Rebound my first folio block yesterday and it turned out way better than I hoped

I was redoing this old 1940s novel from a thrift store in Columbus, and the original binding was completely shot - the sections were basically falling out in my hands. After three tries getting the stitching tension right on my sewing frame, the finished block came out perfectly square and flat. That moment when you press the finished text block and it feels solid is just the best. What was your first project that actually came out right?

2 comments

2 Comments

victorcoleman8d ago

Gotta push back on this one a bit. Rebounding your first folio block that fast doesn't prove anything except beginners luck. Most people mess up their first couple projects way worse than that, and the blocks come out twisted or loose. But you're right about that solid feeling though, even if I still think you jumped into the deep end too quick with that 1940s book. Maybe start with something simpler next time, like a paperback reback, before tackling full folio work again.

the_jason8d ago

But what exactly did you see go wrong with it? I mean, did the spine just feel loose after a day or did the text block actually twist on you? Because I've seen people take a shortcut with the mull and end up with a block that feels solid at first but shifts around after a week in dry conditions. Curious if you check your blocks for warp before casing in or just trust the clamp time.