Collected by renowned quilt authority and collector Roderick Kiracofe, they represent a 20th-century quilt movement that remains mostly undocumented. Unlike the familiar quilts that replicate traditional patterns of earlier centuries, these surprising textiles represent a freer, more casual, utilitarian style that departs from (and returns to) a multitude of norms and standards. Peppered with essays by renowned experts that help to contextualize the quilts’ surprisingly modern aesthetic, Unconventional & Unexpected is a groundbreak­ing celebration of 20th-century quilting that picks up where most other quilt histories leave off.

    From temperance quilts to the AIDS quilt, there’s a rich history of individuals and communities using fabric and thread to connect with others and express themselves, both personally and politically. Why We Quilt blends bits of this history with the stories and work of today’s leading quilters, highlighting themes of tradition, community, consumerism, change, and creativity. With a unique die-cut cover and a richly layered design, this book will enthrall designers, quilters, and all types of handcraft enthusiasts.

    

    We'll have you in stitches in no time Discover how to* Select the right fabrics and threads* Design your masterpiece* Use quilting software* Save time with rotary cutters and other cool tools* Quilt by hand or machine* Get creative with applique

    A unique quilt show develops that impacts the street throughout the fall and winter seasons. In the process, Anne is reluctantly assisted by a host of ghostly participants. On the home front, Grandmother initiates some activities of her own that may reap some harmful results. All is not gloom and doom, however, as Anne makes changes to her business and best friend, Nancy, has some upcoming changes of her own.

    Enjoy all 13 Sammy Baker Cozy Mysteries in one massive boxset, plus one extra maritime mystery with Donna Doyle's favorite elderly sleuth, the marvelous Molly Grey. Included in this bumper collection of cozies... Dying For Cupcakes A broken Baker running for relief in Sunny Cove. A poisoned cupcake swallowed by the local sheriff. Our sleuthing cook in the crosshairs for the crime! Rolling Out a Mystery Reconnecting with old friends seemed like such a good idea, but when a Halloween Party becomes the unlikely scene of a crime, Sammy is thrown again into a Sunny Cove mystery! Christmas Puds and Killers Sammy Baker’s confectionaries are a big hit in Sunny Cove, but when a fundraising drive turns into a hair-raising crime it’s time for Sam to don her sleuthing cap again. Wedding Cake & Body by the Lake A sneaky waitress and a well-to-do groom acting strangely leave Sammy wondering what’s wrong. When a body is then found by the lake Sammy teams up with Sheriff Jones to discover the truth. Cookies & Condolences Sammy Baker is excited to start up Sunny Cove Services, but when she hires someone who ends up dead a brand new mystery opens up. Can she follow the crumbs to the killer? A Spoonful of Suspicion When hunting a new property for her bakery tumbles into a hunt for a killer, Sammy Baker is thrown once again into a culinary mystery that needs to be solved before she is framed for murder. Pie Crumbs & Hit and Run Sammy’s faithful Toyota breaks down and she might even need to buy a new vehicle. But when the owner of the dealership is found dead after a hit-and-run, Sammy begins to wonder if it is more than an accident. Blue Ribbon Revenge When the residents of Sunny Cove find out that the Columbia County Cooking Competition is to be held right in their small town, Helen is convinced that Sammy will win. When her top competitor is suddenly eliminated, Sammy has to find the culprit! Raisin to Be Thankful Sammy has much to be thankful for, and she wants to help others. But not everyone in Sunny Cove is interested in helping the homeless, and when one of the homeless man is found bludgeoned and the local financial advisor goes missing, Sammy has to figure it all out before it’s too late. Auld Lang Crime It’s bitterly cold in Sunny Cove, but nothing could be as icy as the chill that runs down your spine when you hear that your neighbor has come to a grizzly end! Join Sammy for a new year mystery that begins with an untimely end, but promises a brand new beginning. Stirring Up Trouble The mayor of Stone Springs is on his way to Sunny Cove to campaign for governor, but every step of the campaign trail is sabotaged. Sammy begins to think this is about more than just politics, and she sniffs out a mystery. Haunts and Ham Sandwiches Sammy is eager to get a homeless shelter established in Sunny Cove, but everyone in town believes the house is haunted. Sammy’s got to get to the bottom of weird happenings if she’s ever going to make this shelter a reality.

    Inside this spiral-bound guide, with colour-coded pages for easy reference, are hints, tips, and dos and don'ts for each individual craft. There are craft categories so that individual problems are addressed (Mosaic and stained glass, knitting and crocheting, needlepoint and embroidery, scrapbooking and papercrafts, painting, beading, stencilling and rubber stamping, and sewing and fabric crafts). Plus, professional artists invite you into their studios to see how they keep things orderly, from smart storage to functional surfaces.

    The Prayer Shawl Companion presents 38 wondrous wraps for all occasions from baptism to remembrance. The book includes easy intermediate to challenging patterns that include heartwarming stories to and from shawl recipients. 176 pages.

    In this lavishly illustrated collection of patterns, she presents more than 25 charming projects ranging from cushy floor cushions to smart aprons to stylish handbags. Our innovative packaging makes for easy usepattern sheets are neatly tucked into a folder on the inside cover of this full-color, lay-flat spiralbound book. Lush photographs inspire, while how-to illustrations and straightforward text (minus the confusing sewing lingo) make it a cinch to achieve beautifully finished projects. In addition, Amy offers thoughtful tips on finding and treating new or vintage fabrics, an easy-to-navigate techniques section, and a glossary and resource guide at back. Whether it's chic placemats and napkins for the kitchen, a luxurious kimono-style robe for the bath, or handy organizer baskets for the home office Amy Butler's In Stitches makes it easy to create beautiful accessories for every room and every mood.

    You are sure to find plenty of ideas to inspire you in every room of your home. Designer style can be achieved at a fraction of the cost. Store-bought soft furnishings can be expensive and the choice is often limited-but with so many gorgeous designer fabrics on sale, there's never been a better time to make your own. Sewing in No Time sets out 50 simple step-by-step projects using nothing more than the most basic of sewing skills. From a simple curtain with a pattern border and a striped duvet to a fabric storage box and a children's play tent, Sewing in No Time is the perfect book for people who are big on ideas but short of time. Whether your home is a traditional country cottage or a modern warehouse-style apartment, you're sure to find plenty of ideas to inspire you. Softcover: 160 pages. Made in USA.

    The ultimate practical guide to sewing fabulous bags from expert Lisa Lam Detailed photographs illustrate every technique in this unique book, from choosing fabric to inserting fastenings.Expert tips, trade secrets and inspirational advice result in professional and beautiful results.A capsule wardrobe of eight exclusive designs features easy-to-follow instructions and full-size patterns.Whether you're getting started, improving your technique, or want to design your own, this is the book you'll grab for every bag you make.

    In this follow-up to the wildly popular Bend-the-Rules Sewing you will see how easy it is to alter fabric, making and using your own custom stamps; make stencils that will totally transform totes and tees; rescue tired clothes with a new dye job; and use appliqués to spruce up anything that needs a little TLC. With Amy’s familiar, friendly tone and valuable advice, you’ll see every piece of fabric as blank canvas for your artistic vision!

    Beautifully illustrated with 110 color illustrations, The Quilts of Gee’s Bend includes a historical overview of the two hundred years of extraordinary quilt-making in this African-American community, its people, and their art-making tradition. This book is being·released in conjunction with a national exhibition tour including The Museum of Fine Art, Houston, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

    A follow up to the Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, this book - designed for use by both first-time and long-time quilters - features 30 patchwork and quilted projects organized according to the amount of time it takes to complete them: less than 2 hours, 2 to 4 hours, 4 to 8 hours, 8 to 12 hours and 12 hours or more.

    Created by successful online designers from around the world, the adorable items range from a sweet garland of little birds to super-cute matryoshka doll ornaments. All can be made with simple sewing techniques, and there are both no-sew and eco-smart options, too. Both indie and mainstream crafters will love these fresh new ideas!