Summer Reading – Quilting, Fabric Art and Sewing Green

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I’m always excited when I get new books to review, and generally I stop what I’m doing at the time to take a peek inside, then go back later for more serious reading. Of course, one of the first things I notice are the colorful pictures designed to entice us to make the projects. Three new books are worth a look today for your summer reading pleasure. Remember, to get them, simply click on the title links and you’ll be able to order online.

The Quilting Answer Book, edited by my friend Barbara Weiland Talbert, is over 400 pages jam-packed with quilting topic solutions. The two-color illustrated format details help with things like applique, proper use of tools, strip piecing, quilt finishing and embellishments, among others. However, by far my favorite chapter (and likely yours as well if you’re, shall we say, math challenged like me) is titled “Quilter’s Math Made Easy.” It details how much yardage it takes to make triangles of varying sizes, cutting odd shaped pieces, and of course how much it takes to make a certain number of yards of bias at a specified width. Amen to this one chapter alone! You’ll want to keep this handy reference book nearby for quick, easy-to-find answers.

If playing is in your summer plans, check out Fabric Art Projects, by Susan Stein. Longing to try your hand at working with paints, discharge paste or Angelina, or even created rust-patterned fabric (on purpose)? If so, this book offers step-by-step instructions for those processes and more. In addition, there are a variety of projects to make use your samples, or you can simply put them in a notebook to document your adventures, and answer the question “What did you do on your summer vacation?”

Sewing Green, by Betz White, offers 25 projects that are created using repurposed and organic materials. Look for clever garments, accessories and giftables made from Tyvek envelopes, felted sweaters, vintage linens, jeans, eco-friendly felts and more. Personally, I love Betz’ style and creativity, and this book doesn’t disappoint. It’s well illustrated and offers large, colorful photos to entice.

So, curl up on your patio chair and get ready to be inspired.