Quilted Sketchbook Cover

Do you sketch down your project ideas? Maybe on paper scraps or if you’re super talented on a computer program? I tend to sketch on simple art sketchbooks, but they end up all over the house after I set them aside (and forget where they are!) So this weekend I decided to make a cover for my sketchbook and an extra pocket for a blog planner. I knew I wanted it quilted and super padded, so after I took a few measurements I went to work and ended up with this:

The dimensions are 22″ x 14″.  I used a mid-weight linen for the binding, border and some of the inside pieces. The rest is quilting fabric I purchased in a scrap bundle at my LQS.  Does anyone know who made these prints? Not one of my scraps had any sort of marking, but I’d still like to know who designed them.

Here is the full exterior. I used 2 1/2″ square blocks, 2″ linen strips for the borders, and did a basic  1/4″ topstitch around them for a finished look.

And in an attempt to organize my blogging plans and schedule I picked up a super-cute pink monthly planner at Target. ($4.00 on clearance) to put in here as well.  The pocket on the right is perfect to slide the planner into or just slip in the back flap. The left flap will slide over the sketchbook backing.

I  stitched some scraps together for accent in the interior and used a bright KONA pink for the lining. When I mentioned I wanted it to be really padded, I really did.  I used automotive headliner, fusible fleece and a small bit of craft fuse for the pocket pieces to give it structure. I put on a super tough needle in my industrial Juki so it all came together smoothly.

Now that my quilted sketchbook and planner cover is done, there is no excuse for losing it somewhere in the house, right?

Have a great Tuesday! xo Cindy