u/Number-Thirty-Four

Saw another posters cover they made, and just had to throw this together real quick. Big enough for two mini composition notebooks and enough length to add extra things. Just used a scrap of leather I had from another project and a little left over elastic cord.

I already have a leather cover for my mini-composition notebook, I prefer to have only one at a time. It's super unlikely I'll ever use this, if someone wants it let me know, just pay shipping.

Please ignore my terrible handwriting, I am but imperfect man and this is one of my many foibles.

I use mini composition notebooks as my catch-all/pocket notebook. I carry them at all times and write literally everything down in them.

I also have about 15 pages of quotes I transcribe to each new notebook. Some inspirational, some as warnings, some as a journaling device, and some to share with others. They're bits of books, tv/movies, religion, and philosophy that connect to various parts of me.

Does anyone else do this? I know it's a fair bit of work to set up each new notebook, but I don't know if I could do without them now.

What do you think of this?

Ignore the state of the table underneath the notebook, it's my mail and package table in my mudroom. Well used and not usually displayed. Also, forgive my handwriting in the later pictures. Its never been great, but I'm losing dexterity in my hands.

I received these notebooks last year for my birthday (Birthdays are big in my family, any excuse to get together and eat really). I've been very happy with them. They're 100 GSM, 180 page notebooks when in the ruled or dot grid format. They come with a neat slipcase that I really appreciate. You can record the start/end date and the front/backs allow you to write additional notes or create an index. That way you can search your collection for a specific journal entry, quote, etcetera. Handy for quick searches.

I don't use fountain pens so I cannot comment on how they handle those. That said I did write with a small selection of popular and affordable pens you can get nearly anywhere. Ghosting is minimal, the writing experience is smooth and doesn't bleed or smudge.

Obviously, I haven't tested these long term, but they are sewn binding and feel very sturdy. I have carried one everyday for nearly a year and haven't treated it gently (It has rather rude artwork on it courtesy of my GF, so I won't show it). It's held together great and dealt with daily life well.

Overall for $25, I personally like it better than lechtturm 1917 notebooks. It fits my commonplace book/zibaldone organization style. The slipcases are great for quick references, and protecting the notebook. At a later date I may rebind these in leather instead of the leatherette cover. That being said, the factory cover has weathered well and hasn't failed.

Specs - 7 7/8" T x 5 3/8" W x 5/8" thick 100 GSM for ruled and dot grid, 250 GSM in blank format Hardcover Sewn binding

.u/Sprawn asked to see my personal composition notebooks that I make.

I rarely make regular size composition notebooks, I'm stuck on the A5 size for it's versatility. I also make a mini version that is 4 1/2" T x 3 1/4" W. That's my catch-all notebook, it travels with me at all times. Here's a few pics of the covers - (https://www.reddit.com/u/Number-Thirty-Four/s/TRJErh8cCn)

Materials:

Random 120 GSM dot grid paper I found on Amazon. 400 sheets for about $30 https://a.co/d/02e7zJ1b. It's pretty good for cheap paper, no ghosting even with gel pens, I don't use fountain pens so I cannot comment on those.

Craft cardstock cover https://a.co/d/0bIfcfMB This seems to be pretty high quality. It's perfect for notebook covers, my (part-time) SO, loves drawing on the ones I make for her. When I'm not looking she likes to draw the most heinous, sexually deviant, and generally NSFW stuff on the notebooks I make for myself. ( I genuinely love it, but will under no circumstances post any pictures. Or let her know I think it's awesome )

The thread is usually whatever color of Ritza Tiger thread I have the most of at the time. It's for leather stitching, but works well enough for binding. I get 500 meters for $40 on (Springfieldleather.com). Leatherwork is another of my endless hobbies. For personal projects that aren't special I tend to share materials between hobbies. Cheaper that way.

I use book repair tape for the spine cover. https://a.co/d/0gVwLtBz This is some pretty good stuff. Just don't put it on the spine until after you trim it to size. The adhesive gets every-fucking-where and makes the pages stick together.