Journal With Thread

Discover the art of slow stitch fabric journaling with this practical guide to creating a fabric journal from textile artist Jessie Chorley.

Learn how to stitch your own stories in fabric and thread to create a hand-stitched journal. Jessie encourages readers to collect special pieces of fabric, threads, and other treasures, explaining 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 making the fabric journal measuring 20cm x 20cm (7.8in x 7.8in). Jessie explains how to create your own seasonal story throughout the book, allowing you to chart your year and mark any memorable occasions or events you want to include, making it a wonderful memory book for a loved one or a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

The central theme of the project is the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. There are four seasonal hand-drawn motifs on iron-on transfer paper that can be used as the basis of the designs. These motifs are accompanied by four additional motifs intended for the inside and outside covers.

Jessie then explains how to fill in and embellish these designs using a variety of her favorite stitches, threads, special notions, treasures, and keepsakes, as well as sewing techniques including scattered applique as a form of drawing and simple patchwork.

In addition to the full-page templates, there is 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 dates.

Journal with Thread is suitable for all skill levels. If you are a beginner, you can follow the instructions closely to make a beautiful book. However, if you are an experienced maker, you can use it as an inspirational guide to creating your own fabric.