Discover the art of slow stitch fabric journaling with this practical guide to creating a quilt journal from textile artist, Jessie Chorley.
This guide shows you how to stitch your own stories in fabric and thread to create a stitched journal. It is a celebration of collecting special pieces of fabric, threads and other memorabilia and treasure to use in your work. Jessie explains how to combine these precious items with techniques including simple patchwork, hand embroidery and applique, to create a unique, hand-stitched book to treasure forever.
There are step-by-step instructions for how to make the fabric journal measuring 20cm x 20cm (7.8in x 7.8in). Jessie then explains how to create your own seasonal story throughout the book so you can chart your year and mark any memorable occasions or events that you want to include. Perhaps you are making a memory book for a loved one or as a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.
The book is divided into seasons and Jessie has created bespoke designs for each of the pages which are available as iron-on transfers. These designs are intended to form the foundation of your work but Jessie encourages readers to really make the books their own by choosing which additional motifs and collected treasures to add to the pages so that what you make with your hands comes from your heart.
Journal With Thread is suitable for all skill-levels - if you are a beginner you can follow the instructions very closely to make a beautiful book, however, if you an experienced maker, you can use it is as an inspirational guide to creating your own fabric journal, packed with Jessie's beautiful artwork templates.
This guide encourages readers to repurpose fabrics, threads and notions that they already have, breathing new life into preloved items. Jessie encourages readers to dig deep into their collections of fabrics and to look for inspiration in haberdashery they already have, breathing new life into old objects.
The central theme of the project is the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and there are four seasonal hand drawn motifs on iron-on transfer paper that can be used as the basis of the designs. The four seasonal motifs are accompanied by four further motifs which are intended for the inside and outside covers.
Jessie then explains how to fill in and embellish these designs using a variety of her favourite stitches, threads, special notions, treasures and keepsakes. As well as other techniques including scattered applique as a form of drawing and simple patchwork.
In addition to the page templates there are a large selection of smaller motifs for readers to use throughout their books. These include Jessie's signature alphabet and number motifs which can be used to mark people, places and times.
Most importantly, this guide is about having fun with mark making with needle and thread and creating your own unique quilt journal.
