Life's Journey

I read so many blogs and it always appears that each person is traveling down their road with sure-footed steps. Many have spent lots of time to make their blogs pretty and divided into the different sections that affect their lives. I am happy if the chaos in my life settles enough for me to whip up some kind of comment.

This week my focus has been on re-inventing what I sew and sell. I don't know if it will be a good or bad adventure. It will be an adventure for sure. From a personal need for organization and a joy of reading, I have created notebooks that have everything I need when I sit to read. It has pens, and post its and a book mark. They joy will be going to it everynight and hopefully finding it in tact. Emma has already told me how "kool" it is and she wants one! She has even pointed out that she wants it done in jewel fabric. My Husband has confiscated one and given it to a friend and wants one for himself. So perhaps others will find they would like this in their lives as well! If not, all my friends and family will be receiving great birthday gifts this year.hahahaha

I am also going to take leap with some fabric bookmarks. I really like sewing fabric and peltex together to make things. I love the rough fiber edge of a satin stitch. Perhaps these too will find appreciative homes. If not, then I may build a house with all of them!

Hopefully, I will get a few finished in the next couple of days. Unfortunately or Fortunately, the weather isn't cooperating for sewing. It has been too nice to be inside and I have spent most of my days outside! That is a whole different joy!

This week has brought a sadness to the neighborhood. We had to say a very sad goodbye to a young Navy Seal who was killed in Iraq on Monday on a special mission. His wife and infant son live a couple of houses down the street. Her loss has swept the community and we all mourn with her!

Felted Wool Notebook holders

Felted Wool Notebook holders

This is a fun project for just about anyone. It is a perfect starting project for someone just beginning. I love this one for the little ones who want to make something special for friends or family. With a little adult supervision, styles are limitless.

Materials needed

Notepad with cardboard backing - any size
Felted wool or new or felted from a recycled wool scarf --approximately a fat quarter. (See instructions to determine what you will need.)
Cutting board and rotary scissors or scissors
Sewing machine

Optional
Embroidery thread and needle
Felt cut outs
Ribbon
Rickrack
Decorative sewing machine
Pinking Shears.

Fabric Glue

Please note, for instructional purposes, I am going to use three different felt colors. This project is so versatile, you can use 1-3 colors.

Step 1

To determine material you will need, take the measurements of your notebook and add 1 1/4 inches to width and 1 inch to length.

If your notebook is 4 x 6. You will need two pieces of felted wool that are 5 1/4 x 7 and one additional piece of felt that is 5 1/4 x 5 for the pocket.

Step 2

I place my note pad over my ruler to measure. You can mark you lines with a pen and cut your wool with sharp scissors or fabric cutter. You will cut two long and one short. For example, I will need to cut 2 5 ¼ x 7 pieces and one 5 ¼ x 5 piece.


Step 3

Take the two longer pieces and over lap them lengthwise ½ inch. So the two 7 inch stripes are over lapping.. This is the top of the notebook. To assure you are correct. Place your notebook on one side to make sure the fit is correct. Pin. I use my ruler to keep my fibers straight .

. Sew 1/8 inch square around the overlapping fabrics. (If you don’t have a sewing machine, fabric glue can be used.)


Step 4

Determine which is the back side and add the 3rd piece of felt to the back inside. Pin around and sew ½ inch around.


Step 5 - Decorate

Options"

1. Use Pinking shears around the edges for a more decorative look.

2.Use die-cuts, outlines of coloring pages, or free hand drawings from left over felt and glue pictures to the front.

3. Glue or sew on ribbon or rickrack, scraps or buttons.

4. use decorative stitches on your sewing machine.

5. What's in your imagination?

*** You can also add a 2nd pocket to top for a steno pad holder. My husband prefers the "stiffer" holder. He claims it is a man thing!

Side Notation: Fabric can be used to make these as well. you will need 6 pieces of fabric, four long for the top and bottom and two short. Cut according to original directions. Then with right sides together of top panel sew all around leaving small opening. Trim corners, turn inside out and iron. Do the same for the bottom panel. Sew 1/8 around leaving top on sewn. Pin top sides and sew top. Follow the same method for smaller pocket. Only sew on side top stitch. Then pin with top stitch as the opening part of pocket. Pin and sew rest of pockets.

I would love comment and please share if you make any of these! I would love to see them!