I can't imagine staying organized without my planner. And each year I buy the same one -- a 5.25" x 8.25" moleskine diary with one page of writing space per day. At the end of December, I put my old one on the shelf with the others from previous years, then start a new one for the year about to begin. It is a small ritual that I enjoy. However, this year I made a minor change. I stitched a reverse-applique cover for my journal out of recycled cotton jersey . . .

. . . following the instructions in Alabama Stitch Book by Natalie Chanin (founder of Alabama Chanin). Natalie's book will be in stores in March, one of the four new STC Craft books to be released in the first four months of 2008.

With my new planner ready and looking so special, I can hardly wait for the new year to begin.