I have been keeping busy this summer with gardening and all, but I also have been really getting into sewing.
I had mentioned earlier that I was making some journal covers for Chemo Buddies, a local not-for-profit using fabric that was given to me by my friend Donna. Well, I finished eight and sent them on their way. This is a project I’ve wanted to do for years and just couldn’t seem to get the confidence to make them. I am so glad I did.
Then my friend Barb wanted a few for some new friends. This time I wanted to use my fabric. One of the things I’ve struggled with is cutting into my fabric and really using it. This was a great exercise to help me push through that. Here are four from my fabrics. I’m really happy how they turned out.
The blue piece on the left is my dyed fabric and then stamped with decolorant. The other journal cover is made from my sun printed fabric.
The last two are two are made with my recently dyed pieces.
Since a couple readers have asked me about the inside of these journals, I’ve updated this post with a picture of the inside. There is a pocket in the front cover and a loop for a pen on the back cover. These covers are made for composition books, but can also cover other journals depending on their size.
I also sewed Dave a new apron from fabric we bought in Hawaii this past January.
I have to mention the kitties are a big help in the studio. Here is Ace in the scrap container.
But usually it’s Puddin whose sleeping there.
I’m also still dyeing. Last year I dyed Martha’s daughter Jillian some clothes for her first birthday. This year I dyed her a couple shirts and this dress.
And here is my shirt that matches.
Then Dave and I have matching shirts. We’ve not yet worn them together!
When we were in Australia a couple years ago everyone was wearing dresses with leggings. I love the look and wanted to dye a dress to wear like that.
I also played again with Colorhue dyes. If you are interested in these easy dyes, check out this post.
I bought this bag at Mother Teresa’s Treasures, the thrift store where I volunteer. I think today may be the day I paint it!
Well, that’s all for now. The weather here has turned hot or really normal for August which is a great excuse to stay in and play. Hope you are keeping cool. Thanks for stopping by.
I really like everything you’ve made lately. I want to see one of your journal covers- do they fit store bought notebooks or did you make your own books too? I like your dyed covers the best.
You should make your next dress to wear with leggings — long sleeve. As I’ve said before I love the scarf with circles.
Carla, Thanks. That means a lot coming from you! The covers hold those composition books. However, I bought a journal cover with composition book several years ago for my friend Barb, and she still uses it but with a journal that fits into it.
Me MAKE my next dress – nah..don’t think so unless you want to help me!! A long sleeved one would be nice.
Love the journal covers, especially because it looks like you have a loop for a pen! Were you using a purchased pattern, or is there somewhere I can get the pattern? I made some covers for composition books several years ago, but these look much nicer. And I’m impressed with how much color you got on your colorhue scarf, especially the first one… the only time I tried colorhue, the colors came out very pale.
Hi Judy, Thank you. I was happy with them. Yes that is a pen loop. I added that at the suggestion of my friend Barb. My pattern is a compilation of a variety of tutorials online. It has an inside pocket too. I think I’ll add a pic of that to this post. I could do a tutorial on it but I’ll have to make another one since I have no step outs. Regarding the Colorhue piece, I just followed the directions or at least I think so! If I changed anything I can’t find those notes!!
Wow, you’ve been busy! I especially love your de colorant fabrics, but everything is lovely.
I love the scarf with the circles. The journal covers are great. I love the pocket and pen holder. I understand your resistance to cutting up your dyed fabric! I was also surprised to see the vibrant colors from the colorhue dyes, I heard and saw samples of more muted colors. Thanks for sharing your projects.
Sherrie, Thanks! It’s funny. I’ve been thinking I’ve not gotten much done this summer. It’s good to see it all in one post. Thanks for stopping by.
Darlene, Thanks. I was happy too with those scarves. I’m definitely going to play more with Colorhue.