A few weeks ago I went on a trip and visited a friend. She sews professionally, having studied at an atelier in France. I had wanted to make something for her for a long while, especially as she gifted me a lovely collection of quilting fabrics over the pandemic. I made this needlebook for my friend and she really likes it!
I’ve made needlebooks before, for myself and for others. You can find some other needlebooks I made here. I used the same general method from Amy Sinibaldi to make this one. For the sewing machine on the cover I used a “Sewing Illustration” applique design from Minki Kim. It was my first time trying sewing illustration and it was a lot of fun! Definitely faster for me than embroidering the same design by hand.
I used two pieces of felt to make 4 pages inside the book. I think it turned out very well! 100% wool felt is the best material to store your needles in as the residual lanolin lubricates the needles and keeps them from rusting.
Maybe a matching pincushion with matching fabrics is next? I wonder what design I should use. . . .
I hope this post inspires you to make something for a friend, just because! Have you made a needlebook for a friend before? What is your favorite, easy, go-to project for a gift? Share your ideas in a comment below!
