Monday 22 June 2015

Easy Christmas pressies to make

Hello. Lots of interesting comments yesterday, thank you for taking the time to add your bit to my post. It seems lots of you are saving money by not being taken in by the lure of fancy packaging, promises of eternal youth, and expensive perfumes. This is one area where everyone can cut down on their spending. The cheap versions can do just as good a job of keeping you clean. No need to go overboard on £25 pots of cream and salon type hair products. Bog standard is the way to take control.
I've been to the Crafty Club this morning. Numbers were down, but that is no bad thing. It means we can keep to the topic of conversation and everyone gets a look in, rather than two or three conversations going at once, and people talking over the top of each other. 
I took a new and simple project with me to work on. Perhaps you might like to have a go at this. Even the inexperienced sewer can do this. Older children as well might like to join in. 
Take one small new note book. I bought this for 50p from a stationary shop which was closing down, with the intention of making a cover for it. Coloured felt is best for this project as it doesn't fray and is easy to sew. 
Here is my book cover. The green felt is recycled from a snooker table which was being recovered. I have a few pieces of felt I got from the Scrapstore. Cut a piece of felt slightly bigger than the book. Close it up to measure it accurately. Cut out a few coloured shapes to add to the front. I have used running stitch but you can use any embroidery stitches you like. Sew the embellishments on first before making up the cover.

For the inside I used plain black felt. You can use the same colour as the outside, or any colour you like. Cut two pieces slightly narrower than the cover but exactly the same height, top to bottom. Pin it together first to check that the book will fit snugly inside. Then do a running stitch to join the pieces. I could have stitched across the spine as well, but I ran out of thread, so I left it at that.

And there you have it, a decorative cover for a plain notebook. Ideal for a gift, maybe you could make a few of these for Christmas presents. Look for pictures in books for your designs. Trace them onto paper and make a card template to cut out the shapes in felt. 
So who is going to make a book cover? I'm still busy this week so will be looking in from time to time. Right, the library van is here, so I'm off to walk/push Rocky, and have a natter with Stan. Thanks for popping in.
Toodle pip

13 comments:

  1. lovely idea. Pity you ran out of red thread...just looks like it could do with it on the spine side.
    I like the hearts, one on top of the other.

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  2. Super. Give me a few months and I'll have one done. Natalie

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  3. Lovely and a great idea.
    Carolx

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  4. Brilliant idea, Ilona. I'm thinking you could make a cover to hold a diary. If it's a present, maybe use material for someones hobby and use either a diary or a book for notes. Shame about running out of thread - love the hearts.
    Just thought, this idea would make a good raffle prize for fund raising. I'm going to stop now, as I'll still be thinking of ideas comes bed time and won't get any sleep! :-) All the best. CMW

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    1. Hi. Like your ideas. A cover for a journal or diary would be a great gift. Write your ideas down so you can follow them up later.

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  5. That`s a great idea. I might well have a go at this during autumn time.

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  6. I've just thought that it might be great to make themed birthday covers for favourite books of friends and family. Just an idea! x

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    1. Hi. I chose a simple design, but you can put anything you like on the front. Personalized is a great idea.

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  7. I made one of these for my daughters two Christmases ago. Although they have finished with the diaries they kept the covers to re-use. For my eldest, this year I made her a Michael Jackson doll as she adores all MJ stuff (the hat...the jacket...the glove...).
    He looks pretty good (even if I do say so myself) and has pride of place in her bedroom. Home made things do have that special something even when they are not quite perfect. X

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    1. Hi Wendy. Yes, the covers can be reused if you make them to the standard size. Something to keep for years as you say.

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  8. Hi.That book cover is a lovely gift idea and another great way to use up those remnants of fabric.I enjoy reading about all your different creative ideas.There are many things I would like to do,such as this in the colder months,when I get restless and the shorter days roll in.Your mentioning that you were taking Rocky out for a walk/push made me smile.Your furry family is so fortunate to have you watching over them.Bye for now,D.

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  9. Very beautiful book cover. Seems quite easy for the inexperienced as you said. I'm quite tempted to give it a try.
    I love the pattern that the colours of the hearts follow.

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