Guerilla Sewing or "Now I'm making a 'Remains of the Day' journal"

I don't sew. I wouldn't say I FLUNKED home economics sewing in 8th grade, but let's just say it wasn't a pleasant experience. I do remember spending a lot of quality time with my seam ripper...

But I've been thinking a lot about sewing these last couple of years. As in: I wish I could make "this"--"this" usually being a cool throw pillow, easy curtains, or a costume for my theatrically-minded daughter.

I even bought a simple sewing machine last year while we were in England. But soon after it was delivered, we moved to Holland and I hadn't really had a chance to use the thing.

Enter Mary Ann Moss' online class: The Remains of the Day. I spent a couple of days watching through all of the videos and made this cover in about five hours. I LOVE it! The fabric pieces are from old dresses and shirts Roxi and I had around but never wore anymore.

Journal cover.

Outside cover.

Inside cover.

Silk tie.

I have collected all of the paper for the inside pages. I think this will take a while to assemble...

Meanwhile, I signed up for Misty Mawn's Painting Layers course. I've watched all the videos and read all her posts. Now I just need to try some of her excellent techniques!

As you can see I'm really loading up on my classes. It's winter, there's snow, it's cold, what else is there to do? LOL! Actually, I know my Spring will be filled with holidays, sightseeing, and family visits. Then we'll be moving back to England this summer... so the next opportunity I'll have for these involved projects will be next fall. I'm making hay...