9×12 Template Revision & Prototype 2 Preparation

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Revised the 9×12 template after identifying spacing limits in the initial layout and confirming that 2 mm remains the correct parameter for Prototype 2. Completed a full station map, validated the constraints of the 16 mm spine, and prepared the final layout work planned for Monday, including template refinement and leather preparation steps.

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Date: Friday November 14, 2025

Classification: Week 6 Day 7 | Craft Day

Made: 9×12 Binding Template (16 mm Spine)

After considerable effort, realized that 5 stations, 12 by 2, with 2 mm holes and 2 mm spacing will not fit within 16 mm. You’re probably thinking what I thought too, if I mapped that out first I would’ve saved myself the time, and we’re right. It’s also correct to weigh the practical experience gained appropriately.

After much deliberation, 2 mm spacing between each hole is the best test parameter for Prototype 2. I considered reducing the number of signatures by half and combining them. Those concerns are properly noted and will be detailed later, but for Prototype 2 we will not change signature quantity or makeup.

Before I left today, I drew the lines for the new template, which we’ll prep and complete on Monday. If things go well, we may cut and prep the leather as well.

Wednesday will be the first time all the accumulated practice, corrections, and tool upgrades from Weeks 1 through 6 converge into a single build. This will represent a small loop closure; a little milestone.

Personal Note

Time spent squaring things up, working hands-on with the materials, practicing accuracy and the refinement of motion. Something about that was deeply enjoyable. Not just a (e)motion. Both meeting, in their measure, a third cord: learning / refining. Moment after moment being ever-so-slightly more than what you were one moment ago.

Then I thought, I’m neither naturally good nor bad at this, just capable of learning in one of humanity’s finest traditions. Being markedly more than one was and knowing it not because another human told you so, but because you trace the evidence yourself, moment after moment.

It feels consistent with everything these weeks have shown me; evidence as the true measure of progress.