happy bookshelf

Linen, Wool, Cotton (Akiko Mano) and Patchwork Style (Suzuko Koseki) are new books published by Trumpeter as part of their Make Good: Crafts + Life series. What a nice surprise to find them in the mail yesterday.



Linen, Wool, Cotton - Just as the name of this book is simple and straightforward so are the 25 projects in its pages. It's perfect for someone that is new to sewing. The book is divided into three chapters, and you guessed it, they are: linen, wool and cotton. The photography of the book is wonderful (if I could I'd jump in and live there) and the projects are very simple and sweet. The three projects below are among some that I'd like to try.

Slouch bag



Mary Jane slippers



Hanging pockets



Patchwork Style - This book has 35 projects that are more advanced than the first book. It is divided into 5 chapters: log cabin, appliqué, patchwork squares, free stitching and square appilqué. I like that there are many versions of small bags and totes. Very tempting.

Pillow cover and quilt



Tote bag



Red and blue party bags



Both books give very simple instructions and clear diagrams to go by. I don't have any Japanese craft books but by what I've seen in online book reviews these have that same peaceful quality to them. Love that.

Felting for Baby - Is another book that makes up the series. It would surely be on my shelf if I were to have another baby (not in the plans at all).

Funny how I keep getting sewing books (not complaining). It's like someone is trying to tell me something.

renewal

This weekend was, in one small and insufficient word, wonderful. I went on a retreat with a group of amazing women and couldn't feel any better. It sounds rather cliche, but it would be very difficult to summarize everything I learned and experienced. I can say that I have a renewed perspective on my life and more energy to move forward.

My only regret is that I didn't take a camera with me (hence the photograph from when I went there last year). The retreat center is such a beautiful out of the way place. You feel like you're a million miles away from everything.

But now I'm back and I need to tackle my to-do list. Have a great Monday!

mini-break

This is just a quick message to let you know that I'll be going out of town tonight and won't be back until Sunday afternoon. Any orders that are placed during that time will be delivered on Monday, April 6th.

I'll have no access to internet, no cell phone or even a watch during the time I'm gone. I'm also going with a group of women. No husbands and no kids. Woohoo!

Have a great weekend everyone!

time flies...

When you're having fun. I can't believe it's already April. April people! The older I get the faster it seems that time goes by. So... since the end of the year will be upon us before I know it and because several of you early birds have requested it (some since January), I'm getting my 2010 calendars ready. If you sign up for my newsletter I'll be sure to let you know when they are in the shop.

The pattern for my April letter is actually one that I'm going to get printed on fabric for cushions for our very brown living room. I'm dying to get some color in there.

Yesterday, Jena, the wonderful Modishblog editor, was so kind to publish an interview of me in her Modish Biz Tips section. All I have to say is that it's always easier to be asking the questions than to be answering them. Thank you so much Jena!

And don't expect any pranks from me today. I'm terrible at telling jokes (I either forget half the joke or ruin the punchline) and I've never been that great at April Fools things either. For those of you that are rearing to go, please be kind to your intended victims. Happy April Fool's Day!