“Color Harmony for Quilts – A Quilt Makers Guide to Exploring Color” by Weeks Ringle & Bill Kerr is a fantastic addition to the fiber artist’s bookshelf.  It’s not an instruction manual, more of a guide to using colors more effectively in your quilts, either art or traditional.

The book begins with a discussion of basic color concepts like the color wheel, how color affects our perceptions and even how to find inspiration in the real world.

The authors use traditional and modern quilt blocks in their discussions, with several examples in different colorways being shown.  They show how subtle changes in color can make a huge difference in the finished product.  Changing proportions, hue, value and even placement of color in blocks are all shown.

Group exercises for a critique group are also shared for each example.  They also created individual color exploration exercises if you prefer to work solo, or don’t belong to a guild or group.

The gallery section is absolutely inspiring, with quite a few quilts from master fiber artists.

image: Amazon (disclaimer – this is not an affiliate link, nor do I receive any compensation for sharing this book review)

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Favorite Books: Color Harmony for Quilts

The 185-page volume is divided into sections based on different cooking methods, such as braising, grilling, stir-frying, and roasting. Each recipe is matched with a luscious, color photograph of the prepared dish. Selections include examples from a variety of world cuisines, including Indian, French, Greek, and Moroccan. Featured are such things as Chicken thighs with lentils, chorizo, and red pepper; Roast chicken with maple-pepper glaze and sweet potatoes; and Chicken chasseur, a French dish made with stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic.

Unlike many similar cookbooks, these recipes are easy to prepare and almost every page yields a dish that you can see yourself preparing for your family. It’s a useful and elegantly-presented book that would make an excellent summer wedding or graduation gift.

(photo courtesy of Food + Wine)

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Book Review: Quick from Scratch Chicken

However, the newly released Tantric Sex for Busy Couples: How to Deepen Your Passion in Just Ten Minutes a Day by Diana Daffner, M.A brings the concept into a whole new lighting that I actually GET, which means I can actually maybe apply it to my life. Or at least fantasies, for when I get a life.

No time for marathon sessions a la Sting? Whether it’s time, energy or interest that’s lacking, this book helps you to re-find the “magic” – or at least sexiness – in your sex.

For those who are not familiar, Tantra is a spiritual path that embraces sexuality. It’s based on ancient principles of meditative presence and awareness.

Check out the tantra t’ai chi exercises, which include things like yin and yang ceremonies of sexual massage for both partners and “Peaceful Passion” — a sexual union that requires neither a high sex drive nor a Viagra-inspired erection.

You’ll feel just a little hotter in no time at all.

Image: Amazon.com

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Tantric Sex for Busy Couples

The truth is, it’s not. What does it mean to be a man today? What can a man do to improve his relationships?

Recently, Elliot Katz, author of Being the Strong Man A Woman Wants, was posed this question during a television interview – the answer sparked great insight. We share some his thoughts here!

Show leadership
One of women’s biggest complaints is that men don’t show their share of leadership in the relationship. When a man sees a situation that needs to be dealt with, he should step forward and handle it. People admire those who step forward to handle difficult situations – and don’t wait for others to solve the problem.

Make decisions
To avoid accusations of being controlling, a lot of men have gone to the other extreme – they leave most decisions to their wives. A man needs to make his share of decisions and take responsibility for the outcome. To many women, a man who avoids decisions is shirking his responsibilities. One of the meanings of the word “manly” is being decisive.

Take responsibility
Take responsibility for improving the situation. Don’t blame others. There is little sympathy for a man who blames a woman – even when he thinks she pushed him into it. People will say, “You’re the man. Why did you let it go on?” One of the meanings of the word “husband” is someone who skillfully manages his household. Managers take responsibility.

Image: Amazon

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Three Things Your Man Needs to Know

I think that fiber artists can learn a lot from different fashion construction techniques – check out the spectacular tailoring on this jacket:

The stitching and construction almost turn it into a piece of sculpture.

How about the precise applique & piecing on these dresses:

Check out the fabulous fabric flowers on this piece!

I just came across a book that can help you master some of these very precise fiber art techniques.  “The Art of Manipulating Fabric” by Collette Wolff has detailed step-by-step instructions for creating advanced fabric surfaces.

The book is geared towards an intermediate or advanced artist, and provides years worth of techniques to master!

images: PicApp

disclaimer: Amazon.com link is not an affiliate link and I receive no benefits from it.

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Fiber art inspiration from the runways

I probably have more books than I actually need, but I simply can’t part with them

I thought it would be fun to go through my bookshelf and share some of my favorite needlework books with you, my favorite readers!

My first pick is “Glorious Needlepoint” by Kaffe Fassett.

It’s a rich, beautifully designed and photographed book.  Despite the fact that I’ve only ever made a couple of the projects in the book, I wouldn’t part with my tattered copy for the world.  It’s a source of inspiration – just leafing through it makes me happy.

So what’s on your bookshelf?  Leave it in the comments or send me an email and I’ll share reader’s picks too

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favorite needlework books – Glorious Needlepoint

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Tangled Thread Store

This is a unique and interesting pattern book, which I’m glad to have and look forward to creating a lovely rug in cross-stitch.

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From the Stash

This issue has several smallish motifs to stitch, as well as some Springy pieces. There are Faberge-style eggs, some bunnies, etc. In addition, there is a set of kitchen cloths with Southwest themes (chili peppers, clay pots..) and a set of Christmas ornaments done in pastel pinks and greens. ah, and the issue includes a larger piece – ’spring quilts’, which has 5 cute quilts on a line. (largest stitched area sizing is just under 21″x6″)

The large article of interest in this issue is “The Embroideries of Maní, Mexico” by Leann Bemis Roberts. I found it to be highly informative, and richly illustrated with many color photographs. There is a complimentary motif to stitch as well.

All in all, I enjoyed the issue, and am debating whether or not I want to subscribe to the magazine. I like it, but it only comes out six times per year.

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Cross-Stitch & Needlework

I think that is pretty speedy service on a freebie request, don’t you? The free issue I received is the December 2005 issue. Fairly recent, and full of a lot of holiday-themed things to stitch. From minis to a decent-sized sampler, pictures and magnets to clock faces, there is sure to be something interesting. Even though it is a holiday issue, there are several non-holiday projects to stitch as well. This adds some bonus points to the magazine in my opinion.

The catalogue is also quite nice. The back has a large section of the available leaflets and magazine back-issues which is more user-friendly than the website. It looks like most everything is available both online and in their print catalogue.

Overall, between the previous issue I purchased, and this freebie issue, I feel very favorable towards the magazine. I won’t hesitate to purchase another issue.

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Cross Country Stitching update