Long
stitch binding was the choice for my bind method. It communicated an eerie and
old fashion style of binding. Originally, i wanted to case bind my book but
chose long stitch binding after a few problems, due to not knowing how to case
bind. The process for Long stitch binding was extremely straightforward and
simple. It requires the basic tools to book bind, thread, awl, needle...etc.
Before starting the binding i first brought a piece of leather, which would act
as a jacket on the book. The jacket wouldn’t have anything on the front and
back. This decision to not have anything on the front and back is because the
book would feel more authentic and a book that appears to be lost in time, a
discarded book written and made by an unknown person. All these aspects together
will make the more eerie and haunting. Therefore you can’t see what the book is
inside but the users suspicion will get too much to the point where they have
to find out.
Leather
was the chosen material as it best suits a tradition style of book making. I
avoided all attempts to make the book look modern or contemporary. After
cutting down the leather and preparing all the holes for binding it came to the
thread. It took me a while to decide what kind of thread i wanted to use. I had
loads of ideas on experimentation with thread that would excel the haunting
nature of my book. I knew i needed thread that was vintage and looked warned
down as much as possible. After a long time searching on the Internet i came
across thread that had been dyed to give it a vintage look. It was perfect and
exactly what i was looking for. Then came to the binding. The binding was straightforward.
It was simply an in and out movement technique. Once you reach the end you bring
in the next signature and connect it all up and repeat this over and over. (I’m
not the best to explain the ins and outs of long stitch).
In
the end the final outcome for my book was great, there is a few thing i may
have done differently, if i had access to the resources or how to do certain
binding methods. First thing is, when the book is standing, the leather flaps
down as it's not been glued with a hard surface. I did think about this before
binding my book and knew this would be the outcome. The reason why i didn't
stick the leather to mount board is the authenticity of it. I didn’t want to hide
the material away. The leather material has an authentic texture and gives the
book extra character. Hiding away the texture will lose creditability and the
organic feel of having leather for the cover. Therefore i didn't want to hide
it with a cheap piece of mount board. Also it makes for a traditional style, as
the method of binding wasn't as experimental 50 years ago.
Another
thing i would do differently is the binding method. Originally i would have
loved to use case binding for my book but could due to me not knowing how to
case bind. I would have attempted it myself, but i wasn’t close to any printing
resources, so if i failed at an attempt i wouldn't have been able to give it
another try until a couple days before deadline.
Lastly
i would of used different paper. I explained in my development design board
about the different paper that i used. The paper i used for my book was an off
white colour but it doesn't look as old and vintage as i would of liked. The
problem was that my whole concept was to make my book look discarded and worn
down but then once you open my book you see this vibrant, colourful spreads.
The other paper, which i experimented with would of been a better option but at
that time i didn't use it due to the colour not being as vibrant but thinking
back now, it would of gave the book a vintage look.
Overall
my book communicates my concept extremely well and is a different style to your
ordinary book. Hopefully, people see the book as eerie, creepy and heighten their
interest to see what’s under the leather cover. If so then I've successfully
done my job.
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