See How Far I’ve Come
I’ve always liked books–the way they felt in my hands, the stories they told, the colors, the pictures.
And I liked writing stories, usually inspried by something someone said or a childhood memory.
I made fiber books, illustrating them with novelty fabrics and images I designed.
But then there are real books, ones with paper and covers.
I took some classes at Houston Quilt Festival one year and made several.
And then I got busy with other things.
The prospect of making a ‘real’ book was still intriguing.
I decided I would make a journal for a conference I planned to attend in Toronto Ontario.
I watched Youttube and scrambled amongst the piles of stuff in my sewing room (NOT a studio–it is a sewing room)
I bought some watercolor paper, cut the backing board in two for covers and glued fabric onto those boards, folded the paper. and then tried to think of how I would put it together.
Then Covid, the conference canceled and the parts of this book put aside as an UFO—
A friend was a member of the Hnadmande Book Club—and I joned—lots of Zoom things and on-line classes during Covid—
Now that conference is rescheduled and will be this weekend. And I’m going.
And I finished that first book.
I did not know I sholdn’t glue fabric directly to the bookboard—if that is even what it is. The glue has seeped through in spots, some of the fabric is not secure—-but look at that stitching—it was EASY! Although I must confees I had to sew the first signature in three times before I figure out how to hold it so it wouldn’t fall out before I tied that first knot.
But I also worked and finished this book.
Every book I make has a lesson to learn—and this one was about not using black book cloth for the spine. It was nearly impossible to see even with good lighting—but I did finish it.
These two books will go with me to Canada for me to draw and write in—memories of my trip. There might be a photo or two of the insides–when I get back—
Sylvia Weir Art 
I am a craft person, but wouldn’t have a clue about making a book. Well done for persevering!