3 - Ring Binder Cover

This is the latest in my collection of 3 - Ring Binder Covers. This is a fabric cover that goes over a standard 1" three ring binder. It is made of red bandana fabric with a denim sash and pocket cut from recycled Levi's.

Materials:
3/4 yd of fabric
23" x 3" strip of denim fabric
1 denim jean pocket
1/2 yd heaveyweight Pellon fusible interfacing


I used the same fabric for the outside and the lining. I cut two rectangles 23" x 13", and one rectangle of heavyweight fusible interfacing. For the inside pockets I cut two pieces of the same fabric 10" x 13" and two 8" x 10" for the pockets.

Denim strip 23" x 3". I sewed this strip on with a decorative stitch using a contrasting thread 1/2" from the edge, then clipped the edges to help the denim fringe better. I then sewed the pocket on using my zipper foot to get close to the edge clipped the edges and washed the fabric to get the denim to fringe.

I trimmed the fusible interfaction 1/2" all the way around and then ironed it to the lining.

The top edge of both of the inside slip pockets is turned under and stitched. I added a red twill tape trim for stability.
Inside front cover:
Turn the right edge of the slip pocket and the notebook cover under 1/4" stitch together.

This binder cover fits a 1" three ring binder. It has two slip pockets on the inside of the cover and one denim pocket on the outside.

Catherine
Bel Aire Village Unique Handmade Accessories



Living With Your Mistakes

I broke my third seam ripper today. There are some days when you end up with two left sides and some days when a sewing a straight line is beyond the realm of possibilities.  I know, I know I'm exaggerating.

If you can learn something from a mistake then it becomes a valuable experience. Three things I have learned today.

1.  Design your patter first, even if you think you can make it without one, make one anyway.
2.  Left and right sides are not interchangeable, double check before you sew.
3.  I don't like seam tape.

The bottom line is if you persevere something good will result. I ended up with three of the cutest notebook covers. The end results are some pretty fabric covers for 3/4" binders.

Catherine at Bel Aire Village 



Sewing is Good for your Heart

Sewing is Good for Your Heart

I have to sew. I make a little bit of everything but one of my new favorites is my handmade quilted handbags. I always knew sewing was good for me; but recently I read an article that actually explained it.

There was a research study done on the subject by a New York University psychologist. He took 30 women and measured their blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration rate, and skin temperature after they had participated in five different activities requiring similar eye-hand movements:  sewing, card games, video games, painting, and reading. Sewing proved to be the most relaxing. The results showed improved readings in heart rate, blood pressure and perspiration.

A Harvard University doctor says that repetitive and rhythmic activities such as those in sewing evoke what he calls the relaxation response – a calming reaction proven to enhance health.

I won’t give up my heart healthy exercise and diet plan but I will definitely include time in my schedule for relaxing in my sewing room, especially after a stressful day in the classroom.

You can view my new handmade quilted handbags at this link:

http://www.belairevillage.etsy.com/

What is Bel Aire Village?

I am starting this blog to talk about my sewing creations. I have been reading all the amazing blogs the sewers out there are writing and am very impressed with the quality. 


My background in sewing - I have been sewing all my life. I started sewing when I was very young. My grandmother taught me to sew. She was a meticulous seamstress. She did alterations for a living and insisted that every seam be perfect, no stitches could show, and she measured more times than I could count. When I think back to the old machine she did her work on, I am even more amazed at her skill and talent. I hope she would be proud of what I am doing.


I opened up my first Etsy shop this summer. It is called Bel Aire Village because this is the place where I sew.  I wanted to share some of the things I create in my sewing room. I love quilting and have made several over the years. I started making handbags a couple of years ago and after being encouraged by family and friends to sell them I have added those to my shop. Please visit my shop and leave me a comment.


Thanks
Catherine


http://www.belairevillage.etsy.com/