book

First make a pattern, to do this measure the height and around your book plus an amount for inside flaps. Add a seam allowance of 1cm (3/8th") all round plus an extra 0.5cm (3/16th") to the top and bottom of your pattern.

Cut out two pieces from the pattern.

Place the 2 pieces right sides together, and pin them.

Using a straight stitch, sew them together along the edges (seam allowance of 1cm (3/8th"). Leave a 5cm (2") gap, along one of the short edges, and use it to turn the cover right side out.

In my Ladybird book of Learning to Sew I found the perfect accompaniment for the 'Sewing kit in a Jar' post, a needle case. Looking through the book you would think there were only three fabrics in the world and they are - felt, gingham or Binca! Of all the ladybird books, and there were many, this was my favourite, I loved the illustrations. If you're lucky, another time, I might show you the felt comb case and the Binca dressing-table set.

One of my favourite magazines I subscribe to is Selvedge. A beautifully produced magazine for serious designer/makers. It's more than a magazine, It's a soft backed book I keep going back to for reference and inspiration. "Open a copy of Selvedge and you sense there is a philosophy that Selvedge readers subscribe to. A belief system based on a cerebral and sensual addiction to textiles in all forms.