for the love of reading

This past Christmas was the first time I failed to put handmade gifts under the tree for my daughters.  Of course they are always very forgiving of their mother, but I was quite upset with myself.  So I worked hard in the days following to make up for it.

Part of the reason I didn't make anything was because I didn't know what to make.  Sometimes I get so crippled with indecision.  My brain goes 'round and 'round thinking, "I could make this, or I could make this, or I could make this ..."  Ugh.  So frustrating.  But it was a novel - from Santa, ironically enough - that inspired this book cover for my 12 year old. 

I'd never made a fabric book cover before - I was quite proud of myself for thinking to add a built-in ribbon bookmark - and it was refreshing to exercise my often neglected hand applique skills.  I'd like to tell you that the half-dresdan was purely a design choice.  But if I'm being perfectly honest, it was a calculated decision - it only took half the time to make and applique in place.  ;)

She loves it.  It turned out so well, in fact, that I went to work straight away on the second one for her little sister.  I'll show it to you soon ... when she remembers to bring it home from school.

Comments

[Emma]

How cute!! My daughter would die to have something like this for all of her books! Did you come up with the pattern yourself? Love it!! ;)

[Sigi G]

You always have a way with color choices and so simple and pretty. This is just beautiful. My oldest daughter loves everything lavender and this would be a prefect color choice for her.

[kim]

This is simply gorgeous, your beautiful work never ceases to amaze and inspire me!! Thank you.

[Sharon B.]

It is such a pleasure to read your blog and see the beautiful work that you do. I have been a book lover since I was a child and love this cover, so divine!!!

[Tanya Quilts in CO]

I make book covers for all my 5th graders as end of elementary school gifts. They are not nearly as pretty as this but I do personalize them with their initials. Thanks for sharing!

[eva]

Absolutely beautiful! I think you make the prettiest things. It sure beats the plastic see through sleeve book protectors I used when I was at school, or the ever less exciting sticky clear plastic.

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

Pretty, pretty!!! Every single thing about it. I especially love the quilting design. So, ummm....tutorial??? pattern??? ;)

[Lynda]

Love it!! A group from our church meets in our home once a week. Last year we read through the Chronological Bible together using a paperback version of The New Living Translation. Because they were paperback and would be handled a lot, I was concerned about the wear and tear. So, I made fabric covers with ribbon markers for every person in our group. I made lovely prints for the women in their favorite colors, and darker plaids, strips and checks for the men. Each one (12 in all) was different and unique. They were a huge hit and they kept our Bibles in great shape the whole year!!

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Well my goodness,that is just adorable as it can be! What a great idea! May i ask for you to do a pattern and/or a tutorial on this project? Any girl would be tickled to pieces to have one like this!! Iespecially loved the quilt design,cross hatchingwith a twist! It just works doesn't it? I am so inspired!

[Cassie]

Absolutely adore this!!!! Tutorial? :) Pattern :) I'm also a teacher and absolutely LOVE the idea of Tanya Quilts in CO to make covers for each student! Wow, what a wonderful gift idea!

[lori hunstad]

Simply enchanting. Wherever did you get the adorable 'labels' you've used in your recent work! I'm enarmoured of them!

xxx, Lori

[Iris]

Again, beyond any imagination a layman can put into reality!!! yet, we are talking about you -:)
BRAVO!!!!
huge hug and much love,

Iris

Lori, I read your question. Just go to Aliexpress, etsy or just "Google" and write : "printed cotton labels" - you will not believe the endless choices they have. Good luck!!!!

[Maria]

That has got to be the most beautiful book cover I have ever seen. I'm crazy about Dresden's and I love your fabric choices. You always use such pretty fabrics.

[Ronda]

Beautiful work. I know your daughter must love it! I love reading your blog! you inspire me and get my brain moving in the right direction

[Jennifer B]

..love it! Please make me one. :)

[Joan]

This book cover is gorgeous! You are so talented. I always look forward to your posts. Thanks for sharing.

[Jill]

So beautiful! I have a sequence question. Do you do the quilting first or the appliqué? If you quilt first then is there some batting under the appliqué so the quilting lines don't show through? I love the little label in the corner and how clever of you to add a ribbon bookmark. I, like everyone else, would love to see a tutorial. A beautiful start to my Monday! Thank you.

[Debbie R]

What a terrific with-love-from-mum present. It's beautiful. The lavender is so lovely. And of course it will make reading even more fun.

[Heather (mtl)]

Just this w/e I was looking up fabric book cover patterns, cos I got that itch to, you know, make one. And today you feed that hunger even more with this gem! Beautiful - I adore the dresden!
I just finished a green apple/cream star quilt using 3 new-to-me techniques. My coconut is frazzled but I am so proud of the outcome! Please add my name to the tutorial/pattern wish list.

[ina]

it's beautiful!!! what a special gift! ;p

[lori hunstad]

Thanks so much, Iris! I'll definitely check out the labels!

Happy crafting!

xx Lori

[Wendy]

What a great project!

[Michelle]

This is gorgeous! My 13yo daughter is a voracious reader and would love one of these. She has started buying beautiful hardback copies of her favourite books; this would be great protection for them as she reads. Adding my requests to all the others for a tutorial.

[Vãnia]

Beautiful, I love it. There is not a thing you do that I don't admire. You are trully a artist, so creative, so good with colors, so perfect.

Congratulations!!

[greg @ greydogwoodstudio]

Love the Dresden! Love the stripey spine! Love the lavender ribbon! But you knew that already :-)

[Bari Jo]

This is so sweet! Love it!

[Jennifer]

Dang Girl! Your craft always stops me in my tracks!!!

[Leantine]

How cute and so beautifull. I really love your blog. Can you create a tutorial of this project. I'd really want to make these too

[Jennifer]

It is SO beautiful !!! Where did you find that beautiful little roses fabric ? Thank you ! Best regards, Jennifer