by Sherri Sylvester | Apr 5, 2016
Today is a momentous day, the Quiet Book Sew-Along is finished! I am so glad that to share this book and I am excited to know that there are so many of you that want to make one too! I will always treasure the Quiet Books I have made for my kids – and hope they treasure them later on as well. (I should find the one I made my oldest and post it. I made it when I was a “sewing newbie” and cringe looking at it now – let’s just say my tastes have changed a bit! *edit* The very first Quiet Book is now posted!)
Welcome! Find everything you need to sew this Quiet Book here. All post listings, links, buttons and more. All of this information was posted in a Sew-Along tab at the top of the blog. I’ve decided to move everything here to keep things simpler. You can also find a link to all of this information on the right sidebar.
(pages pictured above are from the original Quiet Book)
This 12 page Quiet Book Sew-Along is finished! These pattern pieces and tutorials will be always be available, so feel free to join in whenever you can.
Please share your quiet books!
- Join up on Flickr. Join our Sew-Along Flickr group and post your photos, comment and see what other members are sewing as we go. (I did a little tutorial on joining Flickr and posting photos to help you out!) *Note – this page has not been updated recently
- Post photos on Facebook!
- Post photos on Twitter or Instagram! Hashtag your Sew-Along posts with #quietbooksewalong and/or #alongforthreadride
- Blog about it! Blog your progress, it provides a place for you to let us know more about your process!
QUIET BOOK TUTORIAL POSTS
Click on the photos or text below to access each post.
*edited* The First Original Quiet Book is now posted as well! I finally photographed my oldest’s book with new page ideas not in this tutorial set.
The Original Quiet Book:
Overviews:
Page Construction Tutorials:
Want more tutorials and posts like these? Follow below and come #alongforthreadride. Thank you!
by Sherri Sylvester | Apr 5, 2016
We are here, this is it, you are ALMOST finished! Making the cover is the easy part in comparison to your amazing quiet book pages. Here we go!
(If you are just starting find all the information you need on this Sew-Along page.)
Before we begin/Important Notes:
- Remember to use your iron liberally when you are sewing this book. It is going to be a work of art when you are done! Since it is thick and some of the pages will not be iron-able once you are finished with them it is advisable to take all of the care you can to remove wrinkles so they are not accidentally permanent in your final book.
Materials:
- Cover: Cut 2, 11″ high x 21″ wide, from the Yardage Overview
- Fusible Fleece: Cut 1, 11″ x 21″ for the outer cover
- Inside Cover Ribbon (to hold binder/key rings): Cut 1, 11″ high, I used 1″ grosgrain
- Outer Wrap-Around ribbon: Cut 1, 27″ (roughly, see below) and 1 piece 9″ long
- Strap Tab (Fabric): Cut 2, 3″ wide by 1.5″ high (1/4″ seam)
- Velcro: Cut 1 each hook & loop, 1.5″ long
- 2 binder rings or key rings
Outer Cover:
-
- Press fusible fleece to the outer cover as per the manufacturer’s directions. Quilt if desired. Note that the wrap-around ribbon will be sewn horizontally in the center of the cover.
- Place the shorter length of wrap-around ribbon directly over the longer piece matching the ends and edges. Baste, fuse or use a glue-stick to temporarily hold them in place. Top-stitch the long edges to hold the two pieces together.
- Pin the wrap-around ribbon horizontally across the outer cover parallel tot he long edge. The double-layer from Step 2 will be on the left, with the shorter edge underneath. The shorter ribbon should overlap the cover by at least 1 1/2″.
- Mark 1″ over from the left side of the outer cover edge, beside the double ribbon layer. Stitch a large rectangle around the edges of the ribbon to secure it to the cover, pivoting at the 1″ mark.
- Stitch the soft side of your Velcro 2 1/2″ over from the right edge of the outer cover.
- Attach embroidery or label at least 1″ away from all edges, if desired. The right side of the cover is the front, the left side is the back.
Inside Cover:
- Pin the inside cover ribbon down the centre of the cover, marking openings for the rings that match up with your page ring tabs. I marked 3 1/2″, 4 1/2″, 6 1/2″ & 7 1/2″, measured from the bottom edge of the inside cover.
- Stitch around the ribbon edges, leaving the spaces between the markings un-sewn.
Assemble Cover:
- Place the outer and inside covers right sides together. Stitch around the edges with a 3/8″ seam leaving a 3″ opening along one edge. Make sure NOT to sew over the free end of the wrap-around ribbon, it should be in between the layers of fabric.
- Clip all corners, turn, press and top-stitch all edges. Again, do not sew over the free end of the wrap-around ribbon.
- With the inside cover facing up, top-stitch through all layers 1/4″ from either side of the inside cover ribbon to hold the cover together.
Add the Velcro Tab:
- Place your finished Quiet Book pages inside the cover to measure the thickness of the book. (Do not insert them into the key rings yet!) Test the length of the wrap-around ribbon and shorten it if necessary. The ribbon should wrap around the book with all pages inserted and cover the front Velcro.
- Fold the right short edge of the top tab fabric in 1/2″. Fold the left short edge of the bottom tab fabric in 1/2″ – this side will face the cover and have the Velcro attached.
- Stitch Velcro to the bottom tab, 1/4″ from the folded edge.
- Place tab pieces right sides together with the folded edges matching. Stitch with a 1/4″ seam, leaving the folded edges open. Clip, turn and press.
- Insert the free end of the wrap-around ribbon into the open end of the tab. Top-stitch the tab, catching the ribbon and stitching the folded edge closed.
Finishing Touches:
- Insert the binder or key rings into the book.
- Attach the pages in the order you have determined. (Take photos to share with everyone!)
- Gift wrap and give your work of art to a small-someone you love.
- Feel so proud to have accomplished this amazing book! Wow!
** As usual: This tutorial is for personal or charitable use only. Please do not sell items made with the Quiet Book Sew Along posts. If you wish to sell these please contact sherri@threadridinghood.com for information on how to purchase a license. Thank you!
by Sherri Sylvester | Apr 4, 2016
This week I’m making good on a promise I started a long time ago, I’m posting the last few tutorials for the Quiet Book Sew-Along! They have been in the works for so long. I have been delinquent in finishing the Sew-Along, and I apologize for that. I have learned a lot about what I can and cannot accomplish in a reasonable timeline in the last few years – and this was definitely something where I bit off more than I could chew.
Thankfully, the instructions for the pages are finished! So all we need to do is bind them and make the cover. After these two instructional posts, I’ll post a final overview of the whole Sew-Along. During today’s tutorial we will finish each page set for the book. Add the ribbon loops that will secure the pages to the book, stitch on the fun ribbon tabs and finish the top and bottom with bias tape.
(If you are just starting find all the information you need on this Sew-Along page.)
Before we begin/Important Notes:
- Remember to use your iron liberally when you are sewing this book. It is going to be a work of art when you are done! Since it is thick and some of the pages will not be iron-able once you are finished with them it is advisable to take all of the care you can to remove wrinkles so they are not accidentally permanent in your final book.
Materials: (Note – the word “Ribbon” is used throughout the final assembly. I have used Grosgrain ribbon or Twill tape. Be sure to finish all ribbon ends to prevent fraying by using Fray Check or melt them carefully with a flame.)
- Double Fold Bias Tape: 3 1/2 Yds, from the Yardage Overview
- Ribbon Loops: Cut 1, 3″ long 1/4″ or 3/8″ grosgrain ribbon per page (if you are making all of the pages you will need 12, 33″ in total)
Assembling the Pages:
- Stack and match your quiet book pages based on how they will fit together best. For example: Placing two very fluffy pages together might cause an overly-high bump in your book. This is the order I used, the first page mentioned is the top page, the page after the slash (/) is the bottom page – these are arranged wrong sides together. It is also good to pay attention to which side of the page will be on the outside edge of the book and which will be near the middle/spine. Pages with ribbons attached on one edge (ex. puzzle page) look best when the excess ribbons are in the centre of the book.
- Purse or Pocket Photo Album / Puzzle
- Race Track (single page) / Race Track (double page – folded right sides together) / House
- Teddy Bear / Rainbow of Colours
- Abacus / Mitten
- Buckle Up / Telephone
- Tie a Shoe / Button the Flower
Finish Each Page Set:
- Race Track Set:Since this page is different from all the others we will cover this one first.
- Place your single pages RST (Right Sides Together) with the double Race Track page. The Car Garage must be on the right, the other single page is whichever one you have chosen (called the “House Page” below because that’s what I used) and must be on the left. Make sure all the pages are the same way up!
- Remove the ribbon tabs from the House and Race Track pages and pin them on the left side of the House page. Pin as you like. I alternated my tabs so they did not all end up at the same spot when the book was finished.
- Fold two of the Ribbon Loops as shown and centre them on 3″ and 6″ on the right side of the House Page. They should stick out about 1/4″ over the raw edge.
- Set the double Race Track page aside. Align the ribbon loop side of the the House Page and Garage RST. Stitch with a 1/4″ seam, back-stitch over each ribbon loop as you sew over it to strengthen the seam. Press the seam allowance open carefully, not to melt any ribbons or embellishments.
- Match the double page and stitched single pages with right sides together. Trim the double page to the width of the sewn single pages if necessary. Pin the short ends and stitch with a 1/4″ seam. Again, double-stitch over the ribbon tabs to secure.
- Turn the pages right side out. Press and align the seamed edges, top-stitch about 1/8″ away from each edge.
- Align the centre seam between the single pages. Pin and stitch down this seam (stitch in the ditch) to secure it to the back page. The stitching will show down the centre of the racetrack, so choose your thread colour carefully. I used white thread and coloured over the road stitches with a black fabric marker.
- Trim all pages if necessary to make them even. Make sure they are still close to 9″ tall.
- Open the bias tape and lay it along the bottom raw edge with 1/2″ extra on each end. Stitch at 3/8″. Cut off the excess if needed, being sure to leave 1/2″.
- Turn the bias tape over to the other side. Fold the extra 1/2″ in to hide the raw edge, pinning or gluing to hold in place.
- Fold the bias tape up and stitch to finish the edge. Repeat for the top edge of the pages.
- Fold the pages in half and secure using the velcro on the Racetrack page.
- All Other Page Sets:
- Choose a set of pages to sew together based on your assembly stack from earlier.
- Remove the ribbon tabs from the pages and pin them on the right side of one page (this will be the outside edge). Pin as you like. I alternated my tabs so they did not all end up at the same spot when the book was finished.
- Fold two of the Ribbon Loops as shown and centre them on 3″ and 6″ on the left side of the same page. They should stick out about 1/4″ over the raw edge.
- Place the two pages RST. Stitch the tab and ribbon edges with a 1/4″ seam. , back-stitch over each ribbon loop as you sew over it to strengthen the seam.
- Turn the pages right side out. Press and align the seamed edges, top-stitch about 1/8″ away from each edge.
- Trim pages if necessary to make them even. Make sure they are still close to 9″ tall.
- Follow steps 9-11 above to finish the top and bottom edges with bias tape.
- Finish all page sets in this way.
** As usual: This tutorial is for personal or charitable use only. Please do not sell items made with the Quiet Book Sew Along posts. If you wish to sell these please contact sherri@threadridinghood.com for information on how to purchase a license. Thank you!
by Sherri Sylvester | Dec 11, 2014
Last page folks – truly and for real! Thisis the last of the Quiet Book pages. Now all we need is the cover and all will be right with the world…. except I need to start sewing my other Christmas gifts… hmmm!
This page is the size of 3 regular sized pages in this book, since it opens up to become a full sized race track. This page is significantly different from the original book – so much so that I haven’t included the original photos. If you need a reference point you can refer back to the original quiet book photos in this post.
The shopping list for this page looks daunting… but in the end it’s worth it! Not too bad, just lots of little pieces that go together quickly once they are cut. Here is a layout to refer to when placing items on your page.
You will need:
- Background Fabric (Grass): 1 piece quilting cotton 18″ wide x 9″ high (behind racetrack) + 1 piece quilting cotton 9″ wide x 6″ high (behind mechanic)
- Page Interfacing: 1 piece 18″x9″ + 1 piece 9″x9″ square, medium weight fusible interfacing (you will have this from your Week 1 shopping list)
- Mechanic Garage: 1 piece 9″ high x 6.5″ wide orange quilting cotton
- Mechanic Symbol: Black Fabric Paint, Freezer Paper (for stencil)
- Mechanic’s “Door”: 1 piece 4 1/2″ wide x 2 3/4″ tall clear plastic (6 or 8 gauge recommended)
- Mechanic Parking Lot: 1 piece 9″ wide by 3 3/4″ high black quilting cotton
- Parking Lot lines: 2 pieces 1/4″ silver ribbon 2 1/2″ long
- Race Track: 7″ x 18″ black quilting cotton
- Pit Stop: 1 1/2″ x 4″ black quilting cotton
- Pit Stop Yellow Lines: aprox. 11″ 3/8″ wide yellow ribbon
- Bridge Guard Rails: 4 pieces 1/4″ silver ribbon 3 1/4″ long
- Cars: Scraps of faux vinyl in car colours and wheel colour
- Cars: attachment strings, 3 pcs 20″ long 1/4″ wide grosgrain ribbon (not pictured below)
- River: 1 piece blue quilting cotton 6″ wide x 10″ high
- Black Velcro Fastener: 1″ long x 1/2″ wide (TIP: cut a regular piece of velcro in half widthwise)
- Fusible Web (I use Steam-A-Seam)
- Craft Knife: to cut freezer paper stencil
- Ribbon Tab: 3 1/2″ long for the side tab
- Matching Thread for Satin Stitching and Top-stitching
- Leather needle
- School Glue Stick
- Small Safety Pin
- Race Track Pattern Pieces -> Click here to download
Please ignore the cork and the yellow paint. The plan for them didn’t work out so well!
Before we begin/Important Notes:
- Print out the pattern pieces pdf on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper. Important: Do not select “fit to page” when printing, make sure you print at the original size. Once you have printed the pages, measure the 1″ test square to ensure the pattern is the correct size.
- Cut out all fabric that uses a pattern piece. Cut as indicated on the pattern piece, the racetrack is cut on a fold. Cut Fusible Web using the Race Track & River pattern pieces. Also cut one piece 1 1/2″ x 4″ for the Pit Stop.
- When you are sewing this book it is good to remember that some of the edges will be covered after the book is completed and sewn together. 1/2″ on the top edge of your page and 3/4″ on each side edge will not show in the final project. * This is especially important for this page *
- Remember to use your iron liberally when you are sewing this book. It is going to be a work of art when you are done! Since it is thick and some of the pages will not be iron-able once you are finished with them it is advisable to take all of the care you can to remove wrinkles so they are not accidentally permanent in your final book.
Here we go:
Cars
- Glue the end of an attachment string 1″ onto the wrong side of the “back” of one side of each car piece. (Glue is used in lieu of pins, to prevent permanent holes.)
- Glue the two car pieces wrong sides together with the ribbon in between the layers.
- Place and glue the tires in place – two on each side of the car. Only glue the part of the tire that is touching the car body shape. Let the glue dry to securely hold the pieces together.
- Top-stitch around the edge of the car, and over the tires, to hold everything in place. Backstitch-stitch over the tires and ribbon as you sew, for extra security. * You may need to use a leather needle to sew through all of the layers *
Mechanic’s Garage
- Fold the orange garage fabric in half wrong sides together to create a 6 1/2″ wide x 4 1/2″ high rectangle with a fold along the top. Draw a 4″ x 2 1/2″ rectangle in the centre of the bottom raw edges.
- Stitch the open sides of the rectangle with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Also stitch along the lines of the rectangle you just drew.
- Trim the inside of the rectangle to 1/4″ and clip into the corners. Clip the top corners of the side seams as well.
- Turn the rectangle right side out through one of the bottom openings. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze, but take your time, it will work.
- Use a chopstick or pencil to push out the corners and sides. Press the shape flat.
- Cut a 4″ x 6″ piece of freezer paper. Trace and cut out the mechanic symbol to make a freezer paper stencil. Apply the stencil, paint the symbol black and let it dry. If you have not used a freezer paper stencil before these are good instructions.
- Stitch several straight lines through the piece of vinyl, to represent the frames in the panes of glass usually found on a mechanic’s garage doors. Use this trick if your presser foot sticks to the plastic.
- Place the plastic behind the garage door opening. Secure it with pins inside the seam allowance (to avoid permanent holes).
- Top-stitch along the sides and top of the opening to secure the plastic. Top-stitch along the top edge of the garage – this will be the opening for the pocket.
Finishing the Mechanic Page
- Fold the end of each 2 1/2″ silver ribbon under by 1/4″. Place the centre of each ribbon 3 1/4″ in from each side of the black “parking lot” rectangle. Stitch from the bottom to the top to secure.
- Place the garage at the centre bottom of the 9″ x 6″ background fabric. Top-stitch the sides only to secure and create the pocket.
- Thread the car attachment ribbons through the pocket and out at the bottom centre. Stitch them in place with a scant 1/4″ seam.
- Match the top edge of the parking lot with the bottom edge of the background, wrong sides together. Stitch with a 1/4″ seam. Press the seam open – being careful not to press the vinyl.
- Fuse the 9″ x 9″ interfacing to the back of the mechanic page. Be careful not to melt the vinyl! It is best to avoid fusing the centre of the page, just fuse the edges enough to hold it on.
Make the Racetrack Page:
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 13, 2014
Eeek! The Forest Glen Satchel Pattern is likely going to be released within the next 24 hours! I’m just finishing up the last few things. (I’m so excited to finally be able to share it with you!) Back on topic….
This Quiet book page is another one that my kids loved most. Putting someone or some-bear to bed is apparently enthralling! This also gives you the chance to put together a super-cute mini quilt. I used tiny pieces of my hoarded Geekly Chic Cassette Tapes from Double Decker Fabrics in mine. (Get a discount code for Double Decker Fabrics, expires Nov 21, 2014) Add in a little pillow and prepare to be sleepy! This Quiet Book page is found along with other information and tutorials links on the Sew Along page.
Here are a few little extras you can keep in mind when making this page…
Tips for a better page:
- Use a piece of low loft batting under the pillow to make it stand out a bit more.
- Place a small jingle bell inside the bear – make double sure to secure the opening well to avoid a choking hazard.
- Don’t make the bear or pillow too thick or the page will not fit inside the book properly.
- Replace the pieced quilt with one piece of fabric for a simpler and faster page finish.
Ready to start?
You will need:
- Background Fabric/Bed Sheet: 1 piece quilting cotton exactly 9″x9″ square
- Page Interfacing: 1 piece exactly 9″x9″ square, medium weight fusible interfacing (you will have this from your Week 1 shopping list)
- Pillow: 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ faux fur or fleece
- Quilt: 9″ wide by 4 1/2″ high pieced fabric
- Blanket: 9″ wide by 7 1/2″ high sweater knit or fleece
- Quilt Binding: 9″ wide double fold bias tape
- Teddy Bear: 8″ high x 12″ wide quilting cotton or corduroy
- Teddy Bear Ribbon: 11″ piece of ribbon/twill tape/rick rack
- Teddy Bear Face: embroidery floss/needle
- Small amount of stuffing
- Ribbon Tab: 3 1/2″ long for the side tab
- Small Safety Pin
- Teddy Bear Pattern Pieces -> Click here to download
Before we begin/Important Notes:
- Print out the pattern piece pdf on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper. Important: Do not select “fit to page” when printing, make sure you print at the original size. Once you have printed the pages, measure the 1″ test square to ensure the pattern is the correct size.
- When you are sewing this book it is good to remember that some of the edges will be covered after the book is completed and sewn together. 1/2″ on the top edge of your page and 3/4″ on each side edge will not show in the final project.
- Remember to use your iron liberally when you are sewing this book. It is going to be a work of art when you are done! Since it is thick and some of the pages will not be iron-able once you are finished with them it is advisable to take all of the care you can to remove wrinkles so they are not accidentally permanent in your final book.
- Fuse the 9″ square fusible interfacing onto your 9″ square background fabric.
Here We Go:
by Sherri Sylvester | Nov 7, 2014
I’m so excited to get this posted! I’ve been trying since Monday to get everything finished. Between unexpected design work and my husband working 19 hour days it’s been a challenge! The joys of working from home, though, I think the outweigh the more difficult times!
As far as this page, if you’d like some help teaching your little one buckles, snaps and buttons you are in luck! And, you know how much little kids think belly buttons are hilarious? This page has one built in! (It’s my favorite part.) This Quiet Book page is found along with other information and tutorials links on the Sew Along page.
When you are looking for supplies for this page, here are a few tips:
- I used clothing that my kids had outgrown for this page. Make sure the pants and shirt are at least 9″ across if you’d like to use them.
- Pick pants that open easily and make sure they have belt loops along the waistband.
- Choose ribbon and a buckle that are the same width and fit through the belt loops.
- Pick a snap or button closure on the pants, depending on the skills your little one has.
- The best shirts for this page have a design along the bottom. Unfortunately I didn’t have one to use this time.
- Check the buckle to make sure it is easy for a child to open. Some are very stiff and almost impossible to use with small hands.
You will need:
- Background Fabric: 1 piece quilting cotton in “skin” colour exactly 9″x9″ square
- Page Interfacing: 1 piece exactly 9″x9″ square, medium weight fusible interfacing (you will have this from your Week 1 shopping list)
- Belt: 2 pieces 5 1/2″ long belting/ribbon as wide as buckle
- Pair of Pants: (front only) with belt buckles or make them (will use a 9″ wide by 6″ high piece of front only)
- Shirt: bottom of shirt or hemmed knit (will use a 9″ wide by 4″ high piece only)
- Belt Buckle: Clip Buckle, mine is 1″ wide
- Belly Button: small button (1/2″ – 3/8″) – will not show, is used to “fill” the belly button
- small 2″ square scrap of fusible interfacing
Before we begin/Important Notes:
- When you are sewing this book it is good to remember that some of the edges will be covered after the book is completed and sewn together. 1/2″ on the top edge of your page and 3/4″ on each side edge will not show in the final project.
- Remember to use your iron liberally when you are sewing this book. It is going to be a work of art when you are done! Since it is thick and some of the pages will not be iron-able once you are finished with them it is advisable to take all of the care you can to remove wrinkles so they are not accidentally permanent in your final book.
- Fuse the 9″ square fusible onto your 9″ square background fabric before you begin.
Here we go:
- Melt ends of synthetic ribbon/belting or hem ends of non-synthetic. Attach buckles to ends.
- Cut 6″ high by 9″ wide piece out of front of pants with top front as top edge. I find it easiest to cut the front off of the pants first, then draw the cutting line before cutting it to make sure everything is correct. It is ok if the middle front of the pants curves down a bit.
- Cut the shirt to 9″ wide by 4″ high. Use the hem from the shirt as the bottom edge.
- Align the edges of the pants with the bottom of the background rectangle. Baste sides and bottom edges with a 1/4″ seam.
- Stitch over the original pants top-stitching between each belt loop and the side edge using a matching thread. Leave the centre portion un-sewn so the child can still open and close the fly.
- Stitch over the original fly top-stitching. Leave the zipper opening so the fly will still be workable. You may need to use a denim needle to get through the multiple layers.
- Top-stitch over the pocket edges if you want them to stay closed.
- Place the button on the back of the background fabric where you want the belly button to appear. Place the extra piece of interfacing over the button and fuse it to the wrong side of the background fabric, enclosing the button.
- Hand-stitch around the button to secure it better and add more depth to the belly button shape. I used invisible thread to match the background best.
- Align the side and top of the shirt to the background fabric. Place the ribbon/belting into the belt loops. Baste top and side edges of the shirt and belting with a 1/4″ seam.
- Fold the 3 1/2″ matching ribbon tab in half and use the small safety pin to attach it to your page so it does not get lost.
See you next week! (PS. Only 2 more pages and the cover to go!)
Original Book Construction
Original Book Pages 1-6
Original Book Pages 7-12
Quiet Book Sew-Along: Overview (If you are new, start here!)
Yardage Overview: Week 1 (Cover & Page Fabrics, Interfacing, Binding)
Flickr Update (Where to find us and a Tutorial on joining the Quiet Book Flickr group)
