February 4, 2016

2016 Planner Cover

A couple of my 2016 goals, sew from my stash and use a planner to help me  accomplish more, were the focus of my sewing earlier this week.


True confessions . . . I've never really used a planner before. I buy them. Every year. I just don't keep up with using them. This year I decided it was time to truly use one . . . for real.  To actually have a day-to-day plan to help me stay on task. To get more done. So I bought the Quilter's Planner by Late Night Quilter.

Admittedly I got off to a very bad start as far as January is concerned. But with February here, it's time to get in gear. I chose these fabrics. Modern leafy prints that tie in nicely to my blog name and identity. All from my stash. I even found a zipper in my stash so the only thing I needed to buy was the fusible fleece and elastic. So far so good at working from my stash.


Motivating to sew non-quilty things is usually a struggle for me. I think it has to do with following directions. Silly isn't it? After all, I write directions for quilt patterns so following directions for other things shouldn't be that big a deal. I used this tutorial by Amanda of What the Bobbin that was resized specifically for this planner.

I customized the inside front and back pockets to hold three business cards. One pocket for me in the front, two pockets in the back for my daughter and husband's cards. You never know when someone might be interested in jewelry, graphic design or fine art.


One thing that didn't work out quite right was where the elastic fell. I followed the directions but wish the elastic was set just a little farther in. It doesn't catch the pages to hold them open very well without adjusting the planner. I'm disappointed with this part.


I also made a couple of ribbon markers from paper clips. Aren't they cute? I think I'll make a couple more of these. They work better than the ribbon marker the pattern called for. I need to move it into the center so it doesn't pull when I open the planner to different pages. Right idea, wrong position to work.


Now that I have such a pretty cover, I have no excuse for not using my planner.


It also has a zip pocket on the front. Nice for holding extra pencils and miscellaneous items.


I'm thrilled to have this done and excited to put it to good use. I can honestly say that having a written plan for this week helped me stay on task. Yeah!!!

How about you . . . do you like to sew non-quilty things? Do you use a planner? I'd love a tip or two on how you make it work. I can use all the help I can get to stick with my planner goal.   : )

Linking up with WIP Wednesday,  Let's Bee Social,  Needle and Thread Thursday,  Really Random Thursday and Finish it up Friday.

Follow

15 comments:

  1. That is beautiful. It should inspire you to keep up with the planner too. I'm terrible about using planners as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I could have written this same post almost word for word!!! I used to use planners all the time, but get them up for the smart phone. BUT this year I got the Quilters Plaaner also and made a cover for it!! I LOVE the outside pocket!! Love your fabric choices! Enjoy it and keep to the plan!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This turned out really nice! I confess so far I'm just using the monthly calendar pages...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a list maker so I guess I'd be tempted to just look at this pretty cover and not actually use it! Good luck with your plans!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a planner... i carry my work planner everywhere.... But for quilting I don't plan much. If there is a deadline for a gift I try to get that done first. There are several other projects on the go. They get done when they are done, ha ha! I do have " plans " for patterns to be released but life always gets in the way. I have stopped planning those. I feel much better about it now. No deadlines are crossed, no stress added to my plate, and sewing and designing stays fun. I need the no-pressure-hobby for the evening.
    I believe that we need to be surrounded by things we find useful AND pretty! I thing you nailed that!
    Hugs
    Esther

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your fabric choices are perfect and the planner cover turned out so pretty! I have to admit.... I just use a calendar as a planner. And I too find it difficult to find the motivation to sew non quilty items. Good for you working from stash!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've been finding the planner to be really helpful when I use it...some weeks are better than others. Your cover is very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Heck with the planning. I just want your planner. Kidding--it's gorgeous. And no, you don't have to write me back on this note. Just know that I continue to be a SpringLeaf Studio (Anne!) fan.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love those greens! I also decided to actually use the planner I buy every year. And didn't get very far past the first week of January. Starting over this week...again. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your planner cover is beautiful! I have yet to make one for mine, but it's on the list :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooo. I just adore the cover you made. It's too perfect for you! It just says, "Anne." I love sewing non-quilt-y things, probably because: 1) they're often practical, so I can really USE them, and 2) they always take less time to sew than a quilt. But I never use a planner, and don't even kid myself about owning one. For me, spending time writing in the organizer would be a waste of time. :-) Hope yours works well for you, because just from the LOOKS of it, it definitely will!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your planner cover is so pretty. You would want to use the planner now so that you can admire your cover :)

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well done, it looks great. I love to sew bags and pouches and toys. I was a sewer before i was a quilter

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love your planner cover!! I agree with you on the placement of the ribbon. I like your paper clip idea. I do use a planner...actually more than one ;-)))

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just found my way here from Live a Colorful Life. Your planner cover is gorgeous. While, I would be lost without mine, it goes around town NAKED! Thanks for inspiring me with such a beautiful project (and a link to the instructions.) Now all I need is the time to make one of my own!

    ReplyDelete

WaHoo!!! You're leaving me a comment. Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. Quilt on, Anne.