Take Note

Hi, guys! I'm wrapping up my weekend with Z-Man, snuggled on the couch watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He's nodding off but hanging in there--I fear he's taking mental notes for when he's in high school. I'm not helping because I'm pointing out the success of Ferris' plan is due to the fact that he's very good at covering all the bases. He cracks me up--when Cameron's dad's car goes flying out of the garage in reverse he turns to me and says "Insurance should cover that, so it's not like it's a total loss." Where the hell is he learning about insurance?

Anyway, if he wanted to take real notes I've got just the thing for him (how's that for a segue?). I came home from some errands yesterday and raced upstairs to do a fabric pull. I finally had some inspiration and motivation! Sometimes I get tired of making bags--not totes, but more complicated bags. So many pieces, so many steps. Sometimes I need a break. So I sewed up something fairly quick and easy--a cute little note-taker. I have a few more tweaks to make and then I'm thinking of putting a few of these in the shop.

Isn't that typewriter too cute? And the lovely positive thoughts flowing from the keys? Sweet! I fused the typewriter to some Heat 'n Bond and trimmed the shape. I then fused that to my text print and top-stitched it down. 

The first version I made was a little large without much sturdiness. With this one I shrunk it up a bit and I'm pretty pleased with the size. I inserted some cardboard in between the layers so it's pretty rigid. It closes with an elastic strap and is lined with a delightful-to-work-with linen/cotton blend.

There are a few slight measurement and construction bits I want to fiddle with a bit, but overall I like it! In the larger version a Kindle would fit in the left pocket. BUT I decided to make it smaller and leave that out. I don't know that I'd feel secure putting mine in there (great marketing, Bee!) and my general feeling is that people already have cases for their e-readers and tablets (every time I hear someone talking about getting one someone ALWAYS chimes in "Make sure you get a case for it!"). So I made this smaller so it's a true note-taker. Book club, PTA meetings, shopping lists, party planning, gift lists, whatever--it's a cute little place to take a note, keep coupons, whatever.

I know that in this digital age something like this seems very 'what's the point?' But sometimes I (and I know I'm not alone here) just want to write something. I don't want to figure out something on my phone or fire up my laptop just to do something as simple and quick as writing a note. I feel a little sad that a lot of kids today don't learn handwriting in school (the nephew asked me what the point of cursive is). While technology is marvelous, sometimes I want to unplug and go analog. I don't want to write the next great American novel in cursive or anything, but a to-do list with all my coupons/notes/receipts whatever? Just perfect.

I'm keeping this one for moi as there are a few wee kinks that I want to iron out in the final version, but I already know what I'm doing with it. I'm taking it to work--for my daily notes and jottings and to-dos, and also to store notes that are currently in scrap form on my desk and pinned to the wall that I don't always use but still need.

I had so much fun making this one and pulled out a stack of fabrics that inspired me to make more. Hopefully I can have some up in my shop by next week.

Side note: I'm in LOVE with these text prints that have been coming out. I try to snag them as I see them, even if it's in little bits. They get to be pretty hard to find after a bit. They're the one thing I'll add to my stash without a reason. Everyone needs a fabric guilty pleasure.

Linking up here this week:

Under the Table and Dreaming*** Skip to My Lou *** Pinkapotamus *** Sew Can Do *** Craftomaniac *** Homemaker on a Dime *** C.R.A.F.T. *** Sarahndipities *** Today's Creative Blog***  Funky Polkadot Giraffe ***Chef in Training *** My Girlish Whims *** Sew Much Ado *** Free Pretty Things for You *** Tea Rose Home *** Someday Crafts*** Somewhat Simple *** Fireflies and Jellybeans *** Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom  *** The Shabby Nest *** While He Was Napping *** Tatertots and Jello *** Be Different Act Normal *** To Sew With Love *** Craftionary **