Getting off the hook

It's with a heavy heart that I've to shut down this blogshop in compliance to the policies laid down by the organisation I work for. I tried emailing and calling but being put on hold for 15 minutes only to be cut off twice just isn't my cup of tea. So, until all the i's have been dotted and all the t's crossed, the 'shop' part remains closed.

I'll still keep in touch, maybe on Instagram, so you'll know what I'm working on. I'm currently overloaded with yarn, yarn and more yarn,,,
There are

• vermillon / grey throw that I'm knitting on the bias. Garter stitch as usual because this yarn is so fine and I'm using 4 balls at a go. More than half done.
• DS' raglan jacket that I've yet to start
• DD's cotton blanket that's going to use almost 2kg of yarn. That's 2 balls of 10 colours in the pattern that she chose. Incidentally, she now prefers the wrong side of the pattern, LOL!
• semi-circle shawl using beautifully dyed tonal yarn that was on sale because it's discontinued 
• semi-circle shawl using deep grey yarn from a cone. Not so portable project that I tried to bring around. I'll just work on this at home.
• knit/purl throw in mustard and navy
• green shrug - I think I'll frog this
• variegated orange shrug - I think I'll frog this too
• rainbow coloured cowl - I think I'll frog this again
• knitting loom shawl - I'll need to figure out how to get it off the loom and I'll have another FO
• book covers wrapped with Uniqlo and Yacht 21 paper bags waiting for the inside covers and paper. I've yet to decide whether to stitch the book together or just O-wire the pages
• multi-coloured pages waiting to be sewn together, now that I've found the string and the wax. What stitch shall I use? Perhaps Coptic in a single colour so it won't fight with the colours and patterns.
• and there are simply too many UFOs to list. Yes, insta is good. Snap and post so you can see progress. My current phone has 13MP which is so much better than the previous 8.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy and continue crafting. 

Thank you for staying with me these years and hope to see you soon!

My book. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Well, not mine but I like it :-)

Struggled with it for about 3 hours, just for the stitching. There are no signature covers here 'cos I thought it would clash for attention so it's just plain white acid-free pages. 9 signatures with 7 folios give 252 sides.

I'll need to work on the horizontal lines. It's a good thing that this variegated thread is very bold against the white and covers so the letters are rather striking. Given my original choice of rose coloured thread, I don't think it would be as nice.

Have a blessed evening!

Becoming a bookworm

Usually, I bind books in stages, preparing a few books rather than complete one then start making another. Maybe I might do that some day but not now, not when I'm rushing to complete as many before Term 2 starts. 

Stage 1: cut up the board into smaller sizes, usually slightly larger than A5 or A6. I used to use 900gsm greyboards but now I've started using 1000gsm whiteboards. These white boards are easier when the fabric is light coloured and the background of the backing board matters.

Stage 2: prepare the parts of the book - the covers for the covers (LOL!), the pages, signature covers, charms etc. The covers (fabric or paper) also needs to be cut and glued onto the boards.

Stage 3: While the glue dries, I fold and cut paper into the right size, print lines if I need to. This part is quite monotonous and sometimes I do this while watching Criminal Minds or some other show to distract me.

Stage 4: The outside of the cover done, I'll need to do the insides of the cover. This is either a fly page or patterned paper covering the board on the other side. Glue goes on and I wait again.

Stage 5: Sometimes I press the boards after they're dry.

Stage 6: Decide on stitching pattern, draft if necessary.

Stage 7: Find thread and wax it. I've used polyester, cotton and linen. I like linen for it's strength, cotton for the colours. I don't think I'll use polyester anymore, now that I've found linen and cotton threads.

Stage 8: Poke holes in the cover (and flypage, if there is) and pages.

Stage 9: Sew. Attach charm, perhaps?

Stage 10: Press. Sometimes I press for a few days.

Well, there you have it. Bookbinding in a nutshell.

I'm toying with a series of bookbinding classes for the June holidays but let's see how things go in term 2 first. 

Covers: Wilmington's Bunny's Day Out fabric (front), faux suede (back), 1000gsm whiteboard
Pages: 80gsm, 2 shades of green, acid-free, 8 signatures of 10 folios, 320 sides. Unlined
Stitch: 7-hole coptic
Thread: waxed cotton, variegated green
Size: A5

Covers: Lecien's Happy Chihuahua fabric, 900gsm greyboard, 120gsm endpapers
Pages: 80gsm, 2 shades of blue, acid-free, 7 signatures of 10 folios, 280 sides. Unlined
Stitch: woven longstitch, kettle
Thread: waxed cotton, variegated blue
Size: A5

Covers: Wilmington's Bunny's Day Out fabric (front), faux suede (back), 1000gsm whiteboard
Pages: 80gsm, 2 shades of green, acid-free, 7 signatures of 10 folios, 280 sides. Unlined
Stitch: 7-hole coptic
Thread: waxed cotton, variegated green
Size: A5

Covers: Pattern paper, 900gsm greyboard, 120gsm fly pages
Pages: 80gsm, white, acid-free, 7 signatures of 10 folios with signature covers, 280 sides. Unlined
Stitch: 7-hole single needle coptic
Thread: waxed linen, 4-ply, Robin's egg blue
Size: A5

Covers: Korean quilting cotton, 1000gsm whiteboard, 160gsm flypages
Pages: 80gsm, 2 shades of green, acid-free, 8 signatures of 10 folios, 320 sides. Unlined
Stitch: criss-cross kettle/Coptic
Thread: waxed cotton, variegated green
Size: A5

Covers: Laminated pattern print, 900gsm greyeboard
Pages: 80gsm, white (one book) / rose (other book), acid-free, 8 signatures of 10 folios with signature covers, 320 sides. Unlined
Stitch: Coptic, Roman links
Thread: waxed linen, dark chocolate
Size: A6

Covers: Laminated pattern print, 900gsm greyeboard
Pages: 80gsm, white, acid-free, 8 signatures of 10 folios with signature covers, 320 sides. Unlined
Stitch: Coptic, Roman links
Thread: waxed cotton, variegated brown
Size: A5

Have a blessed evening!

Flutter by

I'm liking this combination of book and bag. Maybe I'll make such for the larger journals as I go. This way I'll use up more fabric? LOL!

Yet another coptic-bound hardcover book. I think I have about 10 to go. Ran out of glue and had to buy some this morning. Waxed linen threads have also arrived from Sweden. Fast shipping :-) Problem is, now that I've tried the variegated threads, I don't know if I want to move to linen. Linen's stronger but the cotton variegated threads are prettier. Hmm, why doesn't someone make variegated linen? Or maybe I've not found them yet.

Have a blessed day!

Book sewing fun

Decided to experiment with different stitches today. Deviated from the usual Coptic stitch. I like Coptic but I thought, with the variegated threads that I have, I'd try something new. The stitching isn't as neat as I would've liked it to be but it's a start. I think I'll try different patterns from now.

Added pagemarker charms too, to both of these (top and bottom)

Ran out of thread for the pagemarker. I think I can attach it manually though :-) 

Have a blessed day!

Sewing books

First I made the books.

These are saddle-stitched books with cardstock and unlined paper. I have so many shades of green, blue and pink left and even more cardstock.

Then I made the drawstring bag to put the books in. 

Then I made a larger book with a fabric over the cardboard and decided that it'll have it's own drawstring bag. 

What a lot of fun :-)

Have a blessed day!

Back to school

T'was a long CNY break, wasn't it? :-)

Made these before and during the break. The studs are those with the claws, not the iron on type. Each stud has 4 claws and I used many here :-( Wasn't easy bending the claws back. The journal was fun. This was done without the end-pages that's why there's only a single line out on the cover at each hole. I think the next time I do this I'll use double. Or maybe I'll just stick to end-pages.

Have a blessed day!

Coptic-stitched

It's been a long, long while since I made coptic-stitch books. I like making them, it's just that the elapsed time is much longer. Think... stick cardboard to patterned paper for covers then press, stick end-papers, pen-knife cut/fold papers and arrange into folios, punch holes in covers and papers, sew, press again. Each book takes a few days so I usually make them in batches.

I like the larger books this round 'cos I managed to find 3 different shades of pink. I still haven't mastered the camera's features to represent the colours correctly. Looks beige, ya?

Have a blessed evening!

Clearance sale now on on Facebook

I'll be taking on something new from next year for 3 years. It's something I've been looking forward to though I'm still waiting for final confirmation that it's on. It's going to take up most of my time so I'll have less time to craft :-(

I'll still craft though, but I won't be taking any more customised orders.

I'm clearing on-hand stock now on Facebook, selling some items almost at cost.

Check them out!

Triangle of Life

I once read an article on the triangle of life applied during an earthquake. The theory is to look for these triangles or voids and take shelter there instead. For example, if there's a sturdy cupboard against a wall, there would be a triangle of life right in front of the cupboard should the ceiling collapse as a single piece. Then, the ceiling would be propped up at one end and on the floor at the other, leaving that void. One of the examples they gave, other than sturdy large furniture, was to look for stacks of paper. Paper cannot be crushed and can withstand a lot of weight. So, it seems, a stack of newspaper would do at such times.

Thank God we don't have earthquakes here.

One other thing I know about paper is that it's heavy. Very. Especially when I have to lug it around.

I brought these to the NUS bazaar. There were a few queries but no one bought them so I'm listing them in Tiffany's Shoppe. Other than these 4, there were many other books so it was really heavy yesterday. Today, I'll just bring a fraction.

Just a bit of update about yesterday. I couldn't decide whether it was a non-event or eventful day, LOL! While there were very few customers, quite a number of people walked over and did a double-take at my stall then proceeded to walk past till I realized that the toilet was behind me. On my left was clothes. In front of me was clothes and on my right was, clothes. I had a quick glance around and it seemed like out of about 15 stalls, about half sold clothes. There was a stall that intrigued me 'cos it sold something that sure looked like bubble gum. I like bubble gum though the constant chewing would result in aching jaws.

But I get ahead of myself so let me do this chronologically. I arrived too early 'cos I went out with DS and DD. I tarried at the bus-stop doing my crochet till it was about 30mins before the official start at 9am. My first impression when I arrived was, is it over? LOL!

There were quite a number of tables/stalls all over the Central Forum. Some had tarpaulin-covered items, some were bare tables. Bare as in bare wood top with collapsible frame. Some had chairs next to these tables, some had none. Also, other than me and a group of undergrads, there were no other vendors. Anyway, I stuck around till on of the students pointed out my stall to me. OK, so with my punctuality, I ended up with the dubious honour of being the kiasu one who set up shop so early. However, less than 30mins after I completed, the rain came. With the gusty winds sweeping through the void of the Central Forum, rain was flying in, stuff also took to the wind. I kept evertyhing but set up shop again about an hour later only to sit there and crochet and crochet and crochet. On the upside, I had an enjoyable time getting to know the other vendors. Perhaps this was my triangle of life yesterday, my breathing space. Well, one more day today. Hopefully it'll be better, yup? *grin*

Have a blessed day!

Pretty in pink

What's your favourite colour? DS' red, DD's green. My three nieces like pink, purple and blue. I like yellow. I think I read somewhere that blue is the most liked colour.

Anyway, these 2 are pink. Bit of overload on pink, don't you think? I opted out of total pink pages. What you see are just the signature cover pages. It's white inside...*phew*, LOL! 7-hole coptic bound hardcover journals made from acid-free papers.

Have a blessed day!

First two

These are the first two books of this year, I think. It's been a long while since I've made a hardcover journal and this time I decided to have mismatched covers. Well, almost. I have another 3 on the way so you might see what I mean when I post the pics. I especially like the blue one. The blue sky contrasts with the dark blue denim print of the back cover. I thinking that I like the back cover more, LOL!

Made with acid free papers (except the ladybug paper). White papers are from sustainable forests. 192 pages, 6 signatures, 7-hole, coptic bound.

Have a blessed day!

How green can you go?

I have this fondness for notebooks. Not that I journal a lot or doodle a lot but somehow the feel of the paper or a cute cover catch my eye and make me stop and have a look.

I buy less notebooks now. Just bought some recently, but not for myself…phew! Now we have fun creating our own, using materials we can find at home or those in the mail. Waiting for mail is different now…LOL!

These 2 are A5 notebooks. Five signatures of 7 white and 1 green cover sheets bound using the coptic stitch. This is for someone who likes green :-). Green fabric cover, green thread, green cover sheets, sustainable forest paper. Circus print is made from linen and floral one from oxford cotton. 220gsm endpapers are green too :-)

Have a blessed day!

Two to go

I snack a lot. Sometimes too much. I like pearly soya from Selegie, doughnut holes (??) from Four Leaves, youtiao dipped in cold soya from Rochor, Ruffles and I think I'd better stop here, LOL!

Two coptic bound A6 notebooks with sweet treats hardcover. Seven folios in 4 signatures giving a total of 56 pages.
Have a blessed day!

Randomness

I'm wondering, if I Like my pic in this giveaway, do I get a chance to win this even if it's mine? Odd, right? The thing is, the randomness in the giveaway draws is done by http://www.random.org/. It's a really useful website that can randomnize (is there such a word?) lists or numbers and such.
What I do for each draw is build the list hours before the draw, taking from emails or facebook or from this blog, and build that list. I usually remove myself, DS and DD unless they specifically request to be in. With the list in the random.org site, I then click it a few times to see if it works. The nearest click to the agreed time will be the final one :-)
Anyway, on with the draw....this is a handbound A6 notebook. Fabric covered, hardcover, coptic-bound. Single needle over 7 holes. Some day I'll try the 4 needle method. Four signatures of paper from sustainable forests with coordinating fly leaves.
As usual, leave a comment here or Like the pic on facebook and wait till 30 July for the noon draw.
Have a blessed day!

Taking notes

I used to enjoy taking notes during lessons, writing in longhand with felt-tipped pens in various colours to highlight the different points. I doodled when I was distracted, or wrote almost verbatim when I wasn't. It was really fun then to fill up pages and pages of fullscap with notes. At that time, I drew more joy in having a stack of neatly written and colourful notes than having a complete set of notes for their contents. Of course, it helped during revision that I could read what I wrote.
If you're a student, I strongly encourage you to take notes. It helps with rentention of what the teacher has said and keeps you focused on the topic. You can even practice your handwriting, whether the speed or the neatness. You'll even get new friends who'll want to borrow your notes.

I've been busy the past week with these notebooks. All hardcover coptic bound notebooks with a mixture of white and coloured pages. You can't see it from this pic, but I like the book on top in bottom right pic. This group has pictures of patiserrie cakes that are so pretty, like a menu. Printed paper is from Tang's Art, if you're wondering.
Have a blessed day!

His Word is true

Cherish His promises to you as you jot your spiritual journey in this book. Adorned with biblical promises, it will remind you that, indeed, His faithfulness endures forever!

Single needle coptic stitch over 7 holes with 5 signatures of 7 folios each. Total 140 pages from sustainable forests.

Have a blessed day!

Being objective

DS has certain views that I don't quite agree with. The print of this cover is one of them. DS thinks it's the nicest one I have but I beg to differ. Perhaps it's a guy thing?
Since this is the first print that he likes out of the 7 I currently have, I decided to make him a hardcover notebook. Meant for him to take notes during class but he said he'll use fullscap. Don't want to spoil it, he said.
A note about this, one major factor in this bookmaking thing is not about killing trees. It's about appreciating what we already have. I've seen too many notebooks slightly used and discarded. I hope that with each book I make, the owner will use it from cover to cover.

Hardcover handbound A6 notebook with plain pages made from sustainable forests. Single needle coptic binding exposed on the spine using thread that matches the fly leaves and cover. DS' choice of starfish print on the cover. Five signatures with 7 folios giving total of 140 pages.
Have a blessed day!
ps: do you like Lego? We do. That's why there's so much Lego everywhere at home....LOL!

And it all comes together

I like sewing and I like bookbinding so what does that lead to? A fabric covered handbound notebook :-)

Korean import oxford cotton on the 900g cover and 80gsm paper inside. White unlined pages are from sustainable forests. Five signatures with seven folios sewn with single needle coptic stitch over 7 holes with coloured thread that matches the fly leaves.
Have a blessed day!

For burning!

That's what I saw on the box of the 132 column paper in office one day. I asked around and no one wanted and .... carted it home! Fast forward few years later, that box is now down to half but still a good 3 to 4 inches stacked height. And look what it's become!

Hardcover handbound notebook (13cm x 14.5cm) using the printer paper. Total of 6 signatures with at least 10 folios giving more than 250 pages. Honey lemon fly leaves and bound with exposed single-needle 7-hole coptic stitch on the spine. Not for sale 'cos it's a birthday gift :-)
Have a blessed day!