Journal with Thread - Jessie Chorley

This guide explains how to stitch your own stories in fabric and thread to create a stitched journal. Jessie Chorley explains how to combine treasured items of fabric, threads and notions with techniques including simple patchwork, hand embroidery and appliqué, 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. Jessie 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, 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, 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 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.