bookworms and such....

I have not completely given up on this blog, but it does seem as the time in between posting is further and further apart... I have been working along in the studio quilts have been finished another almost there... and in between the sewing there has been a great deal of gardening and enjoying the summer. Something about summer naturally makes for a slower pace, the long days must have something to do with that. I am off to the beach next week and am really looking forward to some time away by the water. Eventually the quilts will be photographed and posted as for now... some book talk! 

I was anticipating both of these books being released. They ended up coming a week apart and I really read both of them. With quilting books sometimes it is easy to flip through them and just look, but both of these ladies did an amazing job writing about the art of sewing quilts, and their passion came through the books. The first is Carolyn Friedlander's Savor Each Stitch, she was able to write about sewing from a fine art perspective. I think that is something that needs to be done more! I was so pleased with the writing, the quilts!!!! her work is brilliant! her fabric is brilliant! and hopefully one day I will meet her! the photography in the book was also lovely, all done locally to where she is from. I love that she is so passionate about her home, it makes me think of how I feel for Richmond. 

The second book is Make and Love Quilts, by Mary Fons, I began following her through her magazine Quilty, and have since started reading her blog. As a writer she is wonderful, it is really more what she began doing, and as a quilter I love her use of tradition in a modern way. 

These two books different as far as the quilts and projects go, but both ladies are a giant inspiration to me, and they help define the modern quilt world in the art world in my opinion. I will keep these two handy and refer to them often, they are must reads for modern quilting, sewists!

book worms

My sister came up with a challenge to a couple of us Harry Potter fans, starting April first we started reading from book one and we are reading all the way through to the end. Of course she already finished... I am in the middle of book two. One of my best friends gave me this awesome set of the books for my birthday last year and what a good time to break them in. I love the illustrations on the covers and the back of these each have another great image and a quote from the book. 

I have read the Harry Potter countless times, sometimes the entire series other times just parts of them, it has been a while though. I must say it is like meeting an old friend for coffee... picking up where you left off and before you know it three hours are gone... yep that is what reading HP is like. I had forgotten some of the details its great to get back into them, and I love a series!

Thought I would share my little guy, he was shivering the other day so this was our solution... and he resumed looking out the window. 

February

This Gnome is the best image that I can find to describe how I feel about this month. In general February is just not a great time of year for me... I did meet Sandra in February, four years ago so that did help make it better, and it does make me smile to think of those days. Other than that, I really could just skip the cold, miserable month, that occasionally has a missing day. We have had a much colder winter than normal here in RVA, and while I know that we are usually spoiled we have been cold and even had some snow, sleet, rain, mess this year. I know that some sewists, and artists love days like this to sit in inside and make... I have to agree a rainy day is great, but I could live without the white stuff, not really a fan, (and that is putting it nicely)! So while I long for warmer, longer days I have been cutting up and sewing some things, and trying to gather inspiration from anywhere that I can. 

A few weeks ago I found this gorgeous vintage quilt at an antique store, I was half tempted to buy it, however I keep reminding myself, "I can not rescue all of the old textiles in all the antique stores and estate sales, because that is how hoarders are created." I did take a picture to remember the simple lines of it, the pale colors, paired with bold accents and the aged fabric, so soft. I am putting this around 1930-1940 based on the colors, the pattern and the fabric. It looked as if some of it was made from cotton shirts or even old pajamas. I love finding a textile that is as relevant the day it was made, as it is today. This quilt could be in a modern quilting magazine as easily as on a 1932 bed. It looked to be all cotton and wool batting, sewn and quilted by hand.

It is on my list to get outside and photograph some finished quilts, but in the meantime I started this... All of the hexagon "fabric" that I have been making over the past year, from my scrap bin has now been cut into squares. I am framing each square in a pale fabric and can't wait to get deeper into this project, so far pretty addicting! 

Of course there has been some reading while trying to keep warm. The Country Living, U.K. edition never seems to disappoint, with the most gorgeous covers and great articles. I could almost climb into that room! 

And finally on the book front I have been working my way through this... Wally Lamb's new book. He is such a brilliant writer that does not leave out one detail. I have read all of his books, and while they are not really "fun" reads they do spark a different feeling of depth into the characters lives. It is a bit of a slow read for me, a few pages here and there, but sometimes that is exactly what I want... a book that takes a bit of time, sort of like this winter...

Bookworms

After watching the second movie, I decided to start reading the Hunger Games Trilogy, I know I should have read it a long time ago. I honestly did not think that I wanted to read it, until I could not wait any longer to find out how the series ends. I must say that from a book to movie conversion I think that they did a great job staying mostly true to the story. Of course there were a few details that movies left out, but for time sake, it made sense. 

I zipped through the first two books and while there were parts that were really hard to read they were a breeze compared to book 3. I thought it was so dark and sad and barely ever had a good moment, even the end was bittersweet... I was so upset with some of the people that they she killed off. I am fascinated by how such a dark concept with a dreary story line, has won the hearts of so many. I love that there are books like this that get the younger generations to read, and that now I have something that I can have a conversation with them about. Definitely worth the read. 

post book-dom

At the beginning of the month I finished reading the latest book in the Inspector Gamache Series by Louise Penny, How the light gets in. As expected it was wonderful! Her books are well written and interesting and this one tied up some loose ends from the previous books in the series. I love how visual her writing is, you can almost feel the places that she is writing. In my opinion that is one of the signs of a truly good book, feeling as if you have escaped into whatever world, place, time, that the book is taking place in. That is the reason I love to read sometimes, the escape into other places. I did feel some sadness when I finished this book because it might be the last in the series, and after nine books in the series I was really loving the familiarity with the characters. Hopefully there will be more... 

I have been on a reading rampage lately, and after I  gave myself a few days to mull over the ending of the last Gamache book I jumped into Dan Brown's Inferno. I love Italy and art and Brown's books are so well researched that they make even the art historians enjoy the story being told. The latest is definitely my favorite, over the past 2 days I have almost finished it. I am sure tonight I wont be able to sleep until the last page! It is so well woven with what is happening in the world today and Dante's Inferno. When I am done I may re-visit Dante's Inferno it has been some years since I have read any of it and it is still a mesmerizing depiction of hell, and humanity. Inferno is definitely a great read and one I recommend, just be ready to give up 2 days to it.... because it is impossible to put down! 

book worms

 I have been productive in the studio the past weeks, the garden looks pretty good considering the summer weather has taken its toll on it, and the days are getting shorter again. In August I always notice  the change of summer and fall peaking through, even though it is still hot, the nights are longer, and the trees are already spitting their leaves. I love this time of year, I love late summer and fall. I am taking it in each day, trying to work a little in the studio and get some time outside too. Here are a couple of books that I have been reading lately... When I am not sewing or playing in the dirt. 

I have been reading a lot of books the past couple of months,  which is nice. For a while I seem to have been floating around looking for a great book and finally last fall I found this series, which I have written about before, that is a well written collection. They are the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, and I have read seven of them so far. There is one more I just started and in late August the next one comes out. She writes beautifully describing things in such a way that you feel as if you are in the tiny village in Canada. It is always nice to find books that are written so well that you feel as if you have been transported to where ever they take place. I really recommend them, they are classic type mysteries but the is so much more to them than the average mystery.

After being stuck in the airport for two days I ran out of things to read and bought this. The Art Forager

by B.A. Shapiro, I finished it quickly, it is definitely a nice fast read. The book  is based on the Gardener museum art theft that occurred in 1991. It pulls from real life and makes a work of fiction. I love Degas artwork so reading about him was neat. Since one of my favorite movies is The Thomas Crown Affair this was a perfect summer read, it encased some of the elements that I enjoy about art thieves and the art world. 

2013... relax?

I seem to have started this year a bit sickly... I am the one that never gets sick, and usually runs circles around those that do get colds, flu, and any other nasty thing... well it seems to have hit me hard this new years. It started a few days ago and my nose is so sore from the blowing and sneezing that I no longer know what to put on it. Anyhow this being sick "thing," has allowed me to catch up on my reading. All of my January magazines are read and put away, the blogs are read and caught up on, the websites I have been bookmarking have been read and studied, and I even finished and started another book. If there is one thing about being sick that isn't so bad, it is that I am forced to sit and relax. I often times have problems with that, and I wish that I could do it on a normal day... I guess that is what resolutions are for, and that is one that I can always work on.
So the books I have been reading lately are a mix of mystery, history, and small town life. I love the way that the writing takes you to a small town in Canada and makes you feel as if you are there. The books are by Louise Penny, who is Canadian herself, and has written many books in this Inspector Gamache series. I started reading them in the middle by accident, not that they need to be read in order to make sense, but small details to make more sense now that I am reading them in order. I love the way that these books are written so visually, and can't wait to read all of them. I do love a good series!

The first in the series is Still Life, which I just finished and it lived up to my expectations, The Brutal Telling, is in the middle of the series, but was the first one that I read and it got me hooked with all of the interesting details. Definitely a good series to check out if you are looking for your next book. 

words and books

I have been pretty obsessed with Heather Ross fabrics, designs, and even the surfboard, for a while now. I love her use of borderline childish and kitsch designs in such an elegant looking way. Everything she designs looks classic, and aesthetically pleasing. For the past couple of months I have been trying to buy her old, out of print, fabrics from etsy, and any online reference that still has them. While they have become pricey, I have found most of them and love using them in special projects. 

I was excited when her new book came out, Heather Ross Prints, It has a complete reference in the back with all of her prints, new and out of print. Along with a CD that can work in the computer to upload fabric designs to anything including fabric, wallpaper, wrapping paper, and stationary. I was especially excited when Sandra ordered an autographed copy for my birthday, complete with a Gnome drawing! So in love with this book! 

Another book on my birthday list, that I received was the new autobiography of, Kaffe Fassett, I love his use of color and pattern in his work. He is an interesting person with a rich history in the textile world. I can't wait to read this! 

I have been on a huge book kick lately. For my birthday I asked Sandra for a long list of them, and sweetly I was gifted all of them, complete with some signed copies!! Along with art, making, and decorating books, I have been reading up anything that crosses my path lately. Inspiration from words in books, magazines, blogs (I love the mix of words and photos in blogs), and anything else that crosses my path. I love the inspiration that can come from words on paper. One of my favorite things to do is to stay up very late into the wee hours and read.

bookworms... and inspiration

"Little stitches" by Aneela Hoey and "Zakka Style" compiled by Rahida Coleman-Hale 

I went to my front door this morning to discover that the books that I had pre-ordered were sitting there. I love it when that happens that you get yourself a little treat and it magically appears after you forgot you ordered it. After reading the blog of Aneela Hoey for a while now I had to have her new book. Her patterns and ideas are sweet, fun, and remind me of being a child.... when things were more simple and innocent. You can check out her blog right here: http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/. The other book is Zakka Style, this book has been popping up everywhere so I decided it was time to try the Zakka way. Which basically means small projects, which has been my way of working lately. 

Later this afternoon I had another knock on my door and it was the Fedex guy, it was like an early birthday today or something... My new sketchbook came in the mail, full of thick, clean, hand deckled pages, isn't she lovely... It is from Rag and Bone Bindery, I love their products! I was introduced to them in high school when I worked at an art supply store and ever since there isn't a hand bound book that compares. They actually hand bind each book, album, or anything else you can order, and add the fabric of your choosing. I have had sketchbooks of all kinds but my favorites have been Rag and Bone, and from now on I think that I will use only theirs. The size is perfect, and the pages are a thick cotton paper. Beauty.

Found this while cleaning last night... Forgot I even owned it, but so glad I re-acquainted myself with this gem from the 70's if you can get over the crazy colors and silly outfits, this is a great reference to refer to and has some interesting techniques and uses for applique in it. 

Love this page, and look its more HEXAGONS!

Oh, and can't forget the LOG CABINS!

six sided addictions

Hexa go-go by Tacha Bruecher 

Ever since my circle days I have stayed away from projects that involve hours and hours of tiny little pieces to make a whole... However my compulsive nature usually brings me back to projects like this, especially because it is something that I can work on and then put down if need-be. It is also nice to have a project I can take with me, when I go places. 

So here I am again making tiny little shapes, hexagons this time I really want to make a story line with them, and perhaps some geometric pillows and such. Not sure on the exact project yet but I did go get this book for inspiration the other day and fell even more in love with the idea! It is by Tacha Bruecher, the images are gorgeous and inspiring. I usually do not copy a project from a book, I am very bad at following other people's patterns, however I love books like this for inspiration, and to draw ideas from. 

Page from Hexa go-go 

Page from Hexa go-go

Today I finally pulled out my little hexagon paper pieces that have been collecting dust on my shelf for some time now, and started to make these... 

I think I am in love, I may never use a square again... well... I do love squares too, but I am really excited about these and can't wait to piece them all together.

The fabric I used for these is by Aneela Hoey, I used her fabric once before, without really paying attention to it. Recently I have really fallen for it though and have amassed a nice size collection of it. Her innocent, sweet designs lend themselves to projects like this. Small little tid-bits of a larger story. 

Must go now lots more hexagons to sew up while I watch the Olympics. Did you guys see the opening ceremonies, loved the field-turned industrial revolution! 

book worms

I finished the "Lace Reader" last week, and I must say that book was worth it in the end. The last few chapters make you re-think the past 300 some pages. A really smartly written book, and it was full of textile references which I loved! I have now moved onto the second book in the Steig Larrson series, "The girl who played with fire". It is unfortunate that he passed away shortly after writing the trilogy of books, I am so glad he finished these though. I read the first in the series a couple of months ago, and while it took me a while to get into it, once I did it was an addiction. The movie version was alright, however like most stories so much better told with ink on paper.

book worms

A while ago I came home to find one of the sweetest presents for me. A couple of books and a gift card to Starbucks. It was simple, but reminded me that sometimes taking an hour or two out of a day to sit and be swept away by words is worth more than spending time rushing around. This book, "The lace reader" was on of the books and I have finally been able to read enough to get into it. The book speaks of a group of women from Salem, Mass. that can read fortunes in lace patterns. The whole book speaks of the special lace, and how it is made. It is a mixture of mystery and antiquity. A lovely book to grab for a summer tote.

addictive bookworms...

Are you ready to forget everything that has to be done in your home, at work or with your friends and family? Are you ready to be completly immersed in a book with no ability to escape it??? Are you sure... Well then you really should try these books by Stephanie Meyer. I have read the first three in a month and am on number 4 right now. I think they must put drugs in the binding.

bookworkms

I held off for a long time, from reading this book. I am not usually interested in reading things that everyone else and their mother for that matter are reading. However I decided to pick it up, and low and behold... I am ADDICTED! I finished the first in the series in a few days and am well into the second book. I can see the appeal that so many are attracted to, not to mention it is light and fast to read. I also went to watch the movie last night. It was good, not as good as the book (not surprising). But definetly worth watching. If you are looking for something new to read check it out. Twilight by Stephanie Meyers.

post-book-dom

After finishing the Big stone Gap series of books, I felt like I had post-book-dom depression. Defined as; finishing a series of books that was so great you wish it never ended. I had it after reading Harry Potter, and The time travelers Wife too. So I had started reading the elm creek quilting books, however it was not catching my attention, something about the writing. So after a period of indecisive-ness I finally found some books to read and got four of them today. Now the only problem is figureing out which one to read first. Along with the books they had some really cute totes at Barnes and Noble, shown in the back of the photo.
After the bookstore I went to the fabric store and noted two things, JoAnn fabrics is horrible and JoAnn fabrics is horrible!! They did not have seam tape makers, what I was looking for and no one wanted to help me. So after wandering the store aimlessly for a while I purchased my thread that was on sale, and left.
This semester could not be over soon enough, I think I was ready for the end somewhere in February. The work load is being lifted little by little, and I am really excited for a summer off, only work, and LOTS of MAKING!!! Can't wait!

the end of a series

I finished reading the last book in the Stone Gap series a few weeks ago, but have been busy and unable to post. the last one was lovely like the other three. I am sad to be finished with these books and hope that maybe one day Trigianni will write one more. There was a quote that I loved and want to share:
"I give Etta my mom's sewing kit, a square tin box filled with bobbins of bright thread, shiny gold needles, a silver thimble shaped like a hat, and a small pair of gold trimming scissors with the rosebud design on the handles worn away from use..."

This reminds me of the sewing boxes I collect and all the intersting treasures that live within them. A nice end to a series.

little notes...

Today I finished the third book in the Trigianni series I have been working on. These books are written beautifully and in such a manor that they really do tell a story, which I think a lot of books right now are lacking. It has finally started to feel like spring around here, it has been in the 60's every day this week and I am loving it, even though it is not going to last the weekend. I am officially on my spring break from school and I have to admit it is nice to have a week where I do not have to think about that place. This semester is really not very much fun, the classes are a bit dull and the professors and not my favorite. Anyhow, on a good note I am almost done re-einforcing the quilt so I should be well on my way to finishing it soon. I will post more of that later.

bookworm

Last week I finished the second book in the series by Adrianna Trigianni. The first one in the series was about the past and how it pertains to the future, in this one there is an underlying theme about letting go of things, in order to move ahead. I love the way that she adds underlying themes into her books and how they flow. They really are well written stories.

book worms

I just finished reading this book, Big Stone Gap, last night (the one above), by Adriana Trigiani. When I picked it up in barnes and noble I had never heard of the author or the book, but I thought hey why not. It takes place in Virginia, in the blue ridge mountains and I thought it would be neat to read about somewhere that I am familiar with. This book was really a nice escape, one of those books that goes quickly and pulls you away from reality for a little while. She writes the story in a way that you can feel and see what she is talking about. There is a little bit of a romantic aspect to this book, but it is not sickening and overall it has more to do with how the past pertains to the future than anything else. There is also a lot about family and roots and how it makes us who we are. I did not realize that these books were a series until I was half way through the first, but I have to admit I love books in series. I am always so sad to part with characters when books are finished, with series they stay with you for a little longer. Check it out if you are looking for a new book to read.

neat finding

Yesterday I went to 3 quilt stores on the central virginia quilt tour. I was excited to see lots of fabric, get some ideas and purchase fabric for a bag I have been wanting to make. I enjoyed the tour, and did not go crazy buying fabric. However I did finally get the fabric to make my bag. While going to these stores, I discovered a half priced book store in Richmond. These images are from a singer sewing book that I got. The book is a great tool on sewing, but these images are what got me. They are so charming and sweet.



I have so many ideas for sewing and fabric right now, but my time has become limited. I sat down to work on homework last night and thought that it would be a short project, it ended up taking four hours. This seems to be the way things are going, but I want to do well so the time is a good investment. I am hoping that over my winter break, a whole month!!! I will have some time to work on sewing and finish my quilt. I have still been working on it but the process is running much slower. It was nice to get out yesterday take a drive and see some new things here around Richmond. It gave me a chance to clear my head.