I’ve made another Notebook-Pencil-Holder.. I’ve altered the pattern a bit - I wanted to fit 12 pencils (rather than 10) and I wanted it to be a bit shorter. Instead of making the main pieces 40 by 28cm, I made them 46 by 25cm.

I used a medium weight interfacing this time and it worked much better. I think I will alter this pattern again to just make a simple pencil roll holder.

I’ve been sewing the rows together …

I found a tutorial and pattern for a Notebook-Pencil-Holder at One Red Robin and thought I would attempt one to see if it would work as a christmas present for my girls.

The tutorial is excellent - heaps of photos and easy to follow instructions.

I used an ‘iron on’ batting instead of interfacing because that is what I had on hand. It does make it a bit puffy and a bit tricky to sew around the edges. I will use interfacing next time. The fabric is from Amy Butler’s Charm range (I’m not sure if this fabric is available anymore).

The edges look very wobbly in the photo - it doesn’t look as bad in real life.

I found using a walking foot when sewing the pockets made things work a bit better - eliminated all of the puckers. I also used a top stitch needle.

I could only fit nine pencils in mine rather than ten, so I shall alter the measurements to make it wider. Plus I think it’s a bit tall for my book/pencils, so I shall make it a bit smaller and I shall place the ribbon ties in the middle.

So here are my measurements for next time:

Cover and Lining: 42cm by 25cm
Pocket: 42cm by 18cm.

I was surprised at how easy it was to make one of these. Definitely worth a go if you’re considering it.

I’ve started sewing the squares together for my Mod 9 quilt.

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I’m not sure if I’m sewing it together in the most efficient manner, but this way I can keep on top of which square belongs where.

I tried to knit these socks, but decided that as a lace pattern is completely lost on self patterning yarn, it wasn’t worth all of the effort (and stress). I then thought I would knit a plain sock using the same yarn, but could not get things to go right - I started about six times.

I decided I needed a break from that yarn, I wanted to use bigger needles, so I’m using this yarn …

Here is the progress so far …

I’m using 4 mm needles and I cast on 40 stitches. I’m planning on using a diagonal rib pattern.

I’ve cut all of the squares for this quilt.

Another T-Shirt - design from here - on my machine it takes 49 minutes of sewing time (more real time because of all of the colour changes).

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