Our last Embroiderers’ Guild meeting was a full day workshop led by one of our members to make a gorgeous book bound with what I know as French Link Stitch with the aim of using the front to showcase a piece of embroidery. I’ve used this stitch several times to make fabric books but it was my first time using this binding on paper and I love how it turned out.
Having only discovered at the last minute that I could actually make it to the workshop, I had to make do with the contents of a bag of fabric scraps that I had hastily grabbed on my way out of the door to find something to use for a cover. About the suitable only piece was this oddment of indigo dyed cloth that was annoyingly only big enough to fully cover one of the boards.
However, what was left would be big enough if it was joined… So I decided to do just that, using some natural coloured silk thread and boro/kantha type stitching right across the two pieces I wanted to join.
I really like the way it turned out, especially the way the join is almost invisible below the layers of stitching.
Then came the question of what to put on the front. I toyed with weaving scraps of indigo dyed cloth, but they disappeared against the indigo cover. Then I tried some beading on another piece of indigo dyed cloth, this one with a vibrant sunburst in the middle.
I like the sunburst and I like the beading but… next to the cover, somehow it’s not quite right. The indigo of the sunburst is a different colour and texture and if I did apply the beaded piece to the front then I would lose the marbled pattern behind.
In fact I like my boro mend so much that instead of making it the back, I’m tempted to make it the front and not add any extra embroidery at all.
Any thoughts?
Under A Topaz Sky 
I love it – make your boro mend the front!
What a gorgeous stitch that french stitch is- too bad it is covered- your blue cover is so beautiful in its simplicity-“)
Actually, it’s not covered. This is an open spine binding, so the lovely stitch is always on display!
Love the back as the front!
Absolutely agree: the boro mend on the front without any extra embroidery at all. It’s lovely as it is! 🙂
I think that’s a lovely plan. As I looked at it I realized that with this simple, but beautiful cover I would want to see what was inside.
I rather think I agree – that simple stripe of stitching is just right!
I really love the boro mend and think it will carry the story of the journal. Your fabric dye work stands on its own with the simplicity of your stitch and leads the viewer to the edges to see the beautiful mastery of the French Lilac Stitch.. well done!
I think either side would make an excellent front cover but I am leaning towards the simplicity of the boro mend.
I am glad you commented on my blog, I had lost your link. I don’t know why except it may be an issue for me to connect with WordPress on my tablet, but I shall try anew! Thanks for your comment, and now it’s my turn. I also vote for the back to become the front. Simpler is often better. I’m sure you will find a way to use the beaded sunburst as well, but I wouldn’t cover the former (?) back. 😉