Start Spreading the News

So I have had a secret for a little while.  And given that I have been erratic with my blogging (to say the least), it wasn't so hard to keep a secret.  But, as of June 1st, we were given the go ahead to let the world know about this AMAZING book and our blocks in it.  So, you see that book cover there ... I am in that book.  For reals.

I am so over the moon excited about this, I cannot tell you.

You see, most days I feel like I am the beginner's beginner with this sewing and quilting stuff.  I don't often get discouraged and pretty much always love learning new things but everything is new to me.  And I have to learn things over and over again.  I am not a "get it the first time round" kinda gal.  I have to say I am beyond lucky that I have friends who are willing to teach me over and over again (Hello, Deirdre!).

But even though I am the beginner's beginner, I am in BOOK!  That is such awesomeness.  And my block is a favourite of mine.  I mean I love it.  Not as much as my kids, husband or dog, but pretty close.

And even if I wasn't in Modern Quilt Blocks: 99 Quilt Blocks From Your Favourite Designers, I would buy this book.  99 different blocks!  All amazing!  Stash Publishing will have it available in October but I think I am getting an advance copy in August.  If I do, I will share.  Promise.

I am not sure if I can share my block but I'll give you a hint ... if you like working with all the different fabrics out there, you will like making this block.  Yes, you will.

L xo

PS - Others in the book, to name a few, are ... Fresh Lemons Faith, Thornberry, The Long Thread and Patchwork Duck Designs

Dare to be Square

Dare to Be Square Quilting by Boo Davis from Quiltsrÿche on Vimeo.

I may be late to the party on this one, but I just picked this book up yesterday and ohmygosh, I love it.  I haven't done a lot of solid colour quilting but this book may change that.  I absolutely love everything in this book.  And I am picky.  Which doesn't mean I don't pick up a book even though there may be only 2 patterns that I like.  But it does mean I am not quick to wholeheartedly, without reservation tell you to take a look at something.  

I am wholeheartedly, without reservation telling you to take a look at this book (or the video about the book - which, as an aside, I find very clever.  The whole video/book thing.  I used to review books for a national newspaper here in our sweet Canada and love all things books and, while the actual book will always be my first love, I am kinda digging technology as a means to get more people to read.  But I digress).

Take a look at this book because it is quirky and fun.  And has great patterns that everyone can do.  And is really well written.  That Boo has talent.  And from the patterns, I would guess also a great sense of humour.  Absolutely lovely, if I do say so myself.

I hope all is well with everyone.  We have a dog with a stomach ailment at Casa Cohen.  Restless nights to say the least.  Poor sweet Chester.

L xo

PS - In non-quilting book news, I am starting the Harry Potter book series (yep, all 7) again, for the 8th time, in preparation for the movie release in November.  Love them.

PPS - Boo's book is very cute and not offensive.  Her website may be for some of you (just sayin because I don't want to offend anyone).  I dig it because it shakes things up and I think that is a good thing.  Some may not.  (can you tell I am a lawyer, geesh, all the warning and waiver language ...)

For You Friday

Well, the posting hasn't been all that this week, has it? What with a new dog, a garden that needs some sprucing up, a job, and two children pretty much done with school even though we have 18 school days left, there hasn't been much sewing happening. But, there has been a little reading about sewing and knitting - right before bed with a 3 pound ball of loveliness beside me (that's Chester, in case you didn't know).  Pretty good way to end these busy days, I think.

So this Friday, thanks to my late night reading, I am sharing some crafty book goodness.  NOW, before you think I broke with the book plan, let me tell you that these were pre-orders (thank goodness for pre-orders or else my withdrawal would be even worse).  No new books, fiction or non-fiction were purchase by me for me this week.

Anyhow, here are my new favourite crafty books (in no particular order)  ...

Oh my gosh, it does not get cuter than this book.  The little birds are beyond sweet. There are patterns for mini quilts and embroidery and a whole bunch of other birdy goodness too!  Love it.

 

I bought this book on a whim and I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised.  And unlike most craft books I buy, I think I could make practically everything in this book (I am an overachiever, in case that hasn't been made clear yet).  There are 35 projects, just so you know.  This book is full of great ways to use up all those fabric scraps.

I am back at loving knitting right now.  It is easier to watch tv with my husband when we are both in the same room and I am not in front of a sewing machine.  (TV season is almost over though ... more sewing, perhaps? Probably not as the weather is too good to be inside).  This book is full of lovely "take with you" projects.  Since it is very difficult to take a sewing machine wherever I go, taking knitting fulfills my incessant need to always have something crafty in my hands.

So there you go.  Some crafty goodness for your Friday.

L xo

PS - Little Birds book is published by Stash Publishing.

PPS - Sewing Bits and Pieces  is published by Wiley

PPPS - Kntting 24/7 is published by Melanie Falick Books.

Could You Do It?

So this is a non-fiction book written by Susan Hill about the year she decided not to buy any new books but rather read the ones that she already had in her house.  And in the end, she compiles a list of the 40 books she can't live without.

FOR A WHOLE YEAR, PEOPLE!  Now, that would be hard.  I buy books even more than I buy fabric.  I love reading (I know you already know that).  Not buying books?  Hard to imagine.  But I have a lot of books.  Like a lot, a lot.  So it wouldn't be as if I couldn't find something to read.

Could you go an entire year without buying that "thing" you like so much - books, fabric, shoes ...

I am going to give it a try.  I am going to set myself the goal of no books until the end of the year.  That doesn't include books I may need for educational purposes.  And I can swap or borrow books from kind souls who take pity on me because I haven't read the latest and greatest.  And it doesn't include books for the boys (although they are armed with plenty o' gift cards for the local bookshop, so they will be fine).  It can't include books as presents either (hint, hint).

Kinda crazy, don't you think?  But I think it will be good.  And after I read a book, if it isn't a "you have to read this" kind of book, it is going to the local Sally Anne.  It is a de-cluttering project of sorts.

L xo

PS - You know what else I am going to do?  No fabric until the Fall (September-ish).  I have a ton of projects I want to do and have everything I need to do them, so I should be fine.  Again, no fabric doesn't include swaps or gifts. 

PPS - I may need help.  Professsional help.  I'll let you know.

EDITED TO ADD - PPS - My fabric diet does NOT include my preorders of Tufted Tweets, Bliss, Castle Peeps or Far Far Away II .  I am sure you can understand why.

Reading

I love reading. It is my favourite thing to do. Right now I am reading "Cutting for Stone". It is amazing.

You should read it.

L xo

PS - When I say I am reading this book, I am not lying. Right now, I am on a plane to New York and, if I was a betting man, I'd bet that I am reading this book. Unless the Ativan has kicked in, in which case, I am sleeping. I told you I don't like flying ...