people who have a handbag full of mashed notes on bits of paper. Well, I was until I bought my planner. Sister Ask has a distinct hippie style and I don’t think she’d be happy with the look of a regular planner. So I thought I’d make her a reusable cover that she would enjoy.
I spent some time in my fabric stash trying to channel her style. I knew the vintage striped fabric I used for the lining was on the money but I wanted a light more colour and action. While hunting for the two elastic elements, I dig out the pom pom trim and knew it was perfect. As for the rest, patchwork just felt right. I started by selecting a few fabrics and thinking about what might look good together. I have 9 fabrics in the photo but ended up using 7. I wanted the cover to fit an A5 notebook, so my measurements were based on that.
I started by getting everything cut out and ready. I prepared the following:
1 x lining 36cm x 25.5cm or 14″ x 10″
2 x fusible craft interfacing 36cm x 25.5cm or 14″ x 10″
2 x fusible fleece 33cm x 23cm or 13″ x 9″
2 x super heavy duty interfacing or 1 x craft foam 33cm x 23cm or 13″ x 9″
2 x lengths mini pom pom trim 36cm or14″
3 x lengths elastic cord 25.5cm or 1 0″
1 x length fold over elastic (foe) 36cm or14″
1 x decorative button
35 x 6cm or 2.5″ squares. Five squares from each of the seven fabrics.
Once everything was cut, I got on with the patchwork first. I laid out the squares in various ways, until I was happy with the arrangement. I took a photo to refer to as I sewed. I sewed the squares into rows, using a 1/4″ seam allowance and pressed open the seams. Then I sewed the strips together the same way and gave everything a good press. As predicted, my basic patchwork skills produced a slightly wonky rectangle that was a little too big. I was never attempting to be perfect though, I think it’s a bit slick for the look I was going for.
I centered the craft interfacing on the back of the patchwork and fused as per directions. I used the interfacing as a guideline to trim away any excess patchwork. I centered the fusible fleece on top of the interfacing and fused that too. I did the same on the wrong side of my lining too (no need for trimming). You’ll have excuse this photo/artists rendition of what to do. I had a reaction to this interfacing after using it two days in a row and my hands were stinging like crazy, so I forgot to snap pics! Don’t worry, I took an antihistamine and was fine later. It didn’t seem to be a problem when I finished up the sewing the next day.
Next, I centered the 3 elastics and basted them to the lining, being sure to backstitch over it a few times for strength. The exact length of the elastic will vary depending on how much it stretches. You want it taut enough that it will hold the notebooks securely but not too tight. I’m sewing with a 1/2″ seam allowance, along the edge of the fleece, when I sew this together. So, I aligned the pom pom trim a 1/2” in from the raw edge of the lining (where the stitch line will be) along the long edges. I used a zipper foot to get in there and baste the pom poms on. Gertie has a full pom pom sewing tutorial here.
I laid the patchwork and the lining right side together and stitched around the whole thing, leaving a gap in one short end for turning. For once I was sure to put my turning gap in the short side that will be the back! I was careful to sew close to the pom pom trim, a zipper foot is the way to go. I trimmed the seam allowance and turned everything right side out. I gave everything a good press, folding in seam allowance of the turning gap.
Next I wrapped the FOE around the notebook and cover to decide on the length. I stitched it into a circle by machine. I hand sewed the button over the seam in the FOE, to secure the elastic to the patchwork layer of the cover only. Kinda awkward to do via the turning gap but not too bad. Make sure you make the button sturdy, as the closure will see a lot of use.
Nearly there! I laid the heavy duty interfacing pieces, glue side touching and fused them together. Then I stuffed the super heavy duty interfacing into the cover through the turning gap. I was careful to get everything nice and flat. A little manoeuvring around the seam allowances and it was perfect. You may need to trim the interfacing to get it nice and flat. Then the very last step is to close the turning gap by hand with ladder stitch. If you are just making the cover, you’re done!
I gave this with a set of three A5 notebooks, an A6 diary and pen. I also made a magnetic page marker & pen holder, which I will have a tutorial for shortly (it’s here!). I thought it was a pretty awesome gift but the proof is always in the pudding…..And she loved it! Like really, deeply truly loved it! How do I know? It never leaves her side and is already full of bits of paper and battered lists. Plus, she strokes it lovingly while she is planning and thinking and I can tell she has a sense of satisfaction when she puts her pen in the holder and snaps the elastic to close it. That means the world to me! I am selfish sewist. I only make things for others because I really want to. I try and make stuff that is really ‘them’ and shows them I know what they require from things (like the dog bed & pressing surface I made for Mummy Ask). I have immense joy in the joy of the recipient. But not only does Sister Ask love it, her clients, co-worker, boss, lady from the business next door to her work – they fancy one too!
Which is why I’m getting this tutorial out right now! I’ve rushed it up the schedule so that to those who are admiring can get on to making their own. I actually wasn’t sure if I had enough pics for a tute because it really was more of a ‘make a sister thing’ than a planned tutorial. Man, I’m so glad that she loves it so much! Makes me feel all warm on the inside. If you use this tutorial to make your own awesome diary/notebook cover thing, share a pic with me! That makes me feel all warm on the inside too. Stay tuned for Here is the magnetic page marker & pen holder…………
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