Double Needle Coptic Stitch Workshop

At the September 12th workshop we had a second chance to make an exchange book from a previous theme or book structure that we missed making during the year. Or we could try something new. We had quite a collection of books including NORBAG 20th anniversary cards, different structures and alphabets.

Exchange books

Dolores G. taught the workshop on double needle Coptic stitching. Since it is our twentieth anniversary, she brought book covers in the shape of candles and we had ten signatures to sew onto those book covers. The overall size of the book was approximately 2" x 2 1/4" (not counting the flame of the candle on the covers). It was a tiny little book.

We started by folding ten signatures.

Then Laura used a jig to make the sewing stations (only two holes for this tiny book). 

We stitched the first signature to the cover and then sewed on the other signatures. We used what is called a sewing station that consisted of two holes. We had one long thread with a needle at each end and sewed back and forth between the two holes.

We ended by sewing the back cover to the rest of the book. (Sorry that you can't see what is being done very clearly.)

We all ended up with this little tiny book in any one of several colors.

Dolores also showed us how to make larger books using the double needle Coptic stitch. In our little books, we used one station (consisting of two holes, a single strand of thread and two needles). In larger books like this one, she had 3 stations to sew simultaneously.

We had about 20 people laughing and talking while working on our books.

September Workshop

CELEBRATE NORBAG'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

with Dolores Guffey

The first meeting of the North Redwoods Book Arts Guild was held in September 1995 and we even had a workshop that day! Fast forward 20 years and the Guild is alive and well. To celebrate, this month's workshop will be a simple Double Needle Coptic Bound Candle Book. 

You will have your choice of either a tweed or solid stitching pattern. The photos show the difference. The sewing technique is identical, just the choice of threads make the difference as seen in the photos.

This is an example of tweed binding using two colors of thread.

This example shows one color of thread for the binding.

     Note: This is a small book using only two needles. It will have 10 signatures measuring 2" x 2 1/2" so that by the end of the workshop, you should feel confident to later make a larger book using four or even six needles.

RSVP is essential. PLEASE respond to Dolores no later than Tuesday September 8 so that all the materials can be cut and ready for you to sew.

Materials to bring:

• Piercing tool (absolutely necessary). If you do not have one, they are available at Ellis Art & Engineering. Ask for a "needle tool used for clay". A metal one is $3. and a wooden handle one is $1.20.
• Bone folder
• Pencil and eraser
• Ruler
• Piercing cradle (extras will be available to borrow)
• Scissors
• Bees wax (extras will be available to borrow)

Instructor will provide:

• Covers & signatures
• Thread
• Needles, both bent and curved
• Instructions, including how to modify your own needles for Coptic stitching
• Examples of Double Needle Coptic Binding variations

Meeting Details:

• When?   Saturday Sept. 12 @ 12 noon
• Where?  Eureka Methodist Church @ Del Norte & F Streets
• RSVP     YES! by Sept. 8 to Dolores. See the newsletter for her contact information. She will respond to all emails.
• Cost       $1.50