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JP's Bible was falling apart. He liked this one because of the Concordance. I had boasted about owning printing press and he trusted me to re-do his favorite Bible. Here's what I did.

Local colleges don't offer Bookbinding!. So after I stripped off the old back and measured everything, I searched Google for Bookbinding supplies. A company in Alabama offered linen and the corded insert at the top and bottom of the signature. (That's what us bookbinders call the text). I cut these pieces and glued them in. I glued it on using PolyVinylAcetate (PVA) glue...like Elmers. Then I "overlapped" the linen which allowed about 3/4 inch sticking out of the sides.

Added the ribbon bookmarks. Glued in the ribbons before adding the top corded piece

The soft cover. Don't know if this is the right stuff to use...but it was found at a local fabric store. It has a "leather" look and feel. In side is a soft cloth. It cost about $7.50 a yard but then we aren't using that much per book! (Couldn't find anyone selling Morocco Leather!). I confess I made 3 of them before I was close to being right.

Wrong!. I was using the wrong needle and the wrong thread(upholstery). My sewing instructor taught me that I needed a "leather" needle on the machine and "all purpose" thread. To keep everybody in place I used wide masking tape. If this is wrong, please correct me. I sewed rather slow and checked the seam. I tend to make things too big! (Hey, I'm learning!)

Turning and Sewing the Border. This is the critical step. It can mean an incorrect margin either plus or minus!

Sewing the borders. Using a machine to turn a durable border

Setting the Signature. Using wax paper under the linen "ears' I glued the top of the linen and folded the front cover over. I put a weight on it and let it dry over night.

Testing glues. I am testing glues now and PVA doesn't like to stick to the surface of the vinyl. I would also like to "gold stamp" "JP"s name on the front. I have a small gold stamping machine. The chase is only 3 inches wide. So I need some 16 point or 18 point lead type. (I had tons of it and gave it away a few years ago!!) Don't need foundry type. It is more expensive. I set the temperature about 275 degrees F. (Note: if you have any used type to sell, let me know. Don't need the figures or accent points. Can be missing some of the letters but low cost is what I'm looking for. I'm a classic cheapskate. Please email me at (cactus@fairpoint.net) Better put "type" in the subject as I get a lot of vulgar stuff I just delete, OK? )Thanks.