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Notebook cover from Arabesque

by Linda Theil

I just finished making the "Crafted Life Companion" notebook-cover designed by Australian Ali Phillips of Arabesque Scissors. I've made several of Phillips' patterns and have come to experience Phillips as creating at the same stratospheric level as English designer Diane Spencer Ogg for brilliant design innovation and attention to minute specificity in their patterns. Both creators are also highly professional and skilled presenters in their step-by-step demonstration videos for every design. Please see Phillips' video at the end of this post.

The Arabesque notebook cover is designed to fit an A5 notebook size, and includes a sleeve for notepads up to 4 x 8-inches. Other pocket options are included in the pattern -- most of which I left out in my first version. I did take advantage of a marvelously useful innovation Phillips provided: a beautifully designed "coloring page" that helped enormously to keep all my pattern pieces organized. I used feature fabrics designed by Tone Finnanger for Tilda.

Phillips' notebook cover is designed to be fastened with snaps or magnets, but I prefer the less elegant, but easier-to-use option of hook-and-loop fastener; so I made that ammendment to the original pattern.


I really like the look and feel of this beautiful object. Alisa admired the little curve at the top of the pen-holder, and I can't help but think that tiny detail is emblematic of the love and delight Ali Phillips builds into every aspect of her work.

Thank you, Ali!


Back cover "The Crafted Life Companion" notebook-cover designed by Ali Phillips of Arabesque Scissors.

UPDATE November 1, 2024

All three notebook covers were made in Sept/Oct 2024 as participation in Arabesque Scissors #CLC24 sew-along. Fabrics are "Tea with Bea" by Riley Blake for Moda, 2020.

Number 1





Number 2



Number 3







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