Midori Traveler's Notebook Cut Down To Pocket-Size

[writermk]

I had recently stopped using my MTN because it just wasn't pocket-sized, meaning that I couldn't have it always with me.

To solve this, and much to some of your dismay, I'm sure, I trimmed it down to a 3x5 inch size. I actually did it without messing anything up, and now I have a truly pocketable MTN.

It was a nerve-wracking operation, and I was sure I'd mess something up (and did not), but here it is!

Let me know your thoughts. Okay, it's not an absolutely perfect cut, but that slightly rustic feel suits the MTN, IMO.

I made a thick notebook with 120gsm paper, printed with fine lines. I also made a storage card with paper-flap in the front and closing envelope-style pocket in the back. I am currently printing out a hipster PDA day-planner template. The beauty of choosing 3x5 size is that I can use all the popular Hipster PDA templates and fit index cards inside.

 

[SallyLyn]

You have more guts and certainly skill than I. Looks like a nice job.

 

Also sometimes find the Passport size too large for carrying in pockets so look for other small sizes. Apica (Japanese) makes a notebook about 2.8x4 inches and in the US there are Field Notes about 3.5 x 5.5"

 

The Hipster templates are nice.

[Heirphoto]

I have cut down a few Midori sketchbook inserts to fit the smaller Passport sized cover since Midori only makes them in the standard size. If they are trimmed right at the outer edge of the staples they will just fit into the smaller cover.

 

Tony

[writermk]

Thanks for the compliment, SallyLyn. It wasn't difficult to do once I worked out how to do it, but it was stressful.

 

It's certainly easy enough to cut down notebooks to size, Tony. I've never bought any Midori books; I just print, sew (badly) and then trim them up to make them look neat enough.

 

Since I posted this topic, I've made a day planner (from DIY planner) for the rest of the year and a monthly calendar for the rest of the year. I also removed half the pages from my lined booklet so it is not so fat.

 

Midori leather is wonderful and I'm glad I can continue using my MTN in this form.

[TMLee]

You guys are certainly very brave to trim your Midori covers to size ...

[Johan.Witt]

Midori leather is wonderful and I'm glad I can continue using my MTN in this form.

The question is: what to do with that piece of delectable Midori leather that you cut off. Too nice to just throw away, eh?

Edited November 2, 2013 by Johan.Witt

[Moshe ben David]

For years I've simply carried a small deck of 3 x 5 cards in my pocket when I needed something pocket sized. You can follow the suggestion of the GTD crowd and hold them together with a very small binder clip. Or, for something with a bit more class, there are very decent leather memo pad holders which are ideal for 3 x 5 cards at most stationery stores. On-line, I think Fahrney's has something like this; Levenger's also was carrying something like this they called the "Pocket Briefcase" (or something like that).

 

Cards are cheap; I've never worried much about ink feathering or bleeding with them; they can be discarded or glued or copied into more permanent journals or attached to case files.