Deer Diary

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• 

  Step 1

  Measuring and cutting the felt
  The basic cover consists of 3 rectangle pieces of felt to
  create the outer cover and the 2 inner flaps that your
  notebook slips into. First, take some measurements to
  determine the size of the rectangles you need.
  Once you have chosen the notebook you want to cover,
  use your tape measure to measure around the entire width
  of your notebook (from the back to the front, including the
  spine, if any). Add 1cm (3/8 in) to this measurement – this
  will be the whole width of your cover.

• 

  Step 2

  Now measure the height of your notebook, top to bottom.
  Add 5mm (¼in) to this measurement – this will be the
  height of your cover.
  You now have the rectangular dimensions (width x height)
  for the outer cover of your journal that you will cut out
  from the sheet of felt.
  For the inner flaps, subtract 8cm (3in) from the width of
  the outer cover dimensions and cut out a corresponding
  rectangle from the second sheet of felt. Cut this piece in
  half along its height. You now have your two inner flaps
  that will be sewn on the inside of the outer cover.
  Using a template, trace or copy the
  Deer scene. You can re-size them if you like using a
  photocopier. Cut out the templates and either pin the
  paper directly to the felt scraps, or trace onto the felt
  with a fabric marker.

• Step 3

  When cutting out the felt pieces to be appliquéd onto your
  cover, I find that using small, sharp embroidery scissors with
  a fine point at the ends is most beneficial. Cut slowly and
  carefully around your templates to achieve the best results.
  Once you have all of your pieces cut out, it is time to
  arrange them on your cover.

• 

  Step 4

  Appliqué the cover
  To find the best placement of your appliqué pieces, take
  your large rectangle cover piece and wrap it loosely
  around your notebook, situating the overhang evenly. Now
  arrange that sweet little deer and your scene pieces on
  the cover until you feel they are just right.

• Step 5

  You can pin them or use a tiny dab of glue stick to keep
  them in place, wait a few minutes for the glue to dry
  before you move on to the stitching. It’s now time to
  appliqué our little buddy to the cover. Using a straight
  stitch close to the edge of your appliqué piece, begin
  stitching around your shape, back-stitching at the
  beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread.
  Stitch slowly. With your needle in the down position, lift
  your presser foot to pivot the cover when you come to
  a corner or sharp turn in the appliqué piece, and lower
  the presser foot before continuing to stitch. Repeat this
  process for all your appliqué pieces.

• Step 6

  Once you have finished the appliqué on the cover, you
  can add a label or further embellishment to the inner flap
  pieces, if you wish.

• 

  Step 7

  Sew the cover together
  Gather up your 3 finished cover pieces. Place each of
  the inner-flap pieces on opposite ends of the large cover
  rectangle, wrong sides together and matching raw edges.
  Pin in place.

• Step 8

  Firstly, stitch the cover and flaps together all along the
  top long edge of your cover using a 3mm (1/8 in) seam
  allowance and back-stitching neatly at the beginning and
  end of your line of stitches. Repeat this process for the
  long bottom edge.

• 

  Step 9

  Now stitch the remaining two side seams with a scant
  5mm (¼in) seam allowance, again back-stitching at the
  start and end of your seam.

• 

  Step 10

  Cover the notebook
  To get your notebook all snuggled inside its brand new
  cover, you will need to open up your notebook and fold
  back the existing cover on itself. Fold your new felt cover
  in the same fashion. Gently slide the notebook cover into
  the inner flaps as shown.

• Step 11

  If the cover is a little snug, don’t fret, as felt will stretch a
  little after a short time and ease into the perfect fit.
  There you have it, all ready to fill with your thoughts and
  dreams. Happy writing!

  TIP
  For a nice clean finish at the edges of your notebook
  cover, use a clear ruler and a rotary cutter to trim a
  straight line from your seam allowance around the outside
  edges of your notebook, making sure you don’t cut into
  your stitched seams.

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