DIAMOND X WORKSHOP

The Diamond X binding stitch is an eye-catcher, especially with the addition of a bead in the middle of each X. Becky Luening led us in a very informative workshop to create wonderful three section journals with a pleated spine that showcased this stitch. More than 40 members from across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. participated. Many thanks go to Becky for her detailed instructions and for showing many variations that can be used with this binding method. Thanks also go to our Tech Coordinator, Bobbie Hayes, for keeping the workshop running in an organized manner.

Becky Luening

Becky demonstrating the stitching pattern.

Here are some examples of journals that were made during the workshop.

Mary Conley's very lovely colorful book.

Edge Gerring used different colored accent beads.

Michele Kamprath

Michele used her beautiful eco-dyed paper for the cover.

Margaret Beech demonstrated the stitch without beads.

Bonnie Julien included the instructions in her book.

Emmy Nelson

Emmy's gorgeous wet cyanotype covers.

DIAMOND X BINDING

Becky Luening, our member from Portland, OR, will teach us a 3-signature journal at our November workshop. This structure has a pleated spine with the "Diamond X" stitch described in Keith Smith's 1-2-&3-Section Sewings: Non-adhesive Binding Vol. II. Becky will present a few variations before leading participants in preparing their covers and signatures, and then executing the Diamond X binding. Please prepare your cover and signature papers in advance. 

Supplies:

For the cover, choose heavy paper (e.g., watercolor or printing paper) that can be folded easily but is somewhat stiff and sturdy. Something colored or decorative. Cut to 18" wide by 7-1/16" high, grain short. (Note: If your scraps aren't quite big enough, the width can be reduced by a few inches; 18" allows for a full turn-in.) Optional: Line your cover with decorative paper using adhesive and overlap 1/4" to create a decorative edge on outer cover, top and bottom.

For the three signatures of five sheets each, start with 16 sheets of 8-1/2" x 7" paper (i.e., 8-1/2" x 11" paper, trimmed down); the one extra sheet will be used to create the jig for the binding holes. Note: you can use fewer sheets or more sheets per signature, depending on how many pages you want in your journal. Just figure the same number for each signature. 

Tools & other materials (plus papers above):

• pencil & eraser
• ruler
• sewing cradle, or alternate, such as a phonebook
• awl
• linen or embroidery thread (5 to 6 feet)
• beeswax
• scissors
• tapestry needle (apporx. size 22 = big enough for your thread, but small enough to pass through your beads, if using)
• 12 beads (optional; if using, make sure your needle and thread are able to pass through the bead hole twice!)
• bone folder
• X-acto knife or similar

When:    Saturday, November 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific time 

Where:   On your computer, tablet or smartphone via Zoom

RSVP:     To Dolores Guffey by Nov. 8 to receive the link, password

              & Becky's instructions 

Workshop questions: Becky Luening

Zoom questions: Bobbie Hayes

Contact information for everyone is in the newsletter