Across the Pond for a Book Carry Cover

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. 

Amy's Creative Side - Bible Cover

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). 

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.

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.  

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 .......

The butterfly applique is from my Butterfly Patch mug rug pattern – doesn’t it look pretty sat atop those 1½” scrappy patchwork squares?  

Flown over from my Butterfly Patch mug rug pattern

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’ ;-)

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).

And don’t forget to stop by the Across the Pond SAL Flickr group share your must-have travel accessories with us.

Sew until next time .......