New Pattern – a pencil case for your notebook. The Notebook Buddy!

Today, I’m sharing my latest pattern with you –  a pencil case pouch that can be attached to a notebook or planner with an elastic strap. The Notebook Buddy!

I don’t know about you, but I nearly always have at least one notebook with me at any one time. But trying to find a pen when I need it – and one that works! – is always the tricky part….

I’ve also been dabbling with bullet journaling this year to try and keep on top of the to-do list and stay motivated.

I’m not the best at drawing though, so bought a few stencils (you can find similar here and here) to make my pages look a bit prettier. Then I was stuck with how and where to keep them, as not all notebooks have a pocket in them. And so the Notebook Buddy was born!

(PS – If you’re interested in starting your own notebook or bullet journal, I’ve been really happy with this A5 eco-friendly natural cork notebook, pictured above)

It’s a slimline boxy pouch with a dividing pocket so that you can organise your pens and pencils, or have stencils in the back pocket and pens in the front. The elastic strap means that it can be easily slipped over the front cover of whichever notebook you’re using.

I was showing it to a friend and she commented how if it was a little bit smaller to fit a phone, credit card and maybe a couple of pens it would be perfect for carrying the essentials around at work, so I obliged and created a smaller version for that very purpose!

The Notebook Buddy pattern includes two sizes with full-sized templates

• Smaller – for the office essentials.
• Larger – for notebook list-making or journalling.

The pattern also includes instructions for two different sized divider pockets: this means that you can mix and match the insides of the pouch to fit your exact needs.

Full-sized templates are included with information on how to make a patchwork version (if you’re using scraps or a directional fabric) or one main outer fabric.

The pattern also shows you how to adjust the elastic strap to perfectly fit the size of the notebook you are using – A5 or A4.

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You can use one piece of wider elastic or a couple of bits of thinner elastic – you really can work with whatever you have to hand! And you can also have a play with some of the decorative stitches on your machine (you know, those ones that never get used?!) if you fancy making the strap more decorative.

I’ve also thought about leaving the strap off to make it a normal pouch, or may be used as a case for carrying crochet hooks and sock needles in? The possibilities are endless!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the inspiration behind the #NotebookBuddy – if you’d like to make your own, you can find the pattern here, and if you do make one then please tag me so I can see!

S x

Today’s sky::: beautifully blue and sunny!

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