In musician's terms, a 'cover version' is a reworking of a song, maybe by the original singer, or perhaps by someone else. Occasionally the cover version becomes better known and more popular than the original. If I mention the theme song from the 1982 animated film "The Snowman" "Walking In The Air" you will probably think of Aled Jones - but his was a cover version, whilst the original, used in the film, was sung by a choirboy from St Paul's Cathedral, Peter Auty. [Aled's version led him to instant fame. I'm pleased that Peter also has a great career as an international operatic tenor] Then there's that song "Unchained Melody". First written in 1955, The Righteous Brothers achieved a hit with their cover version in 1965. At the time I was baffled- there are no chains mentioned anywhere in the lyrics. I found out later that the name came from the fact it was the theme song for a prison film called "Unchained". This has had over 1500 cover versions recorded in the last 70 years, by loads of people; BBC DJ Jimmy Young 1955 , Elvis Presley 1977, Robson and Jerome 1995, Gareth Gates 2002, Barry Manilow, Bono... Kirsten and I decided our next project ought to be something other than just a stitched piece of fabric, and as we are both collectors of notebooks, a pair of notebook covers [A5 size] seemed a good idea. "You could call it The Cover Version" said Bob. We have both been making notebook covers in recent months. First Kirsten did a lovely handstitched patchwork cover.
And then I created a machined cover for a sewing journal, to record all my projects, as try out the fancy stitches on my new machine.
These had regular square pieces - for variety we are going to attempt different sized rectangles. A bit like Victorian Crazy Patchwork. Each piece will be sewn down with neat almost invisible stitches and decorated as it is affixed.
We will work in a hoop to keep things flat and not the decoration over the seams till the very end. There will be flaps folding inside to hold the covers in place, and one will have a blank panel where we can add names, dates and details.
This our third collaboration. Watch this space!
I prefer the Righteous brothers version of the song. Your sewing looks most interesting...and will keep you very busy!
ReplyDeleteI think the RB version is great too, but struggled to find a video I was happy with!
DeleteThat sounds brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI really look forward to seeing the process! Kx
Oh you will!!
DeleteI love the idea of a 'cover' version! When my daughter was in school, she was required to cover her text books, and, at the time, stretchy fabric book covers were popular. But, they were a bit pricey and the corners would wear through very quickly. I offered to sew homemade versions of book covers and daughter was agreeable. I had fun with them, using animal print fabric that I had in the stash and adding details such as ears and a tail (which could be used as a bookmark). The only stipulation daughter had was no googly eyes because she disliked them.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. We had to use plain brown paper at my school. Kirsten and I are avoiding "lumpy" decorations like buttons, which may catch when the book is put in place on a shelf
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea for a collaboration. Catriona
ReplyDeleteNot enough wall space for any more pictures! This should be Useful as well as Beautiful (as per William Morris' dictum)
DeleteYour "cover" collaboration sounds interesting and fun. I await with anticipation. Regards Sue H
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DeleteWhen I was at primary school, we had to cover our jotters. Brown paper was a luxury as covering. I used to use remnants of wallpaper. Your cover reminds me of their pattern.
ReplyDeleteMy Mum was annoyed that we had to BUY brown paper from the stationery when we already had remnants of wallpaper in the shed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for enlightening me reference the origins of Unchained Melody.
ReplyDeleteI love notebooks and the idea of a beautifully covered notebook elevates them even more.
Alison in Wales x
Isn't it strange that many people know it is called UM, but few people are aware of why?
DeleteI didn't know that about Unchained Melody! And I am a huge notebook fan, so love your covers they're really pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun visiting today, it's been quite a while since I last visited I think.
Welcome back,thanks for your comments
DeleteI never knew that history about "Unchained Melody", which I used to play on the accordion when I was in my teens! I like the idea of your notebook covers.
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DeleteWhat a great project. The 'cover' versions look fantastic.
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