How To Make A Notebook Fabric Cover

You know I like to make stuff, and I like to sew, and I love stationery, well what would be the perfect thing for me to make?

This!

A fabric cover for a notebook (or diary or address book).

I was inspired by this one I found at Patchwork Delights blog

And it is pretty easy to make. I made my first one at a workshop held by Jo Leatherland at Heartstitch Workshops in Stamford. I have unashamedly borrowed her tutorial to share with you here.

First measure the book you are going to cover.
Measure the length of the book from top to bottom, then add 5cm for seam allowances.
Then measure around the width of the notebook. You need to start at the right hand edge of the front cover and measure all the way around the back. You can't just measure the width and double it because you also need to allow for the depth of the notebook and the spine. Take this measurement and add 5 cm for seam allowances.

You will need to cut two pieces of fabric of these dimensions. One for the outer cover and one for the lining.

Next you need to measure the flaps that secure the notebook inside its cover. This is the length of the notebook from top to bottom plus 5 cm, by the width of the notebook (literally just the width this time) plus 5 cm. You need to cut two pieces of these dimensions. I used the same fabric as the outer.

Next you can cut an optional pocket for the inside of the front flap. This needs to be half the width of the notebook plus 5cm by 20cm in length. Cut this from the lining fabric for a contrast if you wish.

Finally cut a strip of lining fabric for the spine. This needs to be the length of the notebook plus 5cm, by approximately 10cm in width. The width is dependent on the depth of the notebook, the thicker the book the wider the spine, so use your judgement to adjust this according to your notebook.

If you have used dress weight fabric you will need to add a layer of medium weight interfacing to reinforce the cover. Cut this to the size of the cover piece of fabric. I would also add interfacing to the flap pieces. If you are using heavier weight fabric you won't need interfacing.

You should have a selection of pieces that looks like this. (I forgot to add the spine piece to the photo - numpty!)

If you fancy adding embellishment to your cover like embroidery or applique, do this now before you construct the cover. I added a little embroidery to mine. You can be as creative as you wish! But make sure that whatever embellishment you add is sited correctly on the fabric for your cover.

Now sewing.

Fold and iron a seam allowance of 1cm along each long side of the spine piece. Line this up centrally on your outer cover section and top stitch along both long edges to secure. You could use contrasting sewing thread or a fancy stitch on your sewing machine.

Take the pocket section and fold in half with right sides together along its length so that it measures about 10cm by the width of your flap. Sew along one side of this piece and turn right side out. Then top stitch along the top folded edge.

Take each flap piece and fold and press in half lengthwise with wrong sides together. Ensure the interfacing is sandwiched in the middle if you are using it.

Place your pocket piece on to what will be the left hand flap lining up the bottom edge. Top stitch closely to the right hand edge to join the pocket to the flap.

Now it is time to join all the pieces together.

First lay the outer cover piece right side up on your work surface.
Next lay each flap section to meet the left and right edges of the cover piece. Ensure that the folded edge is centremost and raw edges are meeting the left and right edges of the cover. The pocket should be facing down.
Next lay the lining piece on top with the right side down.

Pin through all the layers and stitch all the way around the cover starting and ending at the bottom but leaving a 5cm gap through which you will turn the cover inside out.

Trim the fabric back close to your stitching to reduce bulk. Cut across all the corners to within a couple of millimeters of the stitching so your corners can be turned easily.

When you have turned the cover you will need to use a pencil or the end of a knitting needle to push the corners right through. When you have done this press your cover thoroughly and then topstitch all the way around.

It is now ready to fit onto your notebook :-)

If you have a go, do come back and add a link to it in the comments. Joining the Pinaddicts

BritMums Live Check List

I am going to BritMums Live, as are lots of other bloggers. This is the first blogging event I have attended and am feeling the pressure to be organised, efficient and productive to make the most of this brilliant opportunity.
In preparation I have written myself a check list of things to do. I keep thinking of more things to add to it but as it stands today I thought it would be helpful to other bloggers who are attending.

*insert tongue in cheek*

So here is my/your BritMums Live check list.

1. Write blog post about BritMums Live preparation. (Always got to write something on a to-do list you can tick off immediately).
2. Decide what to wear and blog about retail therapy highs. *basks in self congratulation*
3. Book train tickets.
4. Book hotel.
5. Hair cut and colour. Or buy a hat. Would it look odd to wear a hat at a conference? Possibly not at a Hat Conference. Research Hat Conferences.
6. Nails. Grow some and then adorn with varnish.
7. Tan. From a bottle, sadly. Damn British weather.
8. Lose 7lbs. Through diet. Or amputation.
9. Choose which workshops to attend between cake binges where 7lbs will be put back on, not through limb reattachment. Or clone self
10. List of 'Must meet' bloggers. The shortlist is very long. I'm thinking speed-dating for bloggers.
11. Charge camera battery. Remind myself of this 12 hours prior to departure. 
12. Remember to remove battery from charger and insert into camera.
13. Clear memory card. Yeah right. Buy new memory card.
14. Purchase new notebook and pen. Any excuse to feed my stationery habit.
15. Business cards. *checks date* Plan B: scribble my blog name onto each sheet of a jotters notebook, tear off and distribute as needed. Although I do have a business card case.
16. Kick nerves into touch. (i.e. purchase 4 pack of Gin in a Tin for the train).
17. Buy a ticket for BritMums Live. Now wouldn't that have been a joke if I'd forgotten to do that! Hah!
18. Check location of venue and hotel and routes from station, via hotel to venue.
19. Pack.
20. Arrange to meet a friend to go in with. Open to offers ;-)

So far I can tick off 1, 2, 9, 10, 14 and 17 fortunately.

How are your preparations going?

National Stationery Day

Today, 24th April 2012, is National Stationery Day.

I love stationery.

The feel of paper in my hand. The joy of lists, notes, plans.
So notebooks are my friend.

Meet my friends.

Ahem, technically 2 of these notebooks are the Mr's but he prefers scraps of paper for his jottings and rather than see a notebook gather dust, neglected on a shelf, I have taken it upon myself to stroke them, occasionally flick through their pages and one day, even, possibly, *pauses for dramatic effect* write in them.

At the front you have 'Inspirations and Ideas' notebook belonging to the Mr, leather bound, tissue thin paper and currently devoid of inspirations or ideas.
Nestled behind that is my bargain Filofax complete with German diary, and notes section bursting with blog post ideas.
Then there is my Pucci print inspired notebook, overflowing with scraps of paper, all holding the possible key to my success, and some shopping lists. There may also be a receipt of two.
Next I have a vintage model. The notebook I started in the early 90's to record my book reviews. Geek-ish I know, but in the days before Goodreads I would write a little review of the books I read.
After that there is the Beano notebook. I bought this for the Mr in which he could keep notes of importance rather than on scraps of paper. It remains unused. I am adopting it.
I have an Orla Kiely notebook which I will be used once Pucci is full. It is bigger and I have a small concern it won't fit in my handbag easily, so as gorgeous as it is, it may be knocked down in the pecking order by a yet to be discovered alternative model.
A special notebook is next. Cappuccino coloured, suede bound, gold edged, cream papered and waiting for THE book. THE novel. Handwritten in ink. One day.
Finally in the stash is a leather envelope. Not a notebook but luscious and deserving of its place on the shelf, containing handmade paper and envelopes. Perfect for special letters to special people.

I really have no idea why there is a National Stationery Day, except to drive sales in Paperchase possibly, but I have enjoyed collecting my notebooks together, reminding myself of their significance and prompting an uncontrollable desire to go shopping at Paperchase.

Do you have any significant notebooks, and what's in them? I promise I wont tell!