Quilted Dust Jackets
Hey all!
Remember how we used to wrap our textbooks in paper, and those flexible book covers? Shoot! I remember when duct tape-art was all the rage and some enterprising classmate actually made bookshelves with that!
Well, recently I decided to pull from that generational collective-experience and make myself a few new dust jackets for some of my old books.
This year I’ve made it my mission to start clearing out the house for my mom’s sake. After roughly 20+ years in the same home possessions start to accumulate, and I think it’s been worrying her a bit because of the inevitability of downsizing.
As of now, I’ve tackled to dinning room; I’ve waded into the kitchen; I’ve shoveled through the home studio and my own bedroom (ashamed that my old pack-rat habits still haunt me with impunity!). And while we’re not even close to being finished, I’ve come across some precious keepsakes that need to be better protected.
Of those keepsakes are a small collection of old books.
A few of them I’ve long had in my possession as personal treasures. Books that were handed down from my mother, and given to her by her parents. Some of them I’ve acquired over time -because I am a nerdy little bookworm! - and they have been read to death as consequence of my favorite pastime.
But I don’t have the heart to throw them out…
So, what’s a girl with a sewing machine to do? Why, she looks for sustainable preservation methods, of course!
An abridged copy of “A Christmas Carol”
My mother and her brother was gifted this book by their parents when they were both still very little.
So, fun fact about me, I worked a brief stint at my local Half Priced Books…
And it was glorious.
At one point in time, it was my perfect dream-job. I had to leave, though, in order to short out some ongoing personal (and professional) matters.
But I loved my time there and met some of the coolest people, all while learning so much on the job. The biggest lesson being, some people do not take good care of their books…
And that was heartbreaking.
Someone tried to tape over a small rip in the jacket
The edges are also a little weathered, and note the slight discoloration from age.
For me, books represent one of the greatest weapons anyone can ever possess. An education, formal or informal, is one of the greatest equalizers in life because it empowers anyone, and everyone, to take charge of their own destiny.
Sometimes I still think about that moment when I first realized I could read. Actually read - meaning I could actually enunciate a new word I had never seen before that moment.
Now, due to a lack of life experience I didn’t always understand what the word meant in its context (I’m not afraid to admit that I taught myself the words to the song “Hellfire” when I was 5 years old)…
A few cover made in some of my grandmother’s old material. This is why creatives keep a seemingly never-ending stash!
Now there’s a sturdier little pocket to keep Grandma’s small keepsakes in. Originally I was going to make a separate pocket, but that would’ve added too much bulk and put extra stress on the spine.
The seams I deliberately sealed with a small, but removable, whip stitch. I also wanted to preserve the original dust jacket (a lot of people throw it away never realizing it’s part of the book’s value).
However, the fact that I could understand those words, even superficially, was exciting for a young grade schooler.
Ever since then, books have been one of my greatest, and life-long passions! The idea of losing any of them is just gut-wrenching to think about. Especially the ones I’ve inherited from my family:
A crochet guide that came straight from my Mammaw’s collection. It ended up in my possession after she passed away when I was 11 years old.
As you can see, I’ve consulted her so much over the years that she’s finally starting to show her age!
I really want to hold onto this one for as long as I can because it’s taught me so much in my time as a crocheter - and I haven’t even mastered everything within it yet!
And then there’s the books I’ve acquired on my own: the one’s I will probably be buried with!
It’s a book club edition, so it’s not as valuable as a first edition (if I remember correctly), but it was published the same year “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was released by the fabulous Loretta Lynn (RIP).
When I say I prefer Classic Country music this is typically what I mean…
Again, some tough discoloration that just comes with time, and some significant wearing on the edges of the dust jacket.
Whether or not country music of any kind is your jam, I highly recommend reading her book if you get the chance! She was a great writer, and a genuinely down-to-earth person who happened to be a singer.
As you can see, these types of book covers can be made in a variety of different ways; each is heavily dependent on the type of book you’re looking to protect, and the kind of damage it’s got (if any).
That’s why there’s a few important rules to keep in mind if you decide to start making your own:
the thickness of the fabric - for very old books with looser bindings, you’re gonna want to avoid using any heavy-quilting or thick, specialty fabrics. These could add more stress on the spine and cause more deterioration. In fact, if it’s possible, consider taking the book to a specialist first to get their recommendations. They may be able to offer more long-term solutions than just adding a fabric jacket.
Consider your type of materials - avoid using specialty materials, such as anything with sequins, beading, heavy embroidery - even cuts of leather should be reconsidered. These covers may look cool in the short run, but on older books they could end up creating more damage than offering more protection.
Clean and pressed cotton with minimal dyes has been my personal go-to since starting this experiment.
Remember to properly store your books at all times- upright on the shelves, with enough wiggle-room to slide them out; avoid extreme temperatures, damp spaces, and out of direct sunlight; just as importantly: never leave your book open on it’s spine (do this and I will fight you!)