New Year, new journaling dreams ✨☁️??

12/28/2022

Happy New Year!
Below I have assembled steps for making this year's New year stitchery.
I hope it helps start your new year off full of inspiration and confidence.

After cutting and sewing your

After cutting and sewing your 1,2,3,4,5 pieces together, your front cover should look like this.

Then I draw the 1/2 inch border all around.
I accidentally used a Frixion iron-away pen. Whew! I was just beginning to trace the design. Right after the photo was taken, I removed it and changed to a fine-line blue wash-away pen.
The reason for this is, There will be fusible interfacing added to the back of the front cover. Interfacing adds stability and helps make projects like this crisp and clean. Ironing heat would cause all my lines to disappear.

The 1/2 inch border gives extra fabric in case the embroidery pulls up too much fabric, Now you have a little extra to trim to the correct size.

Ready to trace the entire front.

Traced and started my embroidery.

I like to use a spring type hoop when I can.
It moves about my work quickly.

The linen-looking fabric is a Moda. They call it a Slub Linen. It is pretty thick. I am using linens more and more. I love this rustic look.
This linen was pretty thick. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get the hoop around it.

If the work wouldn't go into the spring hoop, I would have changed and used a wood hoop. Not a problem, as wood hoops always have a sweet vintage look to them.

Embroidery work on the front cover is almost done. I need to make the little tag for the bottom piece #3. I think I may have left off some of this instruction on the download. I was rushing to get this pattern out before leaving on a little trip to ring the New Year.
I cut a neutral "tag" to embroider. You can see here, I traced the words and will cut it later.

After doing embroidery and cutting, I frayed the edges a bit. Then I put it in its spot and with a single strand of lighter brown floss (DMC 611). Just a simple running stitch was sweet and effective.

After embroidery is done, it is time to trim your front to 8 x 12-1/2 inches.

Next, make the pocket flaps the notebooks cover will slip into.
Cut two. 4-1/2 x 8 inches. Both of these get backed with interfacing as well. Then they get a simple hem along the 8 inch length on one side only.

Then, right sides together, place them on the stitched cover.

Also in this photo, you can see the twill tape I placed. It will act as a bookmark in your journal. It is placed approximately 2 inches from the right side.

Make sure the twill (or ribbon if you prefer) does not get caught in the seam. It is only hanging so you can see it.

Next, the interfaced lining gets placed on top of all. Notice the lining has two pieces of interfacing. I used up all my scraps making this. So, I found tow pieces to fit the back and fused them on. All good! As this will never be seen again.

Everything is right sides together.

Look close, you can see the 1/4 inch short side on the lining. The lining sides will not get caught in the seam.

You can see I used clips to hold it all. The lining gap on sides is not caught in the seam and the ribbon or twill is stuck safely inside.

Almost done.
Clip all corners.

Then reach into the gap left on the side of the lining. Pull everything out. Fold pocket flaps right side out and towards the lining.

I used a chopstick to push my corners out. Press well.

Here are the pockets pressed towards the inside.
And, a little peek at the technique I find best to put your notebook cover and back into the pockets. Fold it backwards almost like a tent. Slip it in one at a time.