What is it about journaling that’s so addictive? Is it sorting through your innermost thoughts? Connecting with parts of yourself that no one else sees? Expressing yourself through words and doodles? That’s all well and good, but let’s get real. It’s the journals themselves, right? I have a soft spot for journal covers. I love getting new journals because the covers can be so beautiful, but then I fill up the journal and get sad because it’s full and then get excited because I get to find a new cover and then I have to journal some more about the sadness and the happiness, and so on and so forth. It really is a vicious cycle.
The real problem, though, is the cost. Journals can be pretty expensive. One day last year, I asked my sisters if they could think of any sewing projects they would like me to design. Heather, who journals more than anyone I know, came up with the idea of sewing a cover for cheap composition books. Brilliant! This way, she could have a great cover that reflects her personality and she could use it over and over and over again, saving tons of money.
So here is what I came up with. I’ve made many of these – for the tutorial, for gifts, for the sewing class I teach at Inspire! – and they are quick and fun. Sometimes I add pockets to the inside flaps. Sometimes I leave off the pen holder. It would be easy to add ties to help keep it closed. The most fun part, though, is decorating the front – just think of the possibilities: appliqué, reverse appliqué, quilting, cross stitch, embroidery, rosettes, etcetera.
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Enjoy!
Hi Ginny, this is such a fantastic idea! My boyfriend and I have a book we use to jot down our scores during Scrabble games so a cover would be ideal. I’m off to hunt down some Scrabble themed fabric.
Thank you!
Leanne
I love that idea!
I need another sister sewing weekend. I want to make one of these!
Miss you,
Hope