Improv Planner Cover and NTT

Happy Needle and Thread Thursday, friends!  We are on the tail end of 2017, which means it's time for a brand new planner for next year.  I'm a 100% paper-planner girl.  At the end of the year, I always love flipping back through the months to see my notes, as well as review my projects and accomplishments.  As much as I enjoy doing that, there's nothing like opening up a fresh, new planner.  The blank pages hold so much promise for the upcoming year.

For 2018, I have switched from my usual Erin Condren planner that I have purchased for years, to a Quilter's Planner.  It may seem trivial, but I hadn't made the switch before because I like the personalization options and accessories that Erin Condren offers.  With Erin Condren, I could choose my cover design or even have my own logo printed on the cover, add my name to the cover, add a pen holder, a meal organizer, etc., none of which are available with the Quilter's Planner.

That being said, I absolutely LOVE the quilter-specific options in the Quilter's Planner that I could never get from my old one, and ultimately, I decided that was the most important.  Because the planner itself isn't personalized, I decided to sew a few of my scraps into a cover that makes this planner very "me."

For the inside lining, I used a fabric that I like, but have had trouble fitting into a quilt (we all have those fabrics in our stash, don't we?), and it looks right at home with the riot of scrappy color on the front.  I used a gorgeous print from the Joie de Vivre line by Bari J for the pockets, and some coral Grunge fabric to add a few fun details.

I made a little business card holder on the front pocket, and a pen and pencil holder on the back flap.  The pen/pencil pocket keep the planner from laying completely flat, but I decided I would rather that than have to fish around my purse for them.

You all know that I am first and foremost a quilter- not a bag-maker, or a garment-sewer, or accessories-maker.  This planner cover was a bit of a learning process, and I would like for it to be a little bit neater, but I'm happy with it overall.

Okay friends!  It's time to check out some of my favorite projects from last weeks' party!  Angela at Better n Dog Biscuits linked up her pretty Rainbow Bright quilt.

These Fancy Foxes by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts are just adorable!

Buzzing Around posted this pretty quilt; so striking with the dark background.

And this paper pieced Highland Cow pillow by Made by Chrissie D is so much fun!

NTT will be taking a break next week for Thanksgiving, BUT definitely be on the lookout for my HUGE Black Friday sales post, filled with coupons, sales information, and even giveaways from my favorite shops.

Also, I'm planning to post the details for my Classic Meets Modern QAL this weekend, so watch for that as well.  This QAL will be starting in the new year!

Okay, let's link up, friends!

1. You can link finished projects or WIP's , but just keep it about quilting and sewing!

2. Link to your specific post (not to your home page!) to make it easier for others.

3. Please remember to spread the word and post my button or a text link.  

4. Spread the comment love far and wide!

5. Following me is not a requirement to link, but is so very appreciated!

*If you're new to the party, here's a helpful tip for linking up- select "Auto Crop"  when selecting your thumbnail photo.  For some reason, trying to crop your own image results in the dreaded "white question mark box," and we definitely want to see your awesome work!  :)