Woohoo! Are you so excited to make your quiet books? I hope so – these will be gifts that your children or grandchildren will treasure and pass down to their children. As I mentioned in my quiet book post a couple years ago, we cannot find the one that my mom made for us when we were kids, but I loved it so much that I can still picture it in my head; I can feel the pages with my memory. The quiet book that I’m going to share with you over the next week is a combination of my childhood quiet book, the quiet books I made for my girls, and some little tweaks of things that bugged me when I finished the girls’ books. These are just my ideas, what I thought would be fun and pretty. Make this project into whatever you want. Change it, build on it, personalize it for your little one. Be inspired and have fun!
So, to start today, we’re going to gather materials. The first decision you’ll need to make is on the background fabric(s) for each page. This time around, I’m using coordinating fabrics from the same fabric line. In my other quiet books, I used totally different fabrics on each two-page spread. I prefer the cohesiveness of coordinating fabrics. You could also just use the same fabric throughout the entire book. I used cotton here, but you could also use a heavier fabric such as denim, if you wish.
Each page will measure 10″ by 11 ½″. Since the width from selvage to selvage is usually around 43″, you should be able to get four pages out of each 12″ length of fabric (⅓ yard). Does that make sense? You’ll need a total of 14 individual pages which calculates out to approximately 1 ⅓ yard of fabric total for the background pages (estimate a little more to give room for trimming.) You will probably want to use the same fabric on each two-page spread, so think about that when deciding on fabric.
You will need some batting to pad each page. I like Warm and Natural cotton batting. I do not like polyester batting. ever. That’s just me. Buy what you like – it should be thin. You’ll need to cut seven pages sized 10″ by 11 ½″ from the batting.
You will also need a pile of scraps. You can dig in your scrap bag or purchase extra bits with your background fabric. Be sure that the scraps will stand out a bit on your background fabrics. Included in the scrap fabric, you will want:
a brown print (trees and armoire)
a black print (ladybug spots)
solid pink (ladybug)
a green print (grass and leaves)
variety of pink prints
brown felt (armoire)
black felt (ladybug)
colored felt (flowers)
Other bits and pieces that we’ll use in small quantities include:
1 black or pink zipper – 4″ preferred, but 6″ is fine, too (the 4″ are harder to find, I discovered)
10″ piece of jumbo ric rac
ribbon
lace
1 shank button (the kind that has the knob on the back where you sew the button on)
brown yarn
brown embroidery floss
elastic (elasticized ribbon preferred)
interfacing (just a small amount)
6 snaps (size doesn’t really matter, I used size 15)
10″ length of Velcro (I strongly recommend the iron-on Velcro v. sew-on)
heavy duty fusible web (you will not need much of this, I use Heat ‘n’ Bond – ultrahold)
crayons
small notepad
hair clips/small hair accessories
Sewing Machine Thread: white, pink, brown, and black
For those of you who did not purchase a kit or a doll kit, I have identified a source for the “paper doll” fabric and clothing. You’re never going to believe it – FABRIC.COM. I seriously had NO idea it was there, but it is, in large quantities. I’m ordering more because it’s one of those fabrics that I just have to have sitting on my shelf. And I sent my whole supply to YOU! (which really actually thrills me to know that you love it, too!)
Okay, the final item you will need, is a lightweight fusible web. I used Heat ‘n’ Bond LITE for this project. I also like Steam a Seam. You will need a decent amount of fusible web. Buy a big roll, it’ll be handy to have around. ( Please note that you will also need a small amount of ultrahold (no-sew) fusible web).
Over the weekend, you have two assignments. First, SHOP and gather all your materials in one place so they’re ready to go. This will make the quiet book assembly SO much easier.
Second, CUT your background pages and your batting. Remember, a total of 14 pages of fabric (seven two-page spreads) and 7 pages of batting. Cut to 10″ by 11 ½″. If your fabric is directional, you will want the page to be 10″ wide and 11 ½″ tall. Okay? Any questions?
I will try to answer most questions within the comments section so that everyone can see answers. You can also email me if you prefer. Have fun and be sure to let me know how you’re doing!! We’ll pick up on Monday with our first set of pages.
Comments & Reviews
Rebecca says
How am I able to purchase a,quiet book kit….I have a granddaughter who will be 3 next Christmas. This would be perfect for her.
Stef says
Hi Rebecca,If you send me an email, I can give you the details for purchasing a quiet book kit. I do have the materials available, though it will take a week or two to compile the kit – plenty of time before Christmas!!! email me at girlinspired@yahoo.com THANKS!!
Michelle {Daydream Believers} says
Your fabrics are SO lovely! Thanks for the heads up about the paper doll fabric! I have been wanting to make a quiet book for a while now; I’m going to pin this for later! THANKS!
Best,
Michelle
http://www.daydreambelievers.net
Ruby Jean says
I just came across your site through TT&J can I just say I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! So thrilled to have hopped over…. I linked up http://shoprubyjean.com/2011/12/diy-hair-headband-tutorial/ I would love for you to stop by…. I also just started a BRAND new Linky Party on Tuesday’s and would LOVE for you to join in http://shoprubyjean.com/2011/12/sew-crafty-tuesday-linky-party1/
Just became your NEWEST follower.. 🙂
Sierra @ The Blue Robin Cottage says
Oh my gosh! This looks darling!! 🙂 I love the color scheme! Very shabby chic and adorable!! 🙂
PattyW says
Hi I just came across your blogspot yesterday and of course am too late for the quiet book. I have 5 grandaughters that I know would love this book. I am thinking of maybe starting now for next Christmas. Will you be selling the kits again? Oh btw I already have projects for this year and I have 2 grandaughters that are too old for the book and 3 grandsons that maybe we can do a boys version for. Love this idea!!!
obxbaby says
Hi! I’m new to your page. Just LOVE it! Any chance you’ll be making kits again for purchase?
Stef says
Jessie – I think about age 2-1/2 to 8? I’m just guessing. I’m going to give my youngest (who is 2 1/2) hers this year and she might still be a little young for it, but old enough that she won’t chew off the buttons or anything. And my 6-year-old still plays with hers. It probably depends on the child. Hey, I like to play with their books and I’m well over 8!!!
Jessie says
You’ve probably answered this question already but I’m wondering about what ages you think this book would be good for?
Jennifer says
Beautiful fabrics <3
Stef says
Hi toots – Yes, your dolls will work just fine! Yay!!
toots2u says
I have the panel from this fabric line with the dolls & clothes on one piece. The dolls are about 7 1/2 in tall. Is that the same size as the dolls that are on the 44″ fabric… Or more importantly will my dolls work for what you have planned in the quiet book? Thank you!!
Lanie says
I’ll check when i vo home for christmas. I bet i still have my quiet book somewhere. I cant imagine giving it away. If i do I’ll bring it to you in Orland.
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
I’m so excited! I’m going to stop by Jo-Ann’s tomorrow afternoon & get me some goodies!
amanda says
Oh- one thing- I ordered the paper doll fabric from fabric.com and only ordered a 1/2 yard. It came and it has a few full dolls on it, but the tops and bottoms of other dolls are cut off so I can’t use them. I will have enough for this project, but I am definitely going to order a bigger piece so I can have all of the dolls on the print!
Heading out to gather supplies now! 🙂
amanda says
I’m so excited!!!