In this class we are going to be making freeform fabric cover journals out of recycled fabrics from cast off garments. This is a great way to give new life to something old that no one wants anymore. Our journals will be whimsical and they will have a wonderful soft cover that you will love to carry with you wherever go. They will have stitched in signatures of heavy watercolor paper suitable for painting, drawing and writing.
We will work through the process of planning your journal, choosing your materials, layering of fabrics, stitching techniques (both machine & hand), coffee staining, embellishment, tearing and folding your journal pages, stitching your signatures into the cover and any final finishing.
Except for the paper inside, this project is about recycling old garments that are damaged or no longer fit and pulling together supplies that you have had in your homes for far too long and finally using them to make something wonderful! (But if you do not have some of the items on the list a quick trip to your local 2nd hand store can finish off your supply list.)
Supply List:
- Scrap fabric (small pieces are fine) or discarded garments to cut up (100% cotton is best).
- Old buttons to use for embellishment.
- Trim scraps (ribbon, lace, etc.)
- Fabriano Artistico Hot Press 140lb/300gsm watercolor paper, 22 x 30 (2-3 sheets if you want to make a small 4 x 6 journal If you want to make a larger journal bring more paper.)
- Other decorative papers you may want to incorporate into your journal.
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric marking pen
- Awl
- Bone folder
- Waxed poly bookbinding thread - purchase it here - any color.
- Hand sewing needles (variety pack) you will also need a tapestry needle.
- A selection of embroidery floss in your favorite colors and/ or Pearl cotton thread.
- Regular cotton sewing thread in any colors (I like to use a dark color for the main sewing so it shows up and then other colors for accents).
- A plastic container for coffee staining
- Sewing machine (this is optional, but helpful. If you cant bring yours or dont have one I will have a couple available to set up for sewing stations.)
- A power strip (if you bring a sewing machine this would be handy for sharing limited outlets.)
***Tips for choosing fabrics/old garments to bring: It is best to choose 100% cotton fabrics. Woven printed fabrics work great for layering. Heavier, textured fabrics are great to use as well, like velveteen, corduroy or denim. I usually use all woven fabrics as knit fabrics are not suitable unless only used for trimming. Have fun gathering your materials and feel free to bring items to trade or share with your classmates.
