Do I have a Friday treat for you, my dears. As part of her blog tour, the super talented Kayte Terry is popping in, and Chronicle Books is doing a giveaway here of her new book, Appliqué Your Way! Leave a comment below for a chance to win. I promise this is one inspirational craft book you'll want around this winter — you can dive into the projects simply using the scrap fabrics you have lying around. Kayte's done an amazing job of making appliqué accessible to the beginner — and making it modern in style. She's included templates for the 35 sewing projects in the pocket at the back of the book. So smart. Because if you're anything like me, needing a trip to the copy store is a sure way to derail any ambition to start a project. Oh, and Jennifer Causey is the talent behind these gorgeous photographs — another reason I adore this book. I'd like to step inside the cover image and live there. But I digress.
I picked three of my favorite projects from the book to share, which stirred up that "oh my" feeling. You know the feeling. The one that says you're in trouble because you're in love with what you're seeing but you already have a list of 68 other projects on your to-do wishlist. Look at these doily trivets made from bright wool felt! I want to make these as a housewarming gift for friends. There are only 7 steps to this project — it looks simple even to me (and I'm a bit skiddish about using the sewing machine.)
This project is one big wow — garland sheers! It's like Kayte read my mind and knew I needed something for my window that's pretty and lets in a lot of light. (Don't we all?) These sheers use organza fabric to create the look of festive paper garlands. I love these garland sheers — shot straight to the top of my list of projects to try.
And for me, quilting is something I want to try in the not-too-distant future, but right now I don't have the patience. These quilt square cards satisfy my desire for more instant gratification when it comes to quilting.
I asked Kayte to share a peek at her appliqué toolkit. Check out these photos! Appliqué is a really portable hobby. There are some basics you need, but the tools aren't that expensive. I don't knit or crochet (yet) and one thing that keeps deterring me is the cost. I know friends who knit and see how much the yarn costs. That's what seems so appealing about appliqué — once you have your kit pulled together, you need very little amounts of fabrics to create projects, so it's easy on the wallet.
I happen to love seeing other people's workspace and inspiration boards. Here's a peek at Kayte's inspiration board. Prize ribbons + photobooth photos — so fun.
For a chance to win a copy of this super book, Appliqué Your Way, simply leave a comment below and I'll pick a random winner (be sure to include an email address, or way for me to find you, if you're the lucky winner.) If you post the giveaway on your facebook, blog, or twitter, come back and leave a second comment for an extra chance to win!
The giveaway ends Tuesday, December 22, at 9pm EST. Good luck!
UPDATE: I used Random.org to pick a winner for me, and Andi is the lucky winner! Thanks so much to everyone for playing! I hope to pull together more fun giveaways in the new year.
Thanks to Chronicle Books for the giveaway, and a big thanks to Kayte Terry for stopping by on her blog tour! I'm so happy that through this I found Kayte's blog, This is Love Forever. Her blog was new-to-me and I'm now hooked. It's a really lovely space of inspiration — I recommend popping over.
