Making a journal cover

As promised, here are the links to the journal cover tutorials I've written over the years. Note the date on these tutorials - July 2014. This is the SECOND set of tutorials I wrote for QUILTsocial. I'm sure my writing style and grammar have changed significantly!

This is the basic tutorial on making a journal cover. I think the method of adding the lining is clever, and there's no reason to leave an opening along one side to turn it inside out. 

Making a collage journal cover. Perfect way to use up scraps or create a personalized cover. 

Loads of inspiration to use different types of fabric and paper to make a journal cover. 

Here are two more tutorials for making a journal cover from your sewing/machine-embroidery experiments. This set of tutorials was written in March 2023. 

Gathering the supplies

How to make fabric (journal cover base) from scraps

Ways to search your embroidery machine for techniques to embellish the cover

Adding decorative elements to the journal cover in sewing mode. I used the THREE-HOLE YARN foot! 

Adding piping and completing the cover

And here is the link to the Virtual Retreat that is scheduled for December 24 (tomorrow!) from 10 AM to 2 PM. It may go longer —who knows—that will depend on how many are on the call. This is for people who are sitting at home and feeling lonely or alone! If you are with family or traveling, then you are one of the "lucky" ones. It all depends on how you look at it. I feel fortunate to be home alone, as the holidays can be a very stressful time of year. So I enjoy the solitude!

Zoom link for Virtual Retreat - December 24 --- starts at 10 AM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88421755791?pwd=alembPc4qQybCv1ElwMvrqc400FolX.1

Meeting ID: 884 2175 5791
Passcode: 720274

However, you look at your personal time - that's up to you, but if you're around and want to drop in, there's the link!

The next virtual retreat will be on the weekend, the 27th and 28th. 

So I ran around the house yesterday, taking pictures of the projects I want to put on my visual To-do list for 2026. Oh my — I may be a bit overambitious, but I hope not. I have a wide variety of things, and I was surprised to find out which is the largest category. Can you guess? Of course you can't! But the biggest category is making or dealing with quilts that belong to OTHERS!!!! Yes -- I have some things for my Mom to make as well as a couple of other people. 

The biggest issue on that list is three quilts that belong to others that I need to deal with. I've procrastinated over them for far too long. I'm not going to share them with you at this point, but my goal for 2026 is to deal with them, however that happens. It's time to "grow up," get a backbone, and make them disappear from my life! Actually, there is a fourth quilt in that same category, but I'm not sure where it is at the moment. I'll keep it in the back of my head. NO -- I will add it to the visual "to do" list -- even the name of it will trigger that memory. 

I'm sure many other things will come up on the list as the year goes on, but these are the ones I would love to cross off the master list. Once I get them all cut out and on the rack, I'll take a picture. Then we can see at the end of next year just how far I've come or not come! 

It'll be an interesting activity! I'm OK with that. I'm not in a rush. Whatever I do, I want to do it so I enjoy it, not rush through just for the sake of getting it done. I will never forget the guides' advice from Kilimanjaro: you can rush up the mountain and be out of breath, or you can walk slowly, enjoy the view, and not get out of breath once!

 There is some truth to the way of life in other countries. I wear my POLE POLE (slowly, slowly) bracelet every day, and my motto in life (as much as I can) is to live slowly, and savour each and every moment left! I'm not dying—I just need to remind myself that slow is good!  

But I remember a bit of anxiety as we approached that mountain - I can get out of breath climbing a set of stairs fast, but not ONCE on that entire climb was I out of breath. NOT ONCE -- goes to show you that fast isn't always the best route. Think the turtle and the hare! I'm the turtle. 

I think that's why I like walking in my neighborhood for errands. It would probably be much faster to take the car, or would it? But I enjoy the walk - I get some exercise while I do my errands, and I get to see what's happening in my neighborhood. I had to chuckle yesterday because we were talking about specific places of worship, and I mentioned one right beside the grocery store. 

One of the ladies on Monday Sewing, who lives very close to me and shops at that grocery store, had never noticed what that building was! The sign is very subtle and on the building, not on the street! There are MANY things I've experienced or seen by walking or cycling. I won't give that up - I don't care how slow it is. Don't they say that life is all about the journey, not the destination? I'm trying to max out my journey! Life isn't about how much you accomplish, but HOW you accomplish it! I guess we each have our own agenda! 

And now back to reality - my dishwasher. Yep - I got another F11 error, and it's this little part that causes the problem. Or should I say, this is the area that captures the most debris? It's super easy to clean, but I think I'm going to need a new one sooner rather than later. The little rubber gasket on the end is starting to get chunky. Now that I have a picture, I'll try to contact the company and order a new one. Someone suggested I add the dishwasher's serial number to ensure we get the correct part. Good idea! 

My little debris catcher in the dishwasher

The third Canadian puzzle landed at my door the other day. This one is Ottawa. They are beautiful, hand-painted puzzles. Let's just say I shouldn't even consider buying another puzzle for a very long time. 

Ottawa puzzle

Speaking of puzzles, guess what? I ignored the current puzzle until just before bed. I managed to find all the pieces for the bottom border. Let's just say that these are NOT regular-shaped pieces. I swear each piece is different, and I'm not sure if I'm missing a piece on each side of the side borders. I never measured, and I'll just plod along and see how it goes. I even managed to get a few other pieces in along the bottom. I went strictly by the piece's shape, then by color! All the pieces are darkish, so it's hard to pick out colors and work with just one. 

The status of the current puzzle

In my mad quest to take pictures of some projects for 2026, I stumbled upon the pattern for the embroidered pie top! Remember that I purchased that candle in the pie dish!!! OH ---I could go to Michael's and see if there are any Christmas ones left. They will be on sale!!! It's a super-cute little pincushion with a pie on top! OK—I do not need it, but it's cute!!! OH -- I just found it on their website, and it's ON SALE!!!!! WAIT --- there's ONE left at my store! You would think I have a shopping problem!!! 

The pie crust machine embroidery pattern

You know how I always say I hate change, but that's not true. I like to make a big deal about it - just because I'm a rebel! But I embrace change. I needed to change up my breakfast routine! I have a bowl of steel-cut oats in the morning, but I found that that isn't enough. I'm hungry and can't wait to dive into my 9 AM snack with my cup of tea. How people can miss their morning meal just baffles me, but our bodies are different, and it's what you get used to! I NEED breakfast! 

Heck -- I'm extremely regimented in what and when I eat! No denying that! 

I usually put a spoonful of seeds into my oatmeal, and I was running low on them. I popped over to Bulk Barn the other day to find some, but they didn't have what I was looking for. It's getting harder and harder to find. BUT I spotted containers of protein powder on the shelves. Hmmm -- I have protein powder at home that I'm not using. 

Well, what a difference. I wasn't even hungry for my 9 AM snack until almost lunch time! I know my body is lacking in protein, so this is a good thing. I dissolve the powder in the milk before putting it in the cereal, and I'm good! That was day one. Let's see what happens on Day Two. When I was monitoring what I ate, protein was my weak spot.

Oops—the container contains a carbohydrate powder, not protein. I'll finish this container off, then move on to the protein powder I also have a tub of. Either way, I didn't feel the need to eat as much! Each scoop of the carbohydrate powder is just over 100 calories. Not that I'm counting - I don't count calories. I'm trying to count the nutritional value. 

Here are those two girls of mine. Miss Lexi was very focused on something outside. She didn't even look back when I took the picture! 

MOM -- I'm the caped crusader! 

And Murphy? She's just a goof. She slept with that bone between her legs for a long time, while I read my ebook. 

MOM - can you move the bone for me?

I have FOUR ebooks in my reader right now, which is rare. I need to switch from the novel (but it's hard!) to the non-fiction book since that one expires first!!! I must be more diligent about that going forward. It happens rarely, so I can't complain, but it's annoying to have too many books to read. 

I love reading (SLOWLY) because it allows me to visit other worlds and people in the comfort of my chair!  

Here's a quote I borrowed from the internet. My world has expanded so much by reading, even if it's a novel! 

I exceeded my reading goal of one book a week, and that works for me. I have always loved to read, and it takes me to other worlds. Now that I've opened up my world to different genres, well, the world is my oyster. I read ferociously as a kid. I was sickly, and reading was a good outlet. 

And at last, I got busy on the writing assignment that I need to finish. I sorted out the white bin with all the supplies. I rejigged some of my original plans and searched online and in person for supplies or patterns I would need. The pictures are downloaded for the first writing session, though I think I'll add a few more, and I'm pumped to get to it this morning. 

But first, I now have THREE things to do at Staples and one errand at Fabricland (again), so I'll be making a trip this morning as soon as the stores open! That errand is a car errand as the stores are about 6 KM away. Yep -- I could ride my bike, but I choose to drive. 

So this week is all about quilting and writing (and reading and puzzle solving), and it's going to be a glorious week. No more Zoom presentations to do for the rest of the year - just a wee bit of follow-up! Yeah!!!

On that happy note, have a wonderful day!!!! 

Ciao!!!!

A doozy of a puzzle!!!!

Yesterday was a special day, and I almost missed it until I saw someone post about it last night. And someone mentioned it on the blog yesterday. It was Winter Solstice Day. While this means winter has officially arrived, it also means that each day is a little longer. Well, the day isn't longer (don't we wish!), but the sunlight is a little longer. I don't care if the daylight is only a few seconds longer— soon it will be summer! Don't worry -- I like winter, and as long as you dress appropriately, it's not cold outside. 

And thankfully, someone mentioned that Christmas doesn't end on December 25, but instead on January 6. Thank goodness for that, because that Christmas puzzle? It's a doozy!!!

I opened up the blinds, although the light gave off a terrible glare on the puzzle pieces, but no worries - I was really only trying to get the pieces face up on the table, and to sort out the border. This goes MUCH faster when you stand up and use two hands! 

I'm ready to start the puzzle

Then I spread out all the border pieces - it seems like a waste of time to put them in the sorting tray and then replace them on the table. I'm still figuring out the sorting tray thing. 

The border pieces

But see what I mean by weird shapes! These are the BORDER pieces. 

Bizarre shapes

Obviously, I haven't discovered all the border pieces, and I'm not even sure that all of them are in the right spot. Thankfully, this one is only 500 pieces as it's going to be a challenge! But when I need a break, I can zip upstairs and attempt to put in a few pieces! 

The border is almost done

AHA -- I was certain that I had purchased a "recipe" book for cutting things on the digital cutter. 

My "recipe" book for the digital cutter

Each material you cut can have its own two pages, where you can check off the type of mat, blade, etc., you use, and there's a spot for notes. I'll transfer my notes and samples into this book, but I think I'll see if I can get it coil-bound first! Once you start to put some samples in there, it's going to be a challenge with the glued spine. I bought this book from my "favorite" online store, and it was printed at their print shop! I think that's kind of cool, even though I'm not a fan of buying from them. The ability to print on demand is enormous. 

The recipe pages

Now that UFO Club is done for this month, I can share some of the work I've been doing. Wait— I can't do that, since some of them haven't been gifted yet. 

I had a Halloween quilt that I made at a quilt retreat in September. It needed a border added, and the backing and binding had to be made. That is done, and now this is moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I also made the backing and the binding for my Green Tea quilt. That binding was a challenge as I used one piece from the fat quarter bits I had left. So there was a lot of cutting and sewing. But there were enough pieces to make a multicolor (multi-fabric) binding, and this was also moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I completed this journal cover. It had been sitting with the front cover pieced, but that was it. So I finished the embroidery on the front and added a tag with my name. The journal cover was an exercise to learn the new features on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 when it was released several years ago. I was a tad behind, although this is my second one. I know - why make one when you can make two?

The front of my journal cover

Here's the back of the journal cover with some floating stitches. 

The back of the journal cover

Here's the inside. I changed the method for sewing the journal cover. This is my favorite way, and it's super easy to turn inside out, and the inside is completely covered. Here are the instructions for making journal covers my way, and you can decorate them however you like. They make a great personalized gift! There are other blog posts linked to that one (right at the bottom) with different ideas for embellishing journal covers. Oh shoot—I don't see the links. I'll try to remember to post them all tomorrow. 

The inside of the journal cover

I also finished my Halloween ornament. I know -- a wee bit behind, but guess what? It's done and ready for next year! I hand-stitched those buttons on!!!

Halloween ornament

But for the moment, I'm enjoying it along with the heart I hung up the other day! Notice the small green quilt covering the embroidery machine? As I learned yesterday with the digital cutter, it's a good idea to keep covers on all your machines. You would be shocked at how much dust and lint are in the air. And if you don't believe me, take a cup of water, tea, or whatever into your sewing space and leave it to sit for an hour or two. Yep --- you'll find dust and lint on the surface!

My latest ornaments!

Also, as part of my UFO this past month, I had not one, but TWO (why?) of these small denim totes from the Teach The World To Sew day back in September. Good grief! I could have simply sewn the tote bags together, but NO - I wanted to add some interlinings and quilt them. I have a machine - why not use it? And even though the denim was heavy, I like a bag with lots of structure! 

For the first one, I used a triple stitch on the PFAFF creative icon and quilted through the denim and the fusible fleece. I did a 60-degree diagonal line and used the Projection feature to stitch the lines. I marked one line in both directions with white chalk (chalk-o-liner - the ONLY marking tool I will allow in my space!). I fused Decor-Bond to the lining - the red and white polka dot fabric behind the denim, and rather than making fabric handles, the pattern called for webbing, so I got some of that the other day, as I did not have red. 

Denim tote bag number one - ready to sew together

For the second one, I wanted something different to quilt/decorate the outside of the bag. I LOVE my Three-Hole Yarn Foot and use it wherever I can. One of the Fons and Porter Love of Quilting shows that I taped was all about the Three-Hole Yarn Foot. It is such a fantastic accessory. I hadn't had a chance to stitch the lines before the UFO Club, but everything was prepped. I spaced the lines a bit further apart and decided to mark them all with chalk. 

Preparing the second denim tote bag

So yesterday afternoon, with NOTHING to do, I got myself organized and started stitching. Did you know there are built-in stitches on your SVP-branded machines (Husqvarna Viking and PFAFF) that work with the Three-Hole Yarn Foot? Check them out!!!! And I use the START/STOP function, rather than the foot pedal, to stitch these long lines of decorative stitches. Those long seams can be boring (a great time to problem-solve some other issue), and I find it hard to keep a steady pace with the foot pedal. START/STOP is the way to go! 

Using the three-hole yarn foot

And before I knew it, the lines of quilting were done! For this one, I also used fleece, but it wasn't fusible. I didn't stick it in place. The piece isn't large enough to worry about that. I didn't even pin it. Sometimes I iron the two layers, and the friction from heat and steam is sufficient to hold them in place. I also fused Decor Bond to the lining. More on this one another day, as it's directional and that lining was cut in ONE piece - well, according to the instructions. 

The outer part of the second denim tote bag

Here's a close-up of the stitches. That yarn has a wee sparkle, and I used a matching 40-weight thread on top. If you have NEVER used the three-hole yarn foot, then you should get it out! I LOVE it. 

Detail of stitching yarn using the three-hole yarn foot

And now here's my cutting table for today. I've moved the UFO items that I didn't complete this month to the top of the blue bin, so there's more for me to get done this month. But slow and steady, and I must start on January 1, instead of procrastinating until the final week! 

There are a few things to put away this morning, and I might just take that book down to Staples to have them cut the spine off. But I also want to print some photos, so I could do both in the same trip. 

The cutting table is prepped for today

There are THREE new small projects on the table to the right that I want to make, so I need to add those into my schedule! And then, I put the white bin with the projects that need to be done this week. Technically, that is overdue, but I just couldn't handle it before. 

As I move forward into the new year, I'm going to try very hard to keep up with time management. It won't be easy, but I'm learning every day how to manage my time better. And I'm learning NOT to get stuck on the fiddly bits. Just forge ahead, and they will be done!!!

By the way, and this is not to put anyone into a panic, but is anyone interested in me teaching an ONLINE class through Thimbles and Things? I don't want anything significant, but could handle perhaps a one or two-part lecture or technique class. If you have a topic, let me know (elainetheriault@gmail.com), and I'll contemplate it. NOTHING BIG!!!!! 

I also promised the scrap thing - maybe I can do that through Thimbles and Things!!! That might work. 

And on that note, I'm off to spin class!!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Machine Embroidery Retreat

Oh my—we had an exhausting day! We started at 9 AM, and some people were wrapping up 12 hours later! YES—everyone was brain dead, but I think everyone learned a ton, and that's what it was all about! I thought I had hit the wall, but then most of us sat around and chatted for another hour or so, and it was all very nice! 

It's always a challenge when you invite a group of people, most of whom don't know each other, and hope it all works out. But everyone has a common interest—they want to learn and they love machine embroidery. It's been amazing and I thank everyone who came!!! 

I said I wouldn't do another one, but we had fun. Could I be persuaded?! 

Ten people are in the workshop, and three of them have NEVER touched machine embroidery in their lives! Never—they did amazing! They have taken to machine embroidery like ducks to water, and that's why they couldn't stop last night! 

Here's what the room looks like. That's the left side of the room. 

Machine embroidery retreat

The embroidery machines on the right side of the room. We had some big guns at this workshop! I'll let you see what they made in a bit. 

Machine embroidery retreat

I grew up on a farm out west, but our yard ALWAYS looked so junky. There was stuff hanging around, but I'm always amazed at how neat and tidy this yard is. There's not a SINGLE piece of garbage - it's neat as a pin and looks fantastic. It's a beautiful property and we love it here! 

The yard at Springhouse Retreat 

Before the chaos, I went for a walk. I didn't make my daily quota, but that's OK. I probably should have gone out in the afternoon, but everyone was working and I wanted to be here for the group. 

Beautiful morning for a walk

I used my Zoom feature to take this picture. Now that Samsung has changed how the zoom works, it's fun and easy to use. It's not that I need a button to do it, but not having to use two hands is amazing! 

The birds were out in full force

And here's the slow, lazy creek. Last time I was here, it was completely frozen over. 

The lazy creek

OK --- this is pretty cool. Have you seen these tiny little appliqué scissors? I love them, and I might just have to get a pair! Apparently, they are a hot item and keep selling out. 

Mini appliqué scissors

Here's the first of three projects that they worked on. We had a little oopsie on the tenth one, but all is good. That person got the most creative fix award of the retreat, as she reworked it. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear she was able to save it. 

The cardholder project

And then we worked on this mug rug! Oh my gosh --- they are adorable and I LOVE all of them. What's amazing is that all the colors differ from the original and look equally impressive!! They have done a great job with the first two projects. One of these isn't quite finished; it has a small issue, but it can be fixed! 

The mug rug at the workshop

I had a bonus project for them that kept them busy late in the evening, but most people finished it or are close to finishing it. I need to check on the status today and will take a picture. They pretty much look the same because I brought the fabric for them, so I don't want to get them mixed up! 

I got some work done on cleaning up my long-arm files! Oh boy—I think there are a few that I never downloaded, which is just silly. And I found TWO duplicates. Good grief—you think I would check to see what I already own before buying more? Some websites are good at identifying what you already own, but this one isn't as sophisticated. 

Today, we have brand new stuff to learn with machine embroidery! Everyone is still sleeping, so I have plenty of time to myself in the morning, and we have to be out of the house by late afternoon. There's a lot to pack up, but I try to pack up as I go. I'll move some stuff to the car this morning, but since I'm the last person to leave, it doesn't really matter. 

Do you realize that I've written blog posts for QUILTsocial for over 10 years? Let's say that I wrote five posts every two months. Plus, there have been many times when I've written an extra week or two during a year. I would say there are close to 400 blog posts there! I already have lists of some of the ones I use frequently for my classes: machine embroidery, stabilizers, appliqué, etc. 

Plus I reviewed many Husqvarna Viking branded sewing machine in those blog posts. 

There have been many projects, so I'm going to try to share some of them. Here's the first one. It's a journal cover. Actually, I spent several days on journal covers. 

My embellished journal cover 

Day One: Gathering supplies

Day Two: Making the base (background) of the cover

Day Three: Searching for embroidery designs (you do NOT need an embroidery machine to make the cover) 

Day Four: Using some cool sewing decorative stitches

Day Five: Adding piping and finishing up

Check it out—there is loads of cool information in those posts. You do NOT need to make your journal cover look like mine. Use it as inspiration to create something that you want. What's your favorite color? What embellishments do you have hanging around? What presser feet? What type of sewing/embroidery machine? These make amazing gifts and can be personalized!!! Go for it, and if you make something, send me a photo. 

Here are a couple of other posts about journal covers. These ones are sewing only. 

Day One: Tutorial for a journal cover - custom fit to your journal

Day Two: Collage on a journal cover

Day Three: More ideas to dress up a journal cover

That will give you plenty of ideas, and these journal covers can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make them. Now that summer is around the corner, why not involve a grandchild and have them create or help embellish or at least pick a theme for their journal cover. 

Well, that's it for me today! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

I WILL conquer the technology woes!

Some people posted interesting comments about the furniture on the side of the streets, ready to be crushed in the garbage trucks. 

Some thrift stores will take that furniture, but you must deliver or pay for delivery. A friend's daughter was getting rid of a bedroom suite. It would cost $200 to have it delivered. She paid for the delivery! Thank you! And some family will thank her! But most of the furniture, sadly, goes into the landfill. 

And I see someone had a rare family dining set valued at $12K US several years ago. Today? She sold it for $375. 

That's the thing -- something might be valued at a specific price, but if there is NO BUYER, the item is worthless. And if the market is gutted with similar items, the items lose their value. As much as it hurts, we just have to face the fact that most of that furniture will end up in the landfill. 

I have a round wooden table that belonged to a great-grandparent. They bought the set from Eaton's - the tag is still on the back. The set is worth NOTHING except sentimental to me while I'm alive. When I'm gone -- it'll go in the dumpster. Sad but true. I'm OK with that as I get lots of use out of it in the office. I'm using it to store things, so I guess that counts as use! I plan on making it a working space one day this year as I vow to finish clearing the office (two surfaces) by the end of the year. At the rate I'm going, that will happen! 

I'm back home now -- that was a short and fast retreat, but our minds were so blown by all the possibilities that we could not have done another day! I asked many questions, took notes, and hope to putter around with some stuff on my own. The theme was journal-making, in case you forgot! More on that in a bit. 

I have a love/hate relationship with my printer. It's in another room, but that's OK -- I get bonus steps having to walk from the desk to the printer. As you know, my computer recognizes it to scan, but not to print. That is the weirdest thing. There are times when the printer gets hung up and won't print. I try to turn it off and back on again, but sometimes, my impatience takes over, and I unplug it. Then I plug it back in. 

I then get a message saying the printer was shut down incorrectly, which could cause damage. OK -- but then shut down in a reasonable amount of time. So this morning, I turned it off, using the POWER switch, and then back on, and got the same silly message. See what I mean? Love/hate!!!

I need to take control of my computer and all those files. I was so focused on the distribution lists that I didn't get a chance to do a lot of cleanup on the files. However, look what I saw this morning. 

NOOOOOOO -- not again!

Seriously?? My storage is BACK in the red? How can that be -- I swear I turned off the backup sync with OneDrive. 

Well, no worries -- I attempted to MOVE, but the command got changed to COPY, a bunch of files in the OneDrive backup on my computer to my external hard drive. 

Copying, NOT moving files

Then, I deleted the files that I just copied (very important). But unless I was prepared to turn the computer off, that really didn't free up any space, so I emptied that temporary file, and now look -- I have almost 40 GB of space!!!!!! WOW -- power to me for taking charge of my computer and cleaning up this mess so things will work properly. 

Lots of free space

I'm still working on it -- I have more files from that OneDrive backup to move, and I need to delete many files from my email. Then, I need to figure out why I lost so much disk space so quickly. I suspect the OneDrive is still connected, but it said it wasn't. 

But, I'm on top of it -- I CANNOT let this happen again. This whole mess with distribution lists was insane. I think I now have everything I was working on in good shape. I didn't get a single email yesterday saying they didn't have the correct information. YEAH!!!!! 

I still have to update two lists - and only keep the people who paid to stay in digital cutter and out of the box; then there is one list to recreate TODAY, which is for the Heartfelt quilt, which is happening tomorrow. 

I think I'll print a copy of each list -- just in case. I still have a lot of cleaning up to do in that contact list. MANY email contacts need to be deleted as they are years old. I am double-checking the most current email for many people- it's a horror show, to be sure. But I'm working through it; the most critical stuff is done. Whenever someone sends me an email, I automatically save them to my contact list. 

Now, to get that Outlook book out and make sure there aren't some tricks that can help me. 

Let me share some of the stuff we worked on this week. On my way there and back, I debated what to do about the FOUR week-long retreats I had booked for 2025. Should I keep that many? I seriously debated canceling one of them. But then I thought I could do one as three days of journal-making and four days of quilting. You can come to one or the other or both!!! 

So, if you are interested in a journal-making retreat, send me a note! I'll put you on the list. 

I forgot to take pictures of my journal, but these are some of what the others did and some of the instructor's work. I asked permission but decided to leave their names off. They know who they are. 

The covers are made in numerous ways, and this one is "plain," but they can be decorated with anything. 

A journal cover

But look at all the fun stuff on the inside., Some people write in these "junk" journals; others simply fill them with pretty things. Or photos, or whatever you want. I'm more about the process -- I love playing with everything and am not so good at writing in them. That is partly because my handwriting sucks! SO I need to get over that and pretend these are my china tea mugs. Let the paint fade because I put them in the dishwasher. Enjoy them EVERY DAY, not just the day I  make my junk journal. 

Some inside pages of the junk journal

They are absolutely stunning!!!! This one had a predominant rabbit theme going through it. 

Here's the cover of another of the instructor's books. I think that is modeling clay on it and then tied with a sari silk ribbon. 

Another junk journal cover

And this is a page in that journal. Note the pockets and stitching along the edges. Anything goes! 

Journal pages

This is the center collage page from one of the attendees. Oh my --- it's so artfully done, but this person has a LOT of photo/art/collage background, and it shows. 

Art collage page

This is the center collage of someone else. It's a bit simpler, but still very beautiful and done with paints, decoupage, stickers, and I'm not sure what else. But what fun!!!!

Another art collage page

My center collage piece is very linear. I'll take a picture tomorrow! I struggle with this stuff, and yet I love it, so I'd better start putting in my 10,000 hours!!!!

Here's the cover of someone else's journal from the workshop. So fun to find bits and bobs of stuff and put it together. 

A journal cover by a participant

What can I say -- we had a blast, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. So that's why one retreat will be sacrificed for this in 2025. I'm the retreat organizer and can do whatever I want- well, I ask the group first! Trust me, we discussed this yesterday, and it's a nice break from quilting. 

Although I wanted to stop at a store along the way to get some supplies, there was no time, as I had a meeting at 3 PM. That meeting was for work, and now I have many things to prepare for February 2024. But part of that getting ready is dealing with ALL the presentations from previous years. I need to cull them. I  need to ensure I keep the sample pages, but I do NOT need 10 copies of the same thing. So that should be a joy, and I'll try to do one subject or something every day. But there is a lot of duplication, and let's not forget my laptop has some files and a few copies on USB sticks. That should all be placed on the data drive (into appropriate folders). It's not a job for the faint of heart, but it'll save time - eventually! Yippeee!!!!! I can't wait to start on that mess. 

On that note, I'm out of here. It's a busy day- nothing on the agenda, but prep work for classes on the weekend and starting to work on sorting those files, and I have writing blog posts to do!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

Making journal covers

Well, I'm madly making or prepping samples for my adventures, which start again next week. This time, it's all about the Husqvarna Viking DESIGNED EPIC 3. 

At the convention, we made components of a journal cover as we learned the various new features, but they needed to be assembled. Of course, I had to change the assembly method a wee bit. I have a great way to make a journal cover that doesn't require hand stitching to close it up! Here's a link to my tutorial. 

That tutorial will explain how to make a journal cover for ANY-sized book. I used solid pieces of fabric in the tutorial, but you can go wild and use whatever you want! Old orphan blocks, hand embroidery, machine embroidery, piecing, machine techniques, and so much more!! Hey -- Christmas is coming, and journal covers are a great gift!!

Here's the front of the journal cover -- there are many techniques included in the journal cover, including using the projection for embroidery and stitching, as well as a new technique called - oh gosh -- the technique name escapes me. Oh -- it's called guided pictograms. 

The front of the journal cover

There are some stitches created using the Stitch Creator. 

The inside flap is decorated using Stitch Creator

The floating stitches are used for construction and decoration! 

The journal back assembled with floating stitches

To top it off, I used the Quilt Binder - the original one to bind the inside edges. That is NOT new to the Designer EPIC 3, but it's a tool I should use more. OK -- so the assembly was NOT done on the DESIGNER EPIC 3, as I do NOT have one! 

Using the Quilt Binder to bind the edges of the flap

I will be honest that sometimes I struggle with the Quilt Binder, but yesterday -- everything worked beautifully. Of course, it did -- the other times, it was operator error! 

Look at the front of the binding. 

The front of the binding is beautiful!

And how about the back? Every stitch caught, which has been my biggest issue. 

The back is equally beautiful 

That was done in ONE pass, and I'd be happy to use that on any project. It took seconds to set up the quilt binder and then a minute to add the binding to the two edges. OK -- so I'm going to use it for even more stuff. You know what they say - the more you use it, the better you get at it! 

Oh, and here's one more picture of the inside front flap with a pocket, which you can't see. 

The inside flap

I have stuff laid out for more sample-making today, but I also have homework that has to be prepared for the weekend, and this stuff will take some time to figure out! There'll be none of this jumping up in the morning and prepping it in one hour. This will require peace and quiet!

The little guy dressed up for Halloween and took his job quite seriously by guarding the front window for most of the day. I did have to take him upstairs when the kids started to go around as they were making tons of noise, and he wouldn't stop barking. I confess we haven't handed candy out for a couple of years. These girls get too riled up, and it's not worth the hassle. 

Little Bat Dog - on guard! 

But even Bat Dog needs to eat from time to time. 

Bat Dog taking a break

When I went out for my walk, I managed to cover three errands in one shot. Got a new bird feeder and some suet. Stopped by the local pet shop to get treats for the girls and the boy. Can you tell me why I NEVER stop at that local pet shop? No -- I get in the car and drive to the chain! Well, shoot -- I forgot to check if they sell my brand of dog food - I don't think they do, but I can also stop there for treats. And then to the grocery store to get bananas. 

As I was working yesterday, I realized I have some samples that need sprucing up in their presentation. That got me thinking, so I pulled some photo mat board from a cupboard. Shoot -- it's too big. I wanted to walk to the mall, but it was getting late, so I'll walk there today to see what I can find. 

When I took the garbage out, I almost had a heart attack. DH piles his empty beer cans in old recycling bins in the garage until the bins overflow and then returns the cans. But imagine my horror when I spot one of my GOOD bags filled with empties? ICK!!!!! Of course, I told him I wasn't happy. That bag has a lining, and it will stink of beer. 

WHAT???

He took the cans yesterday, and sure enough, the bag stinks of beer. It's getting fainter, but still. Could he not use a grocery bag? There are times when men - well, they just don't think! I made the mistake of showing him where I stored the reusable bags in the basement. Good lord! He could have picked one of the cheap bags! Or a washable one! 

And this was my computer yesterday. It sometimes gets to a point, and well -- it just doesn't work. Now, this could be helped by more memory, but it's also my work habits, which is that I rarely close windows and will have multiple HUGE presentations open, plus other memory-hungry programs. I'm lucky that it works as well as it does! 

Restarting

The program I have the most issue with, believe it or not, is Outlook for e-mail. That thing needs lots of memory, or so it seems. Sometimes, all I have to do is restart that program, but other times, I need to restart the computer! All is well, and I only have two windows open at this point - one of which is the blog, which I always close when I'm done!

I'm off to spin class this morning. I'm not sure I should be going, so I'll decide when I get there. I may just do my own thing on a bike, but not in the class. Yesterday was the first day I didn't take any cold/flu medication, and I feel a bit stuffy! That Benylin Day/Night really made a difference in the way I felt last week! 

Well, I must get my butt in gear and out the door and then back because there's a lot to accomplish! But I'm happy to say I'm well along the road to recovery. I just do not want to overdo it!!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!