sewing, a new CAL and a new skill

the last few days have been very busy doing all kinds of different crafting, so i expect this to be a long post! first of all i got back into dressmaking after a long hiatus. i made a very simple knit dress from a Knipmode magazine using some polyester print jersey out of my stash. i wore it straight away the next day and it was comfortable and flattering.

jersey dress

print closeup

the next project was to start on a new crochetalong hosted by Spotlight on their Facebook page. i didn't know about this CAL until i saw it on Bec's blog. she has a link on her site plus lots of other lovely things to look at, so hop over and have a look. thanks Bec, now i need to make a quiet book as well!

block 1

block 2

finally, a papercraft project that i've been working on for a while got finished yesterday when i sewed the pages into the binding.

handmade notebook

i recycled the card from an old book for the cover and dug into my fabric scraps for the rest. my trusty typewriter was used to make the sentimental message on the front.

notebook open

i used coloured and plain cardstock for the pages, mixed with recycled book pages for interest. a sheet was just right for the inside lining and then it was time to sew the binding. the instructions were from my new favourite book Mixed Mania.

closeup of binding

i used a waxed cotton cord for the binding in a simple pamphlet stitch, knotting the ends on the outside for a decorative finish. i might still add some charms or beads to the ends later.
phew! i think i'll knit on the couch for a while now...