Sunday, March 08, 2009

Notebooks

I don't buy many 'novelty' fabrics - they're not really my thing, but occasionally I can't resist the general overall design so I buy them and worry about what to make with them later. I don't like to cut them up small because you lose the effect of the large pattern. So, I take them out, look at them fondly and put them back again. Until now. I came across this great tutorial from Bloom and Blossom via Sew Mama Sew and it's just what I've been looking for. So far I've made 5 notebook covers and I'm going to be making more - they are so quick and inexpensive to make and excellent for keeping by when you need an emergency gift or indeed just a gift for the sake of it. My Dad has earmarked the Landscape one for himself, DD has bagged the Bon Voyage one and my Mum likes the teacups.

I made the notebook on the right in the picture above the same as the instructions - I didn't have any linen so I used a sort of linen-look instead. Now I could have said 'faux linen' if I'd wanted to. The word 'faux' always makes me laugh. When I was young we called man-made fur 'fake fur', then all of a sudden a few years ago it seemed to become 'faux fur'. Why? Does using the word 'faux' make it more up-market - it only means fake in French? What word do the French use? When my brother told me he had bought a 'faux fur throw' I nearly fell about laughing.


Some of you commented on the picture DH took of the buses in London. When I told him about the feedback (he does not read my blog), he said he had another picture. He goes up to London several times a month for work and happened to be there on the day of the State Opening of Parliament. Because all the roads were closed off there were huge traffic jams. He always has his camera with him and snapped this picture of a traffic jam composed entirely of London Buses on Waterloo Bridge.






11 comments:

Sew Create It - Jane said...

How strange...Just today I've just been cutting fabrics and sewing up some journal covers using Blooms pattern too!

Libby said...

I like to keep a gift or two on hand . . . . you just never know. This is a perfect idea for that *s*

Melanie said...

I love the journal covers. I saw that tutorial. I'm saving this and making them for Chelsey for college next semester. They're cute and with an inexpensive notebook you can still be the "uptown" college girl....

Librarian Lee said...

What a great idea. Umm, would you mind if I ask where I can find that teacup fabric?

Bloom said...

Wow, you've been busy! Your covers look great. They're a bit addictive aren't they?! I love that they can be made so quickly. I am hoping to do a roundup of covers on my blog. Would you mind if I use your images & link to your blog? I'd really love to share your great work. Best wishes, Ros.

a good yarn said...

I have just spent a delightful hour perusing your blog. You make the most delightful projects. I love your scrap quilts. I'm inspired!

Happy Stitching...Ann :)

julieQ said...

What wonderful journal covers! I just really need to make some of these!

Anonymous said...

That's the ironing abandoned again today. Can't wait to have a go at making one.

GG

Journeying said...

The journal covers look great! This tutorial looks like one I might actually be able to follow - so thanks for the link.
I love the pictures from London, too!

meggie said...

Your journal covers are lovely! I like the tea cups too, even though I dont drink tea!
Great shot of the bus traffic jam!

JOAN CLARKE said...

I covered so many diaries last year for small Christmas presents and used up all my bits and pieces. I was delighted and so were the recipients. Quilting makes me smile a lot.

Love your blog.