I had a crafting first yesterday. The first time I have ever used my own tutorial from a magazine. Weird. Following my own instructions in print. Crazy.
Although I made this project a dozen times while writing the tutorial, it's been months ago now and in the span of a few months I don't retain much. Yesterday, while Otto napped, I got the crafting itch. Do you get that? I had so many other things to do (laundry, deadlines, cleaning...) but some creativity was bursting to come out.
Recently I met an amazing woman and wanted to make her a little something as a thank you gift for her sweet presence in my life. I immediately thought of this project, DIY fabric covered notepad. It can be found in a back issue of International Quilt Festival magazine (Winter 2010-11)
The beauty of these fabric covered notepads is that they are not only super cute but very utilitarian. The best part? One can be made in about an hour.
Click below for the full tutorial (with pictures). Have fun!
But before you click...tell me what music gets your creative juices flowing these days?
Please share in the comments section. I'm always on the hunt for great music!
For me, its Coldplay's X&Y. I can't get enough of it in my studio space right now.
What You'll Need:
10" by 11" Piece of fabric for front cover
10" by 11" Piece of fabric for lining
4.5" by 8" Fabric for inside pocket
10" by 11" Piece of batting
3/8" wide elastic to hold notepad (1/4 yard)
Button, 3/4" to 1 1/8" diameter
Narrow Ribbon or cording for closure (1/4 yard)
4" by 8" Notepad (available in the $1 bin at Michaels)
Materials for embellishing cover (needle, thread, stamps, ink, stencils, etc...)
Directions:
I will give you the directions as I wrote them for the magazine. The * is some additional info I've added specific to this tutorial.
1. Embellish the right side of the front fabric rectangle with quilting, needlework, stamping, or any technique of your choice. Keep in mind the center forld and 1/2" seam allowence hen planning your embellishment.
2. Press the pocket fabric side and bottom edges under 1/2". Press the top edge under in a double 1/2" hem and topstitch it. Position the pocket on the right side of the lining fabric, 1 1/4" from the left edge and 2 1/2" from the top edge; pin in place. Topstitch the side and bottom edges of the pocket to the lining.
3. Cut (2) 4 1/4" long strips of elastic. Pin 1 strip across the right half of the lining. 1 1/2" from the top edge and 3/4" from the right edge. Pin the second strip 2" from the bottom edge and 3/4" from the right edge.
4. Use a wide zigzag stitch and a short stitch length to securely stitch all 4 of the elastic ends to the lining. Slide the cardboard back of the notepad through the elastic strips and make sure it fits snuggly. If not, zigzag stitch again, making the opening a bit smaller.
5. Place the embellished front right-side up on the batting. Sew the button in place through both layers, 3/4" from the right edge and 5" from the top edge.
6. Wrap the ribbon * (I used candle wicking...I love that stuff) around the button and, adding 2" to the length for overhang, cut the ribbon. Fold it in half to make a loop, then tack the ribbon together 1" from the ends.
7. Pin the lining to the front fabric with right sides together and the batting on the bottom. Measure 5" from the top of the left edge and pin the looped ribbon between the front and lining layers with the 1" ends extending outward and the loop lying between the front fabric and lining.
8. Sew the layers together, stitching around the perimeter with a 1/2" seam allowance and leaving a 2" opening for turning. Trim the corners. Turn the notepad cover right-side out and press, pressing the opening seam allowances under. Check to see if the ribbon wraps nicely around the button and adjust if needed. Topstitch around the perimeter, stitching the opening closed.
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| ** Just turned...looking wonky. Don't worry, it will look great after ironing and topstitching. |
Insert the notepad and enjoy!
