Notebook Slipcover 2 Ways

No big surprise if you have following my blog this summer, but I worked on yet another pattern this past week. I made new pictures and graphics for the Notebook Slipcover. I also got to sew some slipcovers for the new pictures which was the only highlight since I spent the rest of my free time (as in the time not spent entertaining my kids, cleaning my house, making meals, or weeding my pathetic vegetable garden) working at the computer. It reminded me of what a versatile pattern this is- and how careful you have to be in taking your measurements since I messed it up several times in my over confident rush to get it done quickly. Yes, indeedy- I mess up my own patterns on a regular basis!

Since I have "back to school" on my mind, the first round of notebooks I made were binder covers and a notebook with the matryoshkas that I mentioned in the last blog post. I chose the fabrics and created the title page thinking of a young girl or college student. I really like the above title and this next one is the other version I made to fit better on the Etsy page...

I proof read the pattern one last time last night and planned on listing it in the shop today. When I started working on it this morning I realized I had forgotten to showcase the more adult side of this project. I have made it for my friends, my sister, my mother in law- all grown women who may not prefer polka dots and matryoshkas. SO, twist my arm, instead of listing the pattern like planned, I made yet another notebook slipcover out some of my favorite "grown up" fabric (although I admit I would totally carry around polka dots and matryoshkas myself!). The result was another title! Notebook Slipcover 2 ways!

Pretty huh? I think I'll just use them both in my etsy shop since I like to have 2 of each pattern listed at a time.

I really do enjoy working on my title pages. I'm sure I could benefit from some design tips but I love how you never know what you are going to get when you start with just your picture. Just a whole lot of trying things out and clicking on this and that in Photoshop Elements and you end up with something that just looks right. Maybe you have a more specific method you could share? Hmmm? This clicking around method is working for me right now.

The changes I made to the pattern were some small changes to the materials list, the shape of the flap, more pocket options, attaching the velcro differently and a better explained method of making the quick and easy notebook cover without a flap. SO EASY! I really just use the flap on the binder now. Here's a picture of that extremely exciting new flap.

Nothing like a good flap!

The above picture makes me happy- like I wish I could take that binder to class, open up that velcro flap, and start taking notes. All those manilla dividers with the different subjects written on them were so pristine at the beginning of the school year. Can you tell I am a nerd for nice school supplies?? The weird thing is that up here in Pennsylvania, at least in my school district, the teachers provide all the school supplies! Paper, notebooks, crayons- all of it. It's actually really nice but it means no shopping for this momma!

Now for your chance to win. Tell me what your favorite school supply was- nice new pens? Fresh clean notebooks? A cool new backpack? I will choose 1 winner (I'm sorry, it's just too confusing to choose 3- my brain gets overloaded going through the comments and counting on my fingers) on Wednesday August 10th.

Comments

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I loved getting a new Trapper Keeper every year!!! remember those lol?

Posted by: Sharenda Birts | August 8, 2011 at 09:43 AM

I always loved a brand new backpacke, nice and clean, filled with brand new notebooks, pencils, folders... Everything in just the right pocket and zipper pouch, nicely organized. Of course, the organization only lasted the first 3 days of school!

Posted by: Leann Broome | August 8, 2011 at 09:38 AM