Stitch*Bookery

Mary Ann Moss

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STITCH*BOOKERY, which debuted in 2017, is my latest adventure in sewing on paper!  Hop on board and we’ll revisit the sewn page via an entire series of gorgeous new book structures.  Some are sewn into a spine with a fetching new bookbinding stitch, others are folded, wrapped, or tucked into a simple handmade book case.  The best part of all?  Having all of those scraps you’ve been hoarding for just the right project finally out of the storage bin and sewed onto the pages of books you’ll never get tired of poring over.

The stitched together books you create in STITCH*BOOKERY are considered a fait accompli!    When the last thread is cut, the books are complete.   Unlike visual journals or sketchbooks nothing more is added to the pages beyond the stitched collage, although you certainly could if the spirit moves you!

Throughout the class you will be on a hunt for paper among your collections, both vintage and modern.  You may look through your past archive of random loose scribbles, doodles, and paint swatches for inspiration.  STITCH*BOOKERY will not feature painting or drawing, however I will be encouraging you to sort through old practice sketchpads and painting scraps (if you have them) for loose bits to collage onto the pages of your books using your sewing machine.  if you don’t draw or paint rest assured any ephemera you have will be perfect!

Although the “live” session of class is over, you can still catch all the conversations/posts on the private Facebook group.  I predict there will be continued paper swapping, mail art exchanges, and a variety of different opportunities to interact with inspired class members.   If you choose to share your stitchbookery, or just chat with other craft monkeys you’ll be able to do that there.  Upload your photos directly to our private Facebook group, or Instagram #stitchbookeryclass

Click here to read reviews

Class Details:     

  • Registration is OPEN & ongoing for this archived version of STITCH*BOOKERY.
  • All of the class materials & videos are available for 1 year from the moment you register.
  •  1yr/  $62  $35
  • You will not have to be at your computer at any particular time.
  • Included in this video workshop will be instruction on binding a soft cover book with sewn pages, using a unique & lovely stitch on the spine.  A couple of easier alternative stitches will also be demonstrated for those new to bookbinding.
  • Video instruction on constructing a unique foldable sewn book in a simple paper case + a few other scrappy little books & foldables suitable for mail art (or your own amusement).
  • While there is no PDF for this class, the 2 videos with stitch instructions + will be downloadable and yours to keep forever.

Since the creation of STITCH*BOOKERY coincided with my trip to Lummi Island, I’ll also talk you through my process of making the travel journal for that trip.

Registration Process:

  • Click above to get started.
  • You will be taken to a “Membership Checkout” page. This page asks you to provide basic profile information, including your desired username, email address, a password.
  • If you don’t have a Paypal account, use the credit card option Paypal offers (no account needed)
  • Pay attention to the USERNAME and PASSWORD you select, you’ll need both in order to access the class.
  • Please note registration is automatic and access to STITCH*BOOKERY is immediate.  Bookmark this page so you’ll know how to find your way home.  If you ever get lost, all of the classes I offer are linked at the bottom of DFLA.
  • You will receive an automatic “thank you” email from me within minutes of registering, but you won’t need it to access the class.  If it doesn’t arrive please check your junk/spam folders.
  • If you are registered in more than one of my classes please note that these are all independent websites, thus your login details will vary from class to class.

 Suggested Supplies:

You may wish to use these items that i’ve used in the construction of my class samples.  or you may wait until you watch the videos where you will doubtless find ways to improvise using supplies you already have.

  • paper scraps of all kinds, both modern and vintage – see photos for examples
  •  an inexpensive sewing machine (no link provided because mine is not that great!)
  • spools of thread in various colors
  • book-binding needle & any color waxed linen binding thread like THIS   or you may use a tapestry needle   (or any needle with an eye large enough for the linen thread.)
  • for the book cases:  2-3, minimum size of  12.5″ x  16″ sheets of 140 lb cardstock – i’m using speckletone Kraft cover paper.  a friend and i split the 50-pack, but you can use any 140 lb weight paper patterned or plain that you like. THIS link is provided as an example only.
  • a pad of canvas like this one or 3-4 individual pieces of 12 x 16 canvas
  • for the book pages:  2-3 dozen sheets of modern or mid-century (but not antique) ledger paper plain or with writing – any size 8×11 or larger OR any kind of paper with a neutral background that you find pleasing.
  • 1-2 pieces of 22 x 30 90 lb. hot or cold watercolor paper like THIS
  • any kind of dry adhesive roller
  • lengths of elastic like THIS for a closure.  (or you can find elastic cord just like that at a sewing shop or on Amazon)
  •  2 rubberbands like THIS if you want one of your books to be attached to your cover similarly to a Midori “traveler’s journal.”
  • a decorative button
  • free-motion foot for your model of sewing machine IF you want to try free-motion stitching on paper.  I didn’t do it on my books, but my friend Pam is teaching a lesson on how to do it, so you can try it if you want! optional
  • for measuring and cutting:  scissors, ruler, pencil
  • if you wish to make a travel journal like the one I’m taking to Lummi Island you’ll need a scrap piece of leather thin enough to sew through approx. 4×9″ and a piece of canvas approx. 9×24″

the links above are provided as a courtesy only, i receive no compensation, monetary or otherwise if you should purchase from them.

Prerequisites:

  • This is not a sewing class, but a sewing machine will be required.  You’ll need to know how to wind and insert a bobbin, thread your machine, adjust the tension,  sew a straight line, and do some basic troubleshooting when problems arise with your machine.
  • high-speed internet connection and up-to-date computer are your best bet for easy access
  • ability to navigate a website

 Your Guide:

Howdy, I’m Mary Ann Moss.  I’m a schoolmarm by day and a lover of all things handmade.  I have bookcases filled with stacks of  visual journals, sketchbooks,  travel journals, and sewn paper books that have been hand-crafted by yours truly.  I am not a traditional book-binder, but finding unique ways to create books from scraps is a deeply rewarding experience.  Since 2007 I’ve been blabbering away about my art process to anyone who will listen over at my blog, Dispatch From LA.   Occasionally, in between sewing paper, keeping sketchbooks, traveling, teaching, walking, reading poetry to my cats, napping, and educating young punks, I get a big idea and turn it into an online class.  This is such a time.

Charity:

$500 of the proceeds from STITCH*BOOKERY were donated to the following charity: