It
is coming up to that time of the year when many of us will be out-and-about,
travelling hither and thither, locally and globally. So Across this Pond this month is all about those must-have on-the-go items that no traveller can do without.
For me no journey is complete without a book to read or a journal to write in so I am recommending a book carryall as my Across the Pond SAL make for this month’s out-and-about theme.
I
used the bible-cover-tutorial by Amy's over at Park City Girl as the basis for my carryall with a
few Patchsmith tweaks.
First up I added a little touch of scrapilicious patchwork and hand stitching.
Then I changed the handles as I wanted them to be a
bit wider and have a contrast trim to match the lining (check out this tutorial by Delia Creates for a book carryall with similar handles).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-3nfkKM6e7MSJo9miuisbQ6xwLvRTfs-t22LN_mgGeBWKIV7UJ7rIu0bh1Gj-9DhIE1l9bP1bPdlkOZeTNVjF-KX8OdHoDcqFwlDX_jDKXvJCCm-4YbO1Tfoa4gxmFZnPNRsYQ32ucoK/s200/Book+Carryall+Handles.jpg) |
Patchsmith Handles (1.5" wide with fusible batting incorporated) |
I also added an elastic loop and
button closure rather than a tie closure for ease-of-use. And finally, I included a ribbon bookmark from
my Country Heart free bookmark pattern.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP8QQfdoV5smwgeWNs0hwvK2TmPkiAZCxvI4dNGLJRBJK1XvOivNjndMgrwJnHtaTUHTZWPZLdkVyf5nWFdLDwMVRNhx5n9B0OHfMA1s6cyZY3JBvhzo54sEW9kLwBHaVXJdSb1KyFjKD/s320/Double+sided+bookmark.jpg) |
It doesn't matter which way you flip it - this bookmark is reversible. |
I quilted the cover which made it a very snug fit for my Emily Dickinson book of poems.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhLw87lwlgPIyVljn3OKMcihlOKmmJt0SQcsGB9bWUlV1Jwd9fkY4_7lWIVMeX67haUF-qICXLU_PEfjhPpINuxB6sKQtu_pDh0v92eKKHuwPMMydkZKub0H9epIkmcQDaflyWV4LgFIx/s320/Book+carryall+open.jpg) |
Every journey starts with a good book. |
But I liked the finished carryall so much that I decided a journal carryall was in order - one which would hold a standard A5 journal. More patchwork and a little touch of Patchsmith applique and this is the result .......
I followed the same steps as before but this time I added – a pocket on the inside back flap to hold a couple of pens.
But
can you spot the obvious mistake? Yes, the handles are round the wrong way –
thankfully the contrast trim co-ordinates with the butterfly so
I am henceforth calling it a ‘design feature’ ;-)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5MTWA45LNekGbRp-s-_x-V8Tizxp6mDx0rJr8seOojU8ku2o8rsXbriXJOXYknJjtQMj08ar12sPiQfSCauAsKXiLE6wuZAqCRXjvtadXuZW0Kj9FBN3_BBDxPwYZz_fkBNpxN0YV3yI/s200/Lea+Open.jpg) |
Have journal - will travel. |
But
if reading/journalling isn’t your thing you should pop over to Susie’s Sunroom
for some more travel essentials (that girl is one seriously talented
pouch/purse maker).
Sew
until next time .......