Message Boards

Hi everybody!

Ready or not, here we go! In case you missed it earlier this week, here's the Supply List:

-Notebook- I used a standard marble composition notebook. Opened flat it measures 9.75" x 15.5"

-Fabric for cover (pieced or plain, your preference)- 11" x 21.5"
**If you use a different size notebook just add about 1.25" to the height & if it's a lot smaller, maybe 4" to the width, if it's bigger add about 6-8" to the width...you want about a 2"-4" inside flap (I think the larger the book, the bigger the flap)

-Fabric for the lining - coordinating color or plain muslin (doesn't really matter!)- 11" x 15.5" (add 1.25" to height, but the same width measurement as your notebook)

-Batting or fusible fleece if it's only fusible on one side (I like to use Warm & White)- 10" x 15.75" (I cut it just a wee bit larger than my notebook to allow for any "shrinkage" with the quilting)

-Optional- Ribbon for a bookmark

-Thread

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AngelaC,

Step 1:

Finish short edges of cover fabric with 1/4" hem.
Center batting on wrong side of cover fabric & pin around the edges.

Quilt as desired, batting side down. I go with pretty easy straight line quilting (I'm still not good at FMQ), SID or use some of the decorative stitches on my machine to add a little interest.

There's no need for a backing fabric for your quilt "sandwich" if you use the Warm & White batting- I haven't had any trouble with it getting caught on the feed dogs.

I'm here!!! Going to be in and out! Just getting dinner ready! I do have peppermint Ghiradelli for later...red velvet cake too!

I'm here Teacher!
Last night I got things cut. Had strips left from another project and sewed those together for the cover, then did some decorative stitching along the seams.
I'll get the ends sewn now.

I have a big plate of homemade Christmas cookies... there are 9 different kinds. Everyone is welcome to try one-two-three!

I am here and have brownies help yourself. I have been wanting to make some of these for a while now.

I've got a few snacks ready...some dark chocolate covered pretzels & Tastycake Dk Choc/coconut KandyKakes. Help yourselves, but try not to get chocolate on your project!

I also have some orange soda if you want some. I love orange with dark chocolate

So who's here & how long should I allow for this step? It's just a little bit of quilting to do...how's 15 minutes?

I'm here! Will be following along and picking out fabrics from my stash.

Yay! People came to the party! (I also have some of Malou's toffee, but I'm not sharing that )

I'll go get some toffee to set out Angela! Just keep yours for yourself!!
I cheated and did the quilting last night so you'll have to hear from others about how long they need.

Hope I'm not too late!

I'm always late and a dime short but I'm here.Please pass the toffee!!!!

Celebrity Holiday Homes is playing on HGTV... nice 'background' show!

I'll go get more toffee... I know once jacky gets the bowl it will get passed no further!! Tee-Hee!!

Never too late! I'm usually late myself...it's a good thing my boss loves me or I'd have been fired a long time ago for lateness

Here's the next step for those of you that are ready for it. And, if you're not ready, here it is anyway

Step 2:

Flip the flaps to the front, even with the edges of the batting.

If you want to add a ribbon bookmark, do it now. Just center it & secure to the top edge with a couple of stitches.

Toffee?!! I got back just in time!

I'm not rushing you, am I? But I thought that since flipping the flaps doesn't take any time at all, I'd give you the the next step too...

Step 3:

Finish the short edges of the lining fabric (the 11" x 15.5" co-ordinating fabric or muslin piece) with a zig-zag stitch or a narrow hem. I use the zig-zag...it won't show anyway!

Check the fit! Open the notebook & lay it on top- you don't want floppy edges or a cover that's too short (you won't be able to close the book if it's too short) Adjust the flaps as needed for a proper fit. If the edges of the cover fabric & the notebook are even, you're good. Set the notebook aside for now.

Now, lay your lining fabric face down, right sides together with the cover fabric, on top of the flaps & pin all layers together along the long edges (top & bottom edges).(oops! I forgot to get a pic of that part- sorry ) If you're adding a ribbon bookmark, make sure you fold it up & pin or tape it out of the way before laying down the lining, so that you don't catch the end in the bottom seam allowance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AngelaC,

Like the ribbon marker,Teca used cord and put butterfly bead at end.Bowl what bowl I didn't see no bowl!!!! Like your fabric choices Angela.

Timing is everything Jill!

Jacky - didn't you get any toffee...maybe I ate it all!

I think it you look under your sewing table jacky you find that bowl!
Starting to pin now.

I'll have to do my sewing tomorrow... I've got my fabrics picked out!

#1 will be this...

#2 is this combo...

Jessica - those are both very pretty. I'm a little partial to the second combo.

I like the 2nd combo too!

Oh, I like both of them Jessica!

Ooh Jessica, I like both of those combos! Can't wait to see them finished.

Heartmania, how are you coming along with yours?

I'm wondering where pattyj is? I think she's the one who asked about journal covers And she usually comes to all the pj parties! I think my feelings are hurt

Hi ladies,

Sorry I am late. Have been running around all day, too tired to cook, but not too tired to go out to dinner. I did get my notebook today to make my book cover.

Malou, can you slip me a couple pieces of that toffee to get up my energy? And I think I need a glass of wine.

I don't think I will do any sewing tonite. But I was wondering if I could put a slot or maybe two slots on the front cover to slide in a pen and/or pencil in.

Mary

Love second too!! I did 4 of these and they ended up to short on sides.I want to do the denim one with pocket on front to fit.No toffee here,no that's not chocolate on my face!!!!

There's no sunlight to mix/match... I've got lots of little pieces to play with - I might even have another floral that would go with that dark pink fabric. ... or a sage to go with that floral... FABRIC FUN!

Hi Mary! glad you could make it! Did you go somewhere good for dinner? We went to Panera Bread & I got the new "Big kids grilled cheese" & creamy tomato soup. It was very tasty!

I don't see why you couldn't do that. Do you mean like a little skinny pocket or something? I'd sew that on after the quilting step, but BEFORE you add the lining.

Now we'll sew on the lining

Step 4:

Stitch both of the long edges (top & bottom seams) along the edge of the batting as shown.
**Do not sew the short edges...they are to be left open.

Here's the second bowl of toffee fishingwidow... help yourself! (jacky has hid the first bowl.. or she's eaten it all!)

Maybe something came up for patty Angela... don't be hurt.... we're here sewing with you!

Going to sew

OOhh!! Angela, that meal from Panera sounds so good. We almost went there for lunch yesterday. Now I wished I had!

Angela, went to Applebee's as we had a gift card. Had a shrimp, chicken dish with rice, very tasty and spicey.

And I think I will put those pencil slots on.

Mary

Oh I forgot how to refresh, is that F5?

Yes, F5...!

Jacky, a bead on the end of the ribbon bookmark is a good idea!

Mary, so is that pencil/pen pocket. I might do that if I make another

Lens, how are you doing? Are you sewing or just following along?

I think Quiltbea said she was gonna be here too. If she is, she's being awfully quiet

want one like this that fits

That's cute Jacky!

Step 5:

Trim seam allowance to aprox 1/4" & carefully trim corners on an angle to reduce bulk

( looks like I left the blade out on my rotary cutter...be careful & don't cut yourself!)

Both Panera and Applebees sound good to me!
Finished the sewing part

jacky, that is so cute! Love the pocket on the front!

We're almost there girls! Is the iron on? You'll need it after this step...

Step 6:

Turn right side out

(guess it helps to add the picture, though you could probably figure it out yourselves )

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AngelaC,

You lost me on Step 3 with
'finish the lining fabric" but HOW? No photo of it so where the heck is the lining added into this cover? Sorry, I just don't know how to add it. The picture shows a notebook inside the cover which doesn't help at all.

I am doing fine except my computer is giving me trouble posting. I am making a purple cover.

I've made a boo boo somewhere. Guess I wasn't paying close enough attention. Who can concentrate with Malou's toffee at the PJ party? Oh well, maybe now that Jill & Jacky have emptied the bowl I can keep my mind on what I'm doing. Got to go back & read & see where I messed up.

The pocket is really cute!

Thanks for the pictures Angela. I find a good picture a great help to me.

Trimmed and will press now.
I'm making this for my friend who is a shut-in. She is paralyzed from mid chest, down and I noticed she has a composition book she uses for an address book. I'll give it to her for Christmas.

You can do it Len!!