Quilted Journals

I've made a few quilted journals in the past.

I've given them to each member in my Bee Group, just because they are special and deserve a treat.

I've given them to each of the kid's teachers as holiday gifts (3 kids times 8 teachers!)

I've made journals for the kids for homeschool hand writing practice.

I've made them for myself to keep my plethora of lists and thoughts organized.

So yesterday seemed like a good day to make a few more. Only this time I got kind of fancy. I made one from selvages, and two from strips with a wool applique on the front. Yep, that's fancy in my book! I also discovered a really cool trick with fusible hem tape. Sometimes, I really impress myself...it doesn't take much, can you tell?

Here's a few photos of the process:

The selvages all sewn "quilt as you go" style onto the batting and backing.

This needs to be 3/4" taller and wider than your journal when it is open on a flat surface.

It's best to make it larger and trim after the quilting is finished as things can shift a bit.

The sleeves (cut 8" wide and folded in half, wrong sides together) with the raw edges lined up with the outer edges of the quilt, layered on the sides and hems (face down) on top and bottom OVER the sleeves.

Sew1/4" around all the edges and clip the corners.

Turn right side out and press the sleeves and hems down into place.

Here's where I used the fusible hem tape, holds it perfectly with no bulk or visible seams!

Not too bad for a rainy day, huh?