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Monday, January 19, 2015

To Sketch

cover front

Now this was a pleasant diversion! As I mentioned on my 2015 Q1 Finish-A-Long list, twice at SMQG sewn-item swaps I've had my hands on a patchwork journal/sketch book, and twice they've been stolen away. So I knew it was up to me to make one for myself. And that I did.
I used the Journal Cover tutorial by Stitched in Color, which worked perfectly, but the thing is, it's up to you to design and create the basic patchwork. I tried several new block tutorials and from there I just filled in with random pieces of fabric. Note that every inch of this cover is from Doe by Carolyn Friedlander, which undoubtedly is a current favorite. I used 22 different prints(!) which just added to the fun!
cover back

So here's the block tutorials I used:
  1. Hack Slash block by badskirt (upper right on cover front)
  2. Diamond Cross block by Hopfaldera (lower left on cover front)
  3. Flying Geese by craftietammie (upper portion of cover back)
  4. Raspberry Kiss block by Wooden Spoon Quilts (lower left on cover back)
When I slipped the composition book into the finished cover (shown below) it fit like a glove.
 Here's a glance at the inside covers, complete with my label.
Let's just say I'm pretty pleased to finally have a patchwork covered sketchbook of my very own. And I couldn't have had more fun making that happen. oh yeah.

This project is on my 2015 Q1 Finish-A-Long list.
Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

25 comments:

  1. I love your journal cover. It came out just beautifully! I too just received a bundle of DOE but haven't been able to break it open and cut it up - LOL. This shall happen soon. I really enjoy your blog, Thanks for sharing
    Pamela

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  2. Good for you!! 22 pieces . . yowza!

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  3. Hi debbie! This is fantastic! I love journals, notebooks and to cover them. Thanks for the links - have to make NEW one. x Teje

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  4. This is just great! Where do you find a composition journal with graphed pages? I've never seen those.

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  5. looks great! I made these for all of my quilty friends for Christmas a couple of years ago, used up a lot of orphan blocks! fun stuff

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  6. I love it. And the small blocks and that you used all the fabric. You are going to enjoy pulling that book out often.

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  7. Debbie, I just love everything about this cover. It's so absolutely perfect, the fabric, those blocks, you did such a fantastic job.

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  8. I love this! It looks really great! Over the summer, in a similar fashion, I made myself a calendar cover and I loved trying out all of the different blocks, designs, too :)

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  9. I absolutley love it. I'm a big fan of Doe and have had a bundle sitting here for a few months now while I decide what to make with it and I have to say your journal cover is inspiring. I think that your idea of mixing up lots and lots of different fabrics from the range as well as the different block desings looks amazing.

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  10. Beautiful job, Debbie! I love journals too and I think I need to try this!

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  11. What are the dimensions of the composition book? And where did you find this one with graph paper? Love your journal cover!!!!

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  12. I'm so impressed that you've already ticked something of your 2015 list!! This turned out so beautifully! I love that you used so many Doe fabrics and I'm really thrilled that you used my raspberry kiss block tutorial!! :D

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  13. Very cool, Debbie! I've started making these a couple of times, but never finished. I'll have to try this tute and see if I can get one done.

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  14. Love it! Somehow I think it won't be the last one you make :)

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  15. I just love my patchwork covered sketchbook...so happy you have one of your very own now, too! You did a beautiful job of making a fun, quilty cover for it, and that Doe!!

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  16. Great project, Debbie. I've fused fabric to composition books before but making one re-usable is so smart!

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  17. Glad you finally have your cover! :) I still need to make my pouch that got stolen... Love the fabrics and all the piecing in this one!

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  18. This is absolutely my favorite journal cover. I love all the blocks you've used.

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  19. Love the journal cover! Great idea! I'm going to try that! How did you make your tag? That put an extra special touch on your creation.

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  20. Fun! I'm in the same boat - I want a needle book and I'm just going to have to make one myself. At least then I know I'll love !

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  21. In response to Patty's question: I got the tags at GutenTag. Unfortunately I heard they aren't taking new customers. But it's worth checking in at their shop on etsy.

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  22. What an inspiring notebook to dive into for some sketching and noting!!

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