Friday, October 14, 2005

New Sketch Book

Last week when I was working on the portrait of the kids, after it went south, I decided it was time to make the sketch book cover I had planned for my divine Elin Noble fabric.

It was so great to set aside a project that was sucking rocks and whip up something wonderful. It was quick, my math was mostly spot on and I adore it.

I bought this dyed fabric from Elin Nobel at the Maine State Quilt Show in July. (and paid a pretty penny!) I knew I wanted to use it in some fashion that I could really continue to enjoy. Not cut it up for a quilt. Not fold it away and fondle it occasionally. After making those small notebook covers, I decided that a larger sketch book cover would be the perfect use. Plus, a real artist makes lots of notes and sketches, right? Maybe I'll be inspired to do that more too.

Check it out.



Here's the inside. It holds a 9x12 sketch book. The key is that you can swap the sketch book out when it's filled. It slides in a deep pocket in the back and the cover -- strengthened with a piece of cereal box -- folds over. Yes, I added a pocket for business cards, receipts, post cards, pictures, dry leaves....


I think even the back looks marvy! I knew it needed some method of closure and I came up with tacking a piece of gold stretchy cord on the back. Ingenious. Who knew I was so clever? You can see it wrapped around the closed cover on the top picture.


Now... all is well, but wouldn't it be great to jazz it up a bit? How about sequins? So, I ordered from Cartwright's. Look at this little pile of sparkly treasures. I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to arrange them. I know I'll need to sew them down extra tight so they don't pop off while being stuffed in and out of my bag. But, since I'm hoping to rent and watch all of the episodes of the first season of Lost, I should have plenty of time to figure it out.

8 comments:

Gerrie said...

this is beautiful - that fabric is wondrous. last night, mrs mel affirmed your artistry which she had seen first hand. Of course we were dishing about the list!!

Debra said...

This book cover is beautiful. Surely you will carry this book about wherever you are.

Deb R said...

Deborah, that's gorgeous!! And will no doubt be even more so when you add the pretty sparkly bits. You're so clever!!

Anonymous said...

Loved it last night--still love it this morning! Got to get one for myself and thank you for the link to the sparkly place store. I love sparkly.

Unknown said...

Love the fabric! What a great way to preserve such special fabric. Now you can keep all your quilt sketches in this special book!

Anonymous said...

Well, I for one, knew you were so clever! What a great way to enjoy your special fabric everyday! Can't wait to see the sketches inside! Love, Mom

Elle said...

What a great idea and what great fabric!

Anonymous said...

yummalicious! this is gorgeous - you will be proud to take this out everywhere with you, I bet!