Monday, April 27, 2009

Back to School

I'm starting a new class tomorrow night, and I think the teacher may be pretty tough. It's an embroidery class, and look at this list of stuff we have to bring!


Well, I got the list out today and started looking it over and gathering up what I had. And near the top of that list is a 3-ring binder--and writing paper, dividers, and clear plastic pockets--just like "real" school! And, just like "real" students, I wanted to go back to school with cool new stuff that would make me the envy of every other student. So I decided to make myself a binder cover. And I figured I'd show you how, just in case you ever find yourself wanting to be the coolest kid in class.

The first step is to layer a backing fabric and batting, just like you would a quilt. The backing and batting should measure 13" wide x 40" long. In addition, you'll need a bunch of fabric strips 14" long by 2-1/2" wide or less. Because I'm basically willing to take the easiest route, I pulled out a bunch of precut 2-1/2" strips in the colors I needed. You'll also need an orphan quilt block that measures 13" in height--or you could just do it all in strips, but I like the block idea.

Anyway, as I said, layer the backing and batting fabric. Position your orphan block about 8" from the left edge. Pin the block and layers in place.


If you want to keep your strips going straight, draw pencil lines on the batting every 3" or 4" as a reference. (I drew my lines but then I decided to sew my strips on a little wonky so I mostly ignored them.)


Start sewing strips on each side of your orphan block. Do this by placing the strip right side down on the edge of the block and sew a seam. With your iron, press back the strip. Sew the next strip. Press. And so on, and so on . . . until you cover the batting and backing with strips.


Next, go back and add some quilting in your orphan block to secure the layers. Trim the tops and bottoms of the strips so the edges are even all along the cover. It should look something like this:


At this point, you'll need to get your binder out and fit the cover. Lay the cover on a desk or table, "good" side down. Open the binder and lay it on the cover. Position the left edge of the binder on the left edge of the cover and check the position of your orphan block--it should be centered on the back of the binder cover. Bring the right side of the cover up around to the front of the binder. I'm not sure how to explain this except to say that eventually, the front of your binder will look something like this--see how it comes up and wraps over the top?


Once you're satisfied with the position of the cover around the binder, trim the excess length from the cover. Don't toss out the excess--you'll use it next. From that excess, cut a length about 4" wide. It will be sewn on to the left edge of the binder cover as a pocket to slide the binder into.


You'll need to "finish" the right edge of that piece--I used a leftover fabric strip, turned the rough edges into the center, folded it down the center, pinned it in place, and sewed it by machine. Here's a closer view:


Now, you'll also need a "slide" to hold the right side of the binder in place. Same thing--use a leftover piece of the cover that you trimmed off. "Finish" or bind both edges of this piece. (I hadn't made my cover long enough to have a second leftover piece, so I just wrapped some fabric around a piece of batting, turned under the raw edge, and sewed through the layers to secure.)


Now, about that curved edge that wraps to the front of the binder. I just used a large dinner plate and traced the curve. The diameter was a little smaller than the cover, but I just extended the curved lines to meet the top and bottom edges. Once I was happy with the curve, I trimmed away the excess.


Now that you have all the pieces made, you can pin or baste the pocket and slide pieces in place. If you want to use a button as a closure on the front (see photo of binder front back up there a bit), then you'll also need to pin a loop of ribbon, rick rack, or whatever you'd like to use at the center of that curved edge in the photo above. Pin the ends at the edge of the cover with the loop or tying ends oriented away from the edge.

Okay, the last step is the binding. I recommend using bias binding for this project because it will lay nicer and sew easier around the curved edge. Add the binding as you would a quilt, covering the "raw" outside edges of the binder cover. Sewing on the binding will also secure the pocket, slide, and loop. Finally, try the cover on the binder and decide where to place your button. Done!

And since you've already seen the front of my binder cover, here's the back.


What do you think? Am I going to be the coolest kid in class tomorrow night, or what?!

15 comments:

Nancy said...

Welcome to the wonderful world of embroidery!! It's my first love..

Don't bother with the black pigma pen. It's too dark and can show through your thread.

Love the notebook cover. I will be interested to see if any other "cool kids" show up to class and how the first class goes. Please give details!! LOL

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Yup, definitely the coolest!

MichelleB said...

What a great cover! I love it. That is some heavy duty list. I guess I need to take a class, since I've obviously not been doing embroidery right!

sweetbabies00 said...

Great job. I love this binder. I am going to try and put this together. Have a great time at class. Everyone is going to love your binder!

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

That's awesome! If I carried a binder, I would make one. Maybe I'll make one "just because".

Sinta Renee said...

Kim, you are beyond cool! I want to sit next to you in class:)

Sheri said...

Just found your bog. Enjoyed it very much.
Sheri

Chocolate Cat said...

No question about it you will definately be the 'coolest' kid in the class!!! My problem would be as much as I meant to I'd look at the list and start gathering maybe an hour before I was due to be there and with a list that long it could be a disaster!! Have fun.

Anonymous said...

Have fun in your class. You will be the envy of all the students. Your directions are good.

Chris in Sac.

Kim said...

This is going to be perfect for holding instructions and other parts you pick up in class and also just happens to be too cute! I like the flap that will help hold all the good stuff in. Enjoy your class - continuing education - the saying is that we should be learning from birth to dirt. Not that you are anywhere close to the dirt stage, lol.

Texan said...

Lovely... binder covers are on my list of want to get sewn!!! Great tutorial and I love the chicken!

Julia from Thimbleberries said...

Kim,

Heard you were very "cool" in class. I know a couple of your fellow students. I debated about taking the class, but I was in so many groups that I was only doing the barest minimum in each and not giving my all to any one thing. I haven't even barely began my Jo's Little Women quilt and I was really excited about it! I am so resisiting the scrappy block of the month at Bearpaws.... So, I am giving up somethings as they come to a close so that I can enjoy getting things done!! I am envious though.....

Have fun with your projects.
--Julia

Dawn said...

Oh yeah!! You will be the coolest kid in class!!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

You were the coolest kid in class with your binder. You could also be the teachers pet by making her one....

Busy Little Quilter said...

Yes, you will be the coolest kid in class. Thanks for the tutorial!