Book-frocks.

I've been working on some pretty fall frocks for my books, and think I've finally settled on these little models. (For those of you interested in the possible fall-swaparoo--each package would include one of these.) I've been going a bit crazy with buttons lately... acorn buttons, apple buttons, wood buttons...you'd think I was a raised some sort of reverse-amish world that forbade buttons. So of course, I had to include them. The covers fit any standard size trade-paper book, and even the extra tall/large ones. For you poetry lovers, the button closure keeps skinny ones from slippin about. Perfect to take with you on the bus, or to your favorite cafe, or to disguise the fact that you're reading, say, Artemis Fowl, instead of Dostoyevsky. And if you're reading Artemis Fowl and Dostoyevsky...well, then, it's no wonder I like you so much.

Just a quick reminder that I'll pulling names from the cloche for the clutch giveaway tomorrow at noon (PST). If you're interested, remember to put your name in before then!

*You can now find a brief frock-tutorial in the comments section too.*

All love,
*Andrea

Comments

[megs]

what a great idea! now i can read my chick-lit unashamedly! i love the fabrics that you chose... did you use a pattern or freestyle it?

[Robert]

Book-frocks have taken dork chic to a whole new level (that's a good thing... I think).

And yes, metaphorically, I am reading Artemis Fowl and Dostoyevsky - or maybe it's more Camus and Harry Potter.

[Andrea (Scout)]

rob, i would expect nothing less of you (and is why you are super boss awesome).

megs, thanks for stopping by! yes, these are totally free-form; i make my patterns from old tissue paper. :)

i didn't have time to include this in the post...so here is a brief frock tutorial for all you bookish-types:

1. gather some favorite fabric remnants (i prefer the sale bins, and these two are denise schmidt, and mameyakko), maybe some cheapo quilters cotton, and heavy canvas for the lining (of course some notions, or a lovely button and elastic cord).

2. you will be tempted to use interfacing or an internal canvas lining, but i wouldn't recommend it. every time i've tried, the covers come out too thick and wonky (and not flexible).

3. measure your book, add your seam allowances and an extra 1/4 inch of wiggle room. (note: the front flap is just the front panel, folded over and top-stitched, but i make a seperate back flap in order to sew in the elastic cord for the closure.)

4. make your main panel, turn, topstitch, and attach the back flap and elastic by topstitching. add the button. and...

viola!
soooo easy-peasy. and practically free.

chick-lit hidden. comic books hidden. and rob...no one has to know you're reading 'swordbird' or 'vampirates,' even though you are. :)

[shari]

hi andrea.
these are so cute. i really want to do the swap. truly i do. i just don't know what i could offer up. hmm. let me think on this. hope you are having a good evening. xox

[Andrea (Scout)]

shari, even if you decide not to do the swap...i made a cover today, with just you in mind. a bit more neutral, inspired by your bark landscapes. how could i resist? :)

[jeanne]

if those are included in the swap and you promise that it doesn't need to be a "super-crafter"swap and you drag out the due date I'll do it. I just get so worried that I'll get something great and I will send out a box of nothing ;-(

[Andrea (Scout)]

not to worry. i've never done a swap before either. and for just those same reasons--always afraid to disappoint. but now, i say, why not have fun with it? fall is lovely, there's so much joy in sending packages to faraway places, and also, the stamps... okay, so really this is just an excuse to buy lots of neat stamps.

:)