Another Journal

Here's another journal cover.  I tried to do foundation piecing and wonky it up a bit.  It's hard to see, but I used some decorative stitches on the seams to mimic crazy quilting.  Not sure if it looks like crazy quilting, or if I can't make straight seams, but it was fun.

I am enjoying playing with the different textures of fabrics - leather, silk, cotton, metallic.

More to come.

Another Book Review

Another great book to share with you.  I have a fascination for quilted book, journal, and other covers.  This books gives excellent directions and loads of inspiration to cover all types of things.

Book Review

As I mention in my sidebar, I am a Librarian by trade.  I get the luxury of selecting the books for my library's collection.  so, naturally, my library has an excellent quilting section!

We recently got in an excellent book:  Modern Patchwork: 12 Quilts to take You Beyond the Basics by Elizabeth Hartman


Great modern quilts and excellent advise.  This one got my creative juices flowing.

Trying Some Things Out

I was trying out a few things with this journal cover.  I thought the block was the right size for the front...obviously I was wrong.  My new machine is much more touchy about sewing through the leather than my old, cheapo machines.  But I don't think it is bad looking, and I learned a few things along the way.

The real question is, how much to charge for it?  I usually charge about $15 for my fabric journal covers, but $20 may be too much.

Embellish or Not?

So, I spent the majority of my Sunday choosing and cutting fabric to increase my inventory of iPad covers and journal covers to sell.  I tried this time to think more like the average consumer rather than with my unique aesthetic.  I am not sure I completely succeeded in that, but there are definitely a variety of materials.  Then I ran across my stash of embellishments.  I also ran across some light weight leather and suede.

Now, I could use trims and things to make these items more unique and special...
Or, I could keep them simple and more plain.  Maybe a mix of both?

What would you do?

It has not been a good year to sell handmade items in my area.  I am still willing to give this a chance, but I am cautious.  People say they like what I make, but they don't buy.  Is it the economy?  Is it my taste in materials?