The Splendid Sampler: Hitting the Books

The latest block, Happy Happy, came out today. It involves (in my version) piecing, embroidery and appliqué.

I decided as the blocks are getting more varied with greater room for interpretation that it was time to pull out the library. 

Here's a collection of technique books: machine trapunto, embroidery, stumpwork, ribbonwork, beading, crayola tinting, applique. I love referring to them because they are stuffed with index cards with notes and sample blocks. Old friends.

I look forward to experimenting this weekend.

Excitement Arrived in Today's Mail

A dear friend of mine sent me a fabulous package (talk about “antiparcelation”, Lauri!)  Inside were some fabulous pieces of her work (she is nimble with the ink and iron).  How long, Lauri, does it take you to setup and print a single-color page?  Honestly, I really am surrounded by some seriously talented friends!

She also included some fabulous quilt books.  But one made me cry…. The new Gail Pan book.  She is my FAVORITE embroidery designer (check out her free Christmas patten here), but she’s from Australia (where the cost of the books and shipping is very prohibitive).  I’ve wanted this book since I first read about it on her blog… and now I have it! 

I need to stitch!  I need to go home and pull out my Christmas embroidery and hang it up!  Why is it not the weekend so I can pour myself into my quilt room and start pulling fabric?!? I’m going to vibrate with anticipation for the rest of this very long work day!

I am blessed.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: A Book Review

It’s been awhile since I shared a book recommendation.  I miss my days handselling books at the bookstore.  This was a most excellent read, and I’m recommending you add it to your summer list.

As I described it to my sister, Lorna:

The book is light and dark.  Happy & sad.  But not heavy and oppressive. It’s a story about a man who owns a small bookstore on a touristy island.  But it’s not about the tourists. It is about tragedy and loss, the love of books, friendships and the specialness of book people. Plus a bit of a mystery, to boot.  It seamlessly spans about a decade of his life in short chapters – yet you never feel that details were left out.  I’m attached to the characters – I can see them as clearly as I see my neighbors.  I am sad that the book has ended.  

A Suggestion for Amazon - Hear It Here First!

A friend has been recommending this book for quite some time, and, browsing a bookstore yesterday, I spotted it.  I'm hoping to start it this weekend.

I LOVE books. I worked in bookstores for over 19 years, until the chain closed several years ago. I currently work at a publishing company (going on 13 years now).  I have oodles and piles of books in every room of my house.  I love the feel and smell and weight of a book in my hand.  But I also love eBooks - they are handy things to have at doctor appointments and such.  Yes, I know I can carry a book in my purse.... but I dislike carrying purses.  My phone, however, is always at my side.

So, my point?  I think Amazon.com should take a page from the movie industry.  I think when you buy a book you should be able to pay an extra bob or two for an electronic code.  Like movies, where you can purchase the DVD and a digital download, I think with books you should be able to get the best of both worlds, too.

That way, when I'm stuck in line waiting to buy a hot cocoa and my book is sitting in my bag in the car, I can pick up my phone and continue reading where I left off.

You heard it here first.

Spoiled Rotten!

SPOILED! I am. My very dear friend, who lives in Utah, sent me a care package of over a dozen gorgeous quilt books and calendars. I'm sitting here on my love seat, wrapped in a quilt with a cat on my lap, making plans!

I'm particularly fascinated by the Civil War book and current Christmas projects. I may never emerge from this quilt stupor.

See the card in the picture? From her personal printing press. Have I mentioned how talented my friends are?

Fons and Porter's Sew Easy

Have you been to this site yet?  Fons and Porter’s Sew Easy?  I learned how to quilt using the Fons and Porter Quilter’s Complete Guide – LOVE! LOVE! LOVE THIS BOOK! I even used it as a teaching tool when I taught others.

It’s out of print now and the techniques are a little dated.  However, over the last few years, I’ve been a religious visitor to the Sew Easy Lessons on their website.  These are typically onesheets, formatted to fit nicely in a binder, originally published in their magazines.  They demonstrate quick, accurate flying geese, easy hourglasses, etc and recently they’ve added video! 

These techniques have really saved me time and sharpened my accuracy.  I’m not affiliated – this is not a paid plug – but wanted to make sure all of you knew about it!

I Miss My Bookstore

Winter Makes You Think Of.... Log Cabins?

Like several other bloggers I follow, I received an email a few days ago asking if I would review the latest free ebook from Fons & Porter called Build Your Best Log Cabin.  You can get your copy here: http://www.fonsandporter.com/landing/free-log-cabin-quilt-patterns   

I knew I would love it (and not just because it’s free).  I’m a HUGE fan of Fons & Porter, and their log cabin ebook is layed out like their magazine: clear instructions with many pictures, size charts, suggested layouts, quilter tips and all the extras.

My favorite part is always the extras.  I love that they included history in the booklet.

They also included tips on quilting, piping, and lumpless binding.

Truth be told, though, I think it’s missing one thing.  In one of their issues several years ago was this FABULOUS pattern for a Texas Log Cabin. GORGEOUS!  I’ve been working on it off and on for the last two years. 

Click the link and get your free copy now!

Happy Stitching!Elisa

I Love My Reference Library!

What is the longest aspect of making a memory quilt using a loved one's clothes? Figuring out the best pattern to compliment them. Really. Sometimes I can be stuck for days or weeks. Things I have learned:

1. Separate all clothes that definitely will not work in the quilt (loosely knitted sweaters, fake fur colors, etc)
2. With the remaining clothes, place all clothes in XXL Ziploc bags so you can look at the patterns and colors when you are relaxing until inspiration hits. I leave my bags in my living room so I can see them in passing or can glance over while watching TV.
3. You want to make sure the pattern you select will feature the fabrics - the bigger block pieces the better so the loved ones can recognize the clothes in the quilt. Patterns based on baby patterns or flannel quilts work well.
4. Use your reference library.
5. Use your reference library.
6. Use your reference library.

While drinking tea from the mug your sister gave you, flip through your reference library. This includes quilt catalogs, magazines, quilt books, old calendars, clippings on your bulletin board. The Internet is great but it can be limiting - many sites tend to focus on a certain quilt type (example: sites that focus on Civil War repros, flannels, art nouveau, etc). A paper reference library gives you the gamut.

At least, this is my excuse each time I'm at the periodical checkout.

Happy stitching!

Elisa

p.s. When looking in the magazines, don't forget to look in the ads! Sometimes my best inspiration appears there!

E-Magazines & the Advent of the Digital Quilting Age

As you can see, Ginger is trying to help me pick my next project. Well, I'm not sure if she's helping or hindering...

As you know, my bookstore chain closed last Fall and many blame the popularity of eBooks - that there's no room for a brick-and-mortar store in the digital age. Even if this is the reason, I do like eBooks. I do a lot on my iPad (like writing this post), and it's very convenient to always have several dozen books at my fingertips.

Lately, I've been offered several of my quilt magazines in electronic format. I must admit... The convenience and shelf-space would be nice, but I can't convert yet.

• When I work on larger quilts, I like to copy the pattern and keep it with the project.
• There's no pull-out section for pattern pieces or quilting motifs. Even if I could print them online (not sure I can), but can you guarantee they'll still be in business when I get around to that project?
• Many are the same price or more than the paper copy.
• If I don't have a paper copy, I forget I own it (sorry Reader's Digest, Smithsonian, and Mental Floss for neglect!)
• How else am I going to spend quality time playing "the game" with Ginger! (You know the one... You try to flip through magazines and she tries to sit in the middle of them at the same time! She likes to crinkle sound her butt makes!)
• Plus an eMagazine doesn't have the same look, feel, smell..
• I've also had offers for embroidery magazines. Now, how do you transfer patterns?

I must admit, though.... I'd be tempted to convert if they offered video tutorials within the magazine itself. Wouldn't that be great? Missouri Star Quilt Co does some sweet tutorials on YouTube & their site, and they've just released an iPad app to view them more easily. I see a lot of projects in my future.

Wow! Digital age has arrived. I do use Electric Quilt (EQ6) and PDF blog posts too. So, my question for you, do you use technology in your quilt making? And does it make you more or less productive?

 

Happy stitching!

Elisa

 

 

World Book Night 2012

I just picked up my books for World Book Night 2012!

Per WorldBookNight.org:

World Book Night is a celebration of reading and books which will see tens of thousands of people share books with others in their communities across America to spread the joy and love of reading on April 23.

World book night was launched in the U.K. in 2011 with the hope of promoting literacy and sharing literary works to those that may not have access or means to attain them. The books were donated by dozens of American publishing companies & authors and the remaining expenses funded by several major corporations.


I just returned from a great Indie bookstore called The Book Beat in Oak Park, MI - we had a strategy meeting to discuss our plan of action for Monday. I will be distributing books in Ferndale, Royal Oak, and a local homeless group. My books are:

• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
• Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• Just Kids by Patti Smith
• A Prayer for Owen Meanie by John Irving

I'll let you know how it goes!


Happy reading!

Elisa

Another interesting piece of trivia from the website is:

Additionally, April 23 is UNESCO’s World Book Day, chosen due to the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, as well as Shakespeare’s birth and death.

Scrapper's Confession

Ok, I admit it. I almost did the most sacrilegious action a scrapper can do... I almost pitched two buckets of scraps. I'm bowing my head in shame, my friends. Last year I had the urge to purge (I'm very dangerous in these moods) and I donated 10 boxes of fabric to our local Doctors Without Borders group. Eying these two tubs of bits spanning decades.... Hmm... Why not? But something stayed my hand.

It was fate. Two months later I stumbled across this great book called Strips & Strings by Evelyn Sloppy. Now, I've never had an urge to make string quilts, but these were amazing! I even saw one made up at a local quilt shop.

Evelyn is brilliant. Most of the quilts I'm interested in require you to gather hundreds of strips ranging from 1" to 2.5" by 9" long. She has so many fascinating techniques involving straight sewing and creative cutting to make so many cool triangle variations!


So, I've spent the last few weeks picking out strips from my buckets and ruthlessly cutting through decades of fabrics (thinking to myself... what was I thinking?!?) Luckily Bonnie Hunter's advice kept scrolling through my head: if the fabric is still too ugly then you haven't cut it up small enough! Even my Millenium fabric "made the cut"!

I also found this to be a great way to finish off those remaining strips from my jelly rolls and honey buns. Even those leftover pieces of layer cakes cut down to a nice 9-inches. And, after trimming my strips, if the leftovers don't cut down to 2.5" square or 1 1/4" strips (for my Texas Log Cabin quilt), then out it went!

This is an awesome project to work on 15 minutes a day.... And we all know how much we can get done, don't we?

Elisa

It Came! It Came!

It came while I was away! Lately I've become addicted with Australian embroidery. It's whimsical; it's beautiful; it's brilliant. It's also very hard to get ahold of in the States.

Kansas City Star Quilts just published Anni Down's (Hatched & Patched) Some Kind of Wonderful. 

So much fun! I can't wait to get my needle polished and my floss un-knotted!

Tip of the Day: Ordering Quilt Books from Amazon

Have I mentioned how much I love books? I have bookcases filled with lovely bound treasures of inspiration!  Just ordered Bonnie Hunter's Scraps & Shirttails II*

*Disclaimer: I always buy from local bookstores when I can.  However, this treasure wasn't available through my local literary locale!

My big complaint, however, is that the book is $24.95 - just 5 cents short of free shipping!  Luckily, I know a secret.  If you ever need to add an item to meet the spend $25 get free shipping option, visit this lovely site: Super Saver Shipping.  Now, I have a book AND a glue stick on it's way - saving me $$ for another day!

Happy shopping!
Elisa

Books

Books to the ceiling,

Books to the sky,

My pile of books is a mile high.

How I love them!

How I need them!

I'll have gray hair

By the time I read them!

Isn't that the truth for quilt books! So many gorgeous gems! I just ordered a used copy of Strips and Strings by Evelyn Sloppy. Saw an amazing example of her work today at a local quilt shop!

Better finish binding these mug rugs before my order arrives!