Get Crafty With DK Canada

I love making things. Most times they turn out - and sometimes they don't. Either way it's just fun to try different crafts. And I've tried many!

But the one I return to time and time again is quilting. I'm not an expert, but I think the recipients of my quilts have been happy!

DK Canada has put together some suggestions for those of you looking to 'get crafty' in their Craft Boutique.

The one thing a quilter can't have is enough fabric. But the next best thing? Uh huh - quilting books!

Quilting: Patchwork and Appliqué is now happily living on the book shelf in my sewing room.

The basics are included to get a new stitcher started - information on tools, fabrics, design, techniques and more. The next section has a small block gallery and the techniques needed to put the pieces together. (Hand piecing is included, but I'm a die hard machine quilter) And even though I've already quilted, I found a few good tips. I've avoided hexagons but think I'll  them a try using the set in seams outline on page 101. Paper piecing is another technique I've avoided - but there is a good tutorial on this as well. DK books always have clear instructions accompanied by great detailed colour photos that make it easy to follow along. Most of the demonstrated techniques have a project included to practice the skills from that section - pillows, coaster, bags etc.

I only started appliquè last year, but have found I really enjoy it. Applique is a technique where a shape is cut out, applied to another fabric and decorative stitching binds the two. There are various ways to apply the two fabrics and again, all the instructions are detailed with colour photos. (and projects!)

What about the quilting itself? Again, many techniques and ideas included. Both machine and hand quilting instructions are detailed. There are patterns for many different full size quilts at the end of the book. There's a sailboat quilt that I am absolutely going to make - it would make a great baby gift.

Beginners will find Quilting: Patchwork and Appliquè an invaluable resource. And seasoned - or somewhat seasoned ;0) - quilters will love adding this book to their collection!

Boxing Day - Not a Book Post!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! On Boxing Day today, I thought I would share with you my other favourite thing to do besides reading. Quilting! Here's what I made for my good friend Julia for Christmas this year. We have shared many a cup of tea over the years!

A totally non book related post...

....and I know there aren't many of them... But I wanted to share the other thing I love (almost) as much as reading. And that is quilting.

Ignore the date on the photo - I did just finish it this week. (Apparently if you change the batteries in the camera you're expected to change the date and time as well...) And the colour is a bit off - it's actually darker. (Hint - do not shoot into direct sunlight)

So my dear husband complains that everyone else has been a beneficiary of a quilt but him. So this is his very own couch quilt and he'll be toasty when he falls asleep in front of the television. He totally avoids the sewing room, so it should be a surprise on Christmas Day!