Bookish DIY!

A few months ago, I was introduced to a new book-related accessory that every book lover deemed an essential: a book sleeve. Though I have been a book lover for quite some time, I had no prior knowledge about book sleeves. I did some research and I decided that since all the cool kids had one, I needed one too!

Book sleeves are perfect for those who like to keep a book with them on the go! If you keep a book in your purse, your book bag, or a suitcase, the book(s) can get damaged easily. Sometimes the pages get torn or folded, or the covers can get ripped or bent. Book sleeves help to protect your books when traveling! I know that some book lovers also make/buy theirs with an added pocket for their e-readers, bookmarks, pens/highlighters, etc. I think that the concept of a book sleeve is great! Being back on my college campus for the first time in a year and half has interrupted my regularly scheduled reading time. For the past week, I was putting a book in my bookbag so that I could read between classes. My book was a paperback and kept getting bent beneath my textbooks, my binders, and the other contents of my bookbag. After this predicament, mom suggested that she and I have a craft day and attempt to make a book sleeve to solve this problem!

My mom used to do a lot of sewing when I was younger. As I have gotten older, she sews less frequently but she still has her sewing machine. I showed her the book sleeves that I saw on Etsy, we found a tutorial, and went to JoAnn's to pick out some fabric.

JoAnn's was incredibly overwhelming to me. There was SO. MUCH. FABRIC. It felt like being let loose in a crafter's candy shop, with free reign. There were way too many choices for someone like me who is indecisive and has a raging 'too much gene'.

SIDEBAR: For those of you who are unaware, I often say that I was blessed/cursed with a thing I like to call my 'too much gene'. The 'too much gene' makes be unable to know when to stop (...because when in doubt add glitter!). I mean, if you aren't adding sequins/glitter then why are you doing it at all?! The 'too much gene' really had me looking at some super bright, bold, and crazy patterns (which I loved, by the way)! I am also easily distracted, so that was a fun combination!

Back to my story.... Picture it: JoAnn's, fabric aisle, a book lover and her 'too much gene' (did I set the scene well enough?). So mom and I are standing in the middle of the fabric isle and I am simply overwhelmed. There are so many pretty fabrics, and I am becoming more indecisive by the second. After browsing the selection at least twice, mom suggests that I pick two different patterns and two different solids. After browsing for a fourth time, I decided upon a really subtle but cute fabric. It features the couch, frame, and coffee cups from 'Friends' (which is one of my favorite TV shows). I picked pink fabric to match this one. The second set was more difficult decision. I went back and forth but eventually decided upon a fall themed sleeve! I found a really pretty fabric with fall leaves on it. I liked this fabric because it was fall-themed without being too fall. That sounds silly, I know, but I liked that this was a fabric that was fall-themed but could also be used all year round! I selected a yellow fabric for the inside lining to match this one!

I am linking the tutorial video that mom followed for making these. You can find the video tutorial here!

For two of them, she added a strap which has velcro on it to close over the books. There are so many variations of these book sleeves. Some have pockets, button closures, straps, etc. They also come in different sizes. Mom made these in a few different sizes to accommodate for different size books. Mom and I were just talking about making another and trying to add a pocket to it. We are still experimenting with different techniques, sizes, and ideas!

If you are interested in a book sleeve, but would rather purchase one here is an Etsy shop that has some of my favorite book sleeves! Don't like these patterns or just want to compare to other shops? Just search book sleeve on Etsy and you will see all different kinds of them!

I really liked the way that these turned out! More than anything, this was a fun crafting experience that I got to share with my mom. I admire her love of crafts and her willingness to always support my book-loving wants and needs. This was a fun project to do together, even though you did most of the work. Thank you, mom!

I am adding a gallery below where you can see my DIY book sleeves in all of their DIY glory!

Prior to reading this blog post, had you heard of a book sleeve? Will you be making/purchasing one for yourself or another book lover in your life? Let me know down below!

As always, thank you for reading!

XO,

Madison