Saturday, August 25, 2012

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.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Another Book Review



Fast, Fun & Easy Book Cover Art: Add a Quilted Fabric Touch to Binders, Scrapbooks, Journals & MoreAnother 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.






Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Book Review


Modern Patchwork: 12 Quilts to Take You Beyond the Basics

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.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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?