I finally got around to ordering books from my annual Amazon Christmas Gift Certificate and they arrived last week. I’m thinking I made out like a bandit this year — apparently I’ve had a gift raise, as I managed to score six books this year, which is two more than last year.
I saw four of the books in real life before I ordered them. I knew when I saw Warm Fuzzies, Pretty Little Pincushions, and Sew Pretty Homestyle that I had to have them. They’re all chock full of fun projects. My quilty peep Jewels showed me her copy of Simple Knits for Cherished Babies (in fact, I think that’s where the pattern for the cute hat and booties from the last post can be found.) It’s a beautiful book and I love it.
I ordered the other two books sight unseen. Joyce talked about Quilts of Provence one day on her blog. I’ve recently been interested in whole cloth quilts and this book did not disappoint. It’s full of beautiful pictures, text and even a few projects in the back. I’m anxious for time to sit down and really read it. Thanks so much Joyce, for mentioning this book — I think it’s my favorite of the six. That leaves Simple Gifts to Stitch. Hmmm. I just can’t get excited about this book and I’ll say I’m pretty disappointed in it. I think you probably need to have a lot more imagination than I have for it to work (so if you love this book, take that as a compliment.) Oh well…five out of six and I’m a happy camper!
Apparently, with Valentine’s day looming, cupcakes are on my mind ’cause I’ve noticed a few worth mention if you like cupcakes:
- Joni’s made this cute little Valentine.
- An adorable cupcake bag from Rosehip via That Silly Lil’ Doe.
- And when the quilty peeps and I were in NYC last fall, I was fascinated with the frosting technique used at Billy’s and Magnolia. Here’s a video that shows you the Magnolia technique. The cupcake in the video isn’t quite as pretty as the real thing, but perhaps practice makes perfect!
Bring on Valentine’s Day — I need a cupcake! Oh, and if you’re in the midwest or Canada, I hope you’re staying warm. I’m happily in NJ this week, so I’m missing the bitter cold weather!
XOXO,
Anna
Books, lovely books, never enough books. Simple gifts to stitch, I heard before that the book is a big disappointment. I ordered some books lately at bol.com, the Dutch version of Amazon.
You can send back the books that you don’t like within 8 days. You just have to say you are disappointed or otherwise and leave the book in good shape. That’s a pretty cool service!
I love Quilts of Provence. I received the book a few years ago from a very dear friend. I read it cover to cover as I really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Provencal fabrics. When you find time to get into the text I hope you enjoy it too.
Hi Anna!
Before I read your post I looked at the pile of books and decided that Quilts of Provence was going to be my favourite too! I love fabrics from provence. Hope you get time to give it a proper look. We’ve got the most awful weather here today, just perfect for curling up with a good book (or doing the mountain of ironing!).
Kimx
Your books look lovely – I have the Tilda one and really want to get Warm Fuzzies but can’t afford it right now! There are so many books I want at the moment but Christmas is such a financial crippler! Hope you have plenty of time to enjoy reading them all! Lucy x
i’m glad you liked Quilts of Provence. I will never be brave enough to try one of those quilts at the back. Maybe the baby’s bib!
oooh!!! I love books – especially those sort. Glad 5 out of 6 were good!!!
I just got a copy of simple gifts to stitch in the mail this week, to use in a sew-along…..I’m a bit underwhelmed by it also.
I do so love getting Amazon.com gift certificates at Christmas, too. I love all of your book selections but have to agree about Simple Gifts to Stitch. I’m working hard to be enthusiastic as it’s the chosen book for the sew-along group.
All those Valentines goodies are wonderful, aren’t they?
My family got the “Sew Pretty” for me for Christmas. I am dying to try it out, but scared to death! Make something pretty and show it to us! Maybe I won’t be so scared…MAYBE.
I just stumbled on that Warm Fuzzies book yesterday, and if I hadn’t already bought two books and 3 charm packs this week, I might have indulged. Have fun with it!
Now that looks like an awesome set of fun books :)
Thanks for the recommendations! I might have to pick a few of these up as well. Also, I’m pretty sure we aren’t cousins, but then again, you never know (I have about a million cousins!)! I reread that and it did sound pretty funny! Hey, we do have a thimble in common, maybe we are related?…
What a cute pile of books. I am a cover judger! If the book is CUTE I pick it up. I love books, especially is they’re full of fun craftiness. :)
Oh the Sew Pretty Homestyle book and Pretty Pin Cushion book sound like fun. Might have to check into those. I love books and have a tendency to collect them as well. Some I know I will never make anything out of them, but I enjoy looking through them. Does that count :)
Hugs – karen
I ordered the Simple Gifts to Stitch also, thinking I might participate in Finn & Donks sewing adventure. It sounded like fun and a way to make up some Christmas gifts. I went to a book store to try to look at it, but they didn’t have it, so I ordered it on buy.com. I didn’t see anything in the book that I would be interested in making. Much better to get ideas from some of the quilting magazines.
now you’ve done it! (it doesn’t take much) I WANNA CUPCAKE!!!
Thanks for the brief review. Would you believe I don’t have any of those books, but I’ve been eyeballing both Warm Fuzzies and Pretty Little Pincushions. And now I’ll have to add Quilts of Provence to my eyeball list, too.
I was a little disappointed with Simple Gifts to Stitch at first but I have made 3 projects from it already and I can’t wait to make those suedecloth flowers for spring, If I ever find some suedecloth, that is. I hope it grows on you, too.
I don’t like Simple Gifts to Stitch either. Are you doing the Sewing Adventure? I need to get my button scarf started, I suppose. At least being part of that group helps keep me doing something!
I have eight projects in (and on the cover of) the pincushion book! So glad you picked it up! I know I waited a long time for it to come out, so I’m excited to see so many others excited about it too!
jen
Great stash of new books!! Isn’t it great to get a gift certificate and browse for that perfect item. I loved looking at all the cupcake items, it makes me want to make them.
books and cupcakes? These are a few of my favorite things!
wh00t!
looks like you got some great books! i have & love the Sew Pretty Homestyle book. So colorful and fun! i’ve only done a couple projects, but want to do more once i get some free time. what’s the first project you want to make from your new books? :)
I was thinking of getting the pincushion book. Let me know how you like it (when you get to it!). I love books.
Oooo good choices! I have Sew Pretty Home Style and I really like the author, I have two of her other books (Springtime crafts and Christmas crafts) All full of cute projects and pretty easy to understand for a novice like me! :)
I’ve been wanted Cherished Knits for awhile, pet me know how you like it! Now knitting . . . I’m good at that. :)
hugs!
Just found your blog recently and have enjoyed looking at your projects in your archives, I am a quilter and knitter too, and now will be stalking your blog for your next bunny giveaway, lol!!
I have a lovely friend who gave me a few Tilda books in Norwegian, now I find they are translated to English! Will have to go look those up and get me some, I love her stuff!!
I have the Quilts of Provence also. Isn’t it a great book? Lots of Inspiration. I really want to get a Tilda Book which I almost missed not having heard of it until tonight. I am enjoying your blog.