We are a family of readers in our multi-generational home (grandfather, granny, mom, dad and the two children).  Books abound around the house, the library is a fun place to visit, bookstores (new and used) hold a fascination, and online bookstores are enjoyable to access.

However, books about quilts and quiltmaking  find a prominent place in our lives.  My daughter is surrounded by quilting books for ideas and information.

What other types of books are we reading in our family?  Mysteries, fantasy, sci-fi, quilting and fabric art, inspirational and Biblical.  I’m reviewing picture books, quilting mysteries and those on Alzheimer’s for my blogs.

What are you reading…and quilting…this winter?

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Post from: Blisstree

Quilting and Reading on a Snowy Day

Feathered Friends: 18 Paper-Pieced Blocks for Bird Lovers by Jette Norregaard Neilsen

Backyard Bird Quilts: 18 Paper-Pieced Projects by Jodie Davis

Applique Takes Wings: Exquisite Designs for Birds, Butterflies and More by Jane Townswick

Exotic Birds Critter Works Applique Quilting Pattern

Memories of a Lifetime: Birds and Butterflies: Artwork for Scrapbooks and Fabric-Transfer Crafts by Nancy Rosin

Do you have any favorite bird pattern books or patterns?

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(For more information about the above books and where to obtain them.)

Post from: Blisstree

Books of Bird Quilts

This has happened to my daughter and me.  We have placed some in our yard sales over the years.  But with snow on the ground in New Hampshire, where we live, it’s no longer yard sale weather.  So we’re finding other ways to share our list of books.

Some quilters list their books on eBay or establish a shop at Amazon.  Currently Beth and I’ve found Craig’s List a good outlet.  We also exchange lists with other quilters we correspond with.  Beth shares with her quilting group.

It’s nice to know that someone else can gain inspiration and enjoy the quilt and needlework books we’re no longer using for our projects or writing research.

What do you do with your quilt books?  I’m sure most quilters accumulate more than they can use or eventually have space for.

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Post from: Blisstree

Recycling Your Quilting Books

As a resource for you’ve I’ve compiled a short list of some Fascinating Quilting/Fabric Art Books in my Pages on the right side of this page.  I think you’ll find them of interest.

Some you may have or possibly read.  If not, you may find them good resources for future projects.  Like most quilters, you probably collect quilt books as you do quilting fabric and are developing a “book stash.”

What are your favorite quilting/fabric art books?

Post from: Blisstree

Check Out These Quilting/Fabric Art Books

It’s fun to see how excited the youngsters become when it’s Book Fair Time at school.  Yesterday I was substitute teaching and took children to the area in the library where the books were displayed.

Even though there were few books for adults, unless you were looking for teacher instruction and activity books, it also was fun to browse with the youngsters.  This reminded me of the lure of bookstores, whether I’m searching for fiction or quilt books, adult or children’s books.

I also was pleased to discover that there were many fewer gimmicks and gadgets for the youngsters to buy at this book fair.  I don’t think there were any posters of movie or tv celebrities either.

I’ll admit, I’m disappointed when I see the students spending their money on these items that, yes, make money for the book company, but don’t promote reading.  Thus, I often also see students playing with something in which they lose interest quickly or toss into the trash.  So the concentration on books was delightful.

Do you have any favorite places for book browsing? 

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Do You Enjoy Book Browsing…for Quilting & Other Books?

Since this is the last day of July and the end of the Christmas in July theme I’ve been participating in, I’ll mention a few quilting books that have possible projects for your holiday gift giving and decorating.  One also is an Elm Creek Quilts novel.

Enjoy!

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Sandy Mitchell also has been featuring Christmas in July throughout the month at All Holiday Cafe.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas Quilting Books for Final Day of Christmas in July

Your response to my giveaways (Bloggy Giveaway at Quilting & Patchwork , ends 8/1 and Another Giveaway at Quilting & Patchwork, ends 7/31) has been wonderful.  I’m pleased so many of you wanted to share your involvement with  quilting whether you are a quilter/fabric artist or simply appreciate quilts.

I enjoyed hearing about your quiltmaking, your quilting heritage, and the stories of heirloom quilts.  I plan to share some of those stories in posts so more people will get inspired about quilting.  What wonderful stories you’ve shared!

Perhaps we can start a dialogue among Quilting and Patchwork readers.

By sharing, you can help one another find encouragement and inspiration as you travel this journey, either as a quilter, fabric artist, or simply a collector and lover of quilts.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Thanks for Your Response to the Quilting Book Giveaways

If you’ve thought about writing and publishing books, even newspaper and magazine articles, about your quilting experiences (as Doreen Speckmann did) or describing original patterns, you may enjoy the series of posts Yvonne Russell and I are writing (along with guest posts) at Home Biz Notes throughout July.

I shall be writing a series on self-publishing, including my experiences with my book, The Magic of Patchwork. There will be posts on all types of writing including fiction and non-fiction, commercial writing, newsletters, and e-books.

Come join us throughout the month to learn about writing and publishing from home. Share with us and ask questions, too.

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Want to Write About Quilting? Join Us at Home Biz Notes

 Many quilters entering the drawing that recently ended, with Dina McNulty as winner of the quilt booklet and Susan Cahill of the puzzle postcard, named their favorite quilt book.  I thought you’d find it interesting to see what these books are. 

Perhaps you have them in your library.  Or perhaps you’ll want to acquire them.

• Just Can’t Cut It by Pamela Mostek (Dina McNulty)
• Quilter’s Compete Guide by Fons and Porter (Susan Cahill)
• Joen Wolfram’s Color Books
• Traditional Quilts for Kids to Make by Barbara J. Eihmeier
• New Ways to Applique by House of White Birches
• Scrap Quilt Sensations by Katherine Guerrier
• Handy Patterns for Knitters        

Do you have favorite quilting or fabric art books?

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilters’ Favorite Books

 Periodically I go through my Quilting and Patchwork posts and come across some that are favorites. 

Here are five quilting posts that caught my attention tonight.

The Rag Quilt by  Lauren Mills

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

The Lure of Sunbnnet Sue

Quilting With Grandma (a poem)

Can You Write a Quilting Story?

Do you have some favorite posts here at Quilting And Patchwork?  I’d enjoy having you tell me what they are!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

5 Favorite Quilting Posts Including Story Books