Cinderberry Stitches

Fruitful Hands

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Jackie Steves (The Noble Wife) at quilt market and was honoured when she asked me to be a part of her book blog tour.  The book arrived in my mail box last week and I spent the afternoon looking over the gorgeous photos and recipes.  I love it all and am so happy to be able to share peeks of it with you.

I love the title...

'Fruitful Hands' - A collection of sewing projects & recipes to nurture your soul.

I adore the quilt that is featured on the cover.

Every soul needs nurturing, what better way is there but combining sewing and delicious food like 'Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes', yes please!

The CPBC's would be my favorite recipe but Fruitful Hands is just packed with both beautiful projects and yummy food.  I might be tempted get my apron on this week and try a few just so I can 'test the Hershey's Kisses' just like Jackie's family.  You know, nurture that soul of mine.

And isn't this DIVINE? Just loving the dark background with color popping here and there,  I really need to play with wool applique one day and this would be the perfect project.

The best part is I can also share a copy of Fruitful Hands with you.

I have one copy to giveaway as part of the book tour, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post any time between now and this Friday (5th August 2011).  One lucky winner will be chosen at random and Jackie will post you a special copy! 

Be sure to pop over and vist for more peeks at projects and recipes in 'Fruitful Hands'.

Monday : Jill 

Monday: Brenda 

Tuesday: Pat 

Wednesday: That's me!

Thursday: Michele

Friday: Sandi

 

xo Natalie

 

Book review - Quilting from little things

A few weeks ago now my friend and patchwork guru Sarah Fielke asked if I would be interested in being involved in her book tour. 

She didn't need to ask twice.  That's Sarah from Material Obsession 1 & 2 fame afterall.  I said yes before I had finished reading the email.

I was lucky enough to meet Sarah at Houston and then AQM late last year and have always been in awe of the way she puts a quilt together.  The fabrics, colour choices and sheer size of her quilts simply knocks my socks off.  Quite seriously.

So I wanted to share a few pictures from her book. 

Yes you can read my mind, this is the exact moment I wish I didn't have to sleep, I could sew 24/7 and I had a fabric stash the size Sarah's.  It's awesome I tell you.

So right now I am dreaming this is my bedroom and back porch, with my gorgeous yellow mug & wicker chair.

The concept of the book is unique - the quilts are grouped into 10 pairs, with each pair consisting of a dolly quilt and a full sized quilt that was inspired in some way by the dolly.  The dolly gives you the opportunity to perfect a technique before you tackle a large project it's a great way to step out of your comfort zone and dip your toe in without focusing on a huge project.

I have been imagining a real collection of dolly quilts in my home ever since.

The book is incredibly detailed, from discussing design walls to special rulers, foundation piecing to choosing fabrics and amazing, amazing, *sigh* worthy images (thanks to Sue Stubbs)

Plus I love the names of the projects - 'Sandwich short of a Picnic' or 'Rebel with a Rotary'

Quilting - From Little Things is a wonderful book for every level of sewer who has a love of colour and a passion for learning new techniques.

Congratulations Sarah!

and in Sarah's words: "My fabric choice philosophy boils down to this - it it makes your heart sing, it's perfect."  So very, very true.

Till then,

Natalie xo