Fabric Photo Album

When my brother and sister-in-law told me they were expecting their first child, I immediately started making a mental list of all the things I needed to make - as any self-respecting crafter would do. One thing at the top of the list was a fabric photo album, inspired by this one I saw on you&mie.

 

The hardest part was finding good photos of everyone. I scoured my SIL's facebook album, and badgered family for photos when I couldn't find them online or in my archives.

After I had the photos, I printed them on sew-in printer fabric. I think this paper worked pretty well. I used a laser printer and let them sit at least ten minutes to dry before I touched them. Then before I sewed with them I set them with a dry iron, protecting the photo with a layer of paper towel. There were a few smudges, and Mom got a bit wrinkly, but otherwise all the photographs printed well and look good.

I wanted a nice, colorful book, so I selected a variety of fabrics from my stash, paired them, and then matched the photos with fabrics, trying not to wash anyone out too badly.

Proud aunt and uncle!

To add some plushness, I sandwiched a single layer of batting between each set of pages, and quilted around the photos and the outside of the pages to keep it in place.

Finally, I included ties to keep the book shut, and a simple embroidered cover.  Plus my label on the back.

Now as my little niece grows, she'll be able to get to know the faces of all her family members, those who live near, those who live far, and those who have unfortunately passed away.