Passion for Excellence

Greetings Everyone

I’m very pleased to let you know that I’m now 3/4 complete the inspection process of LABYRINTH SUBLIME. I have looked at literally tens of thousands of pages to select those that are the finest. The progress is slow, but steady. To derive satisfaction, and to pace myself, I set daily goals for how much to accomplish. Everyday I am at my station from about 7:30 am through to 8:00 p.m. and sometimes as late as 10:00 p.m. to meet these self-imposed targets. Now that it is spring, and the morning sun is already so warm and the birds are singing so joyously, it’s getting harder, I must admit, to head into the Friesens plant knowing that I’ve 12 to 15 hours ahead of me indoors. However, I’m anxious to complete this phase of the project.

There’s a lot of excitement upcoming.

Felton Bookbinding has sent the first two production proofs which we’ll receive in just a few days! Keith Felton, master binder, emailed this welcomed news along with his observation:  “I have to say it is a very handsome volume. Congratulations to you both!!”  Truly, I can hardly wait to hold LABYRINTH SUBLIME and see how all the details we envisioned have come together!

What is a production proof? Using the preliminary pages, a proof is bound with the same materials and specifications as the final tomes will be. We review the proofs to reconfirm all aspects of the binding, the placement of the embossed designs and so on. We also use the proofs for measurement and fitting purposes to finalize the design of the accompanying linen presentation boxes.  

And other news is that Thursday and Friday, and the following Tuesday and Wednesday I’ll be back on press to reprint 10% of the pages to replace those that are marred by scratches, aqueous, or colour issues. In reality only 9 pages need replacing, but each is part of a unique four-page form. Thus, we have to print, cut, fold, and substitute all 9x4 or 36 pages in each book. Although more printing means more inspections, the end is now in sight. I’ll be done in early June. Then the book blocks (sets of pages) will be ready to ship to the bindery.

What a change to the weather in just a few weeks, from winter to warm spring, along with flooding between Altona where I am, and Winnipeg to the north. I did manage to take just an hour to photograph the Red River in flood and share the two photos below with you.

The rivers have overflown their banks. Bridges act as sieves catching trees and stumps on the upstream side. Much of the land is flooded, with elevated railways and highways staying dry, when all the surrounding fields appear to be large lakes. The main highway between Winnipeg, provincial capital, and the United States, has just recently reopened, having been flooded near Morris for several weeks.

I’ll be back in touch soon to let you know our reaction to seeing the production proofs!!

Pat joins me in sending you the very best of wishes
Rosemarie