Quick Gifts and a Book Review
I spent Christmas in Tucson with my youngest son and husband. As luck would have it, the first day we were there my son had to work. So I did my duty (woe is me!) and toured every local quilt shop-all 4 of them. It was fun to explore and see what was new and different in Tucson. I stumbled upon this book and I am smitten:
It might seem a little odd that I purchased a book on beginning quilting since I do know just a little bit about free motion quilting. I like to read how different authors approach and write about quilting-I can learn from them. I really like Christina’s gentle and encouraging approach. And I was delighted by the 14 projects she has included in the book that are truly doable projects for beginners.
This book solved a problem that has vexed me since I began quilting-finding cute, easy, small projects to make as gifts. The book is chock-full of ideas for the beginning or experienced quilter. Since I needed to make a few last minute gifts, I dove right in and completed two projects from her book.
Aren’t these just the cutest things? I started with her bowl project and made 3 nesting bowls. They made up pretty quickly in a few hours.
Each bowl has its own character. I call them “whatnot” bowls to hold what nots of course!
Love the binding on the medium bowl-I will have to make one for myself.
I had fun going through my stash to find the right fabrics.
This was the first one I made-I probably would not go larger than a 10″ circle or it will kind of go wonky.
I’m giving this to a couple so I wanted at least one to be more masculine.
I won a pack of charms and I put one on the bottom of each bowl-I like that little detail.
Aren’t they cute all nestled together?
I also needed a gift for a young woman. This was a cute little bag to hold make up, notions, even travel items.
Christina’s directions were really clear and she used some intelligent shortcuts like squaring the corners instead of doing an inset.
I lined it with some lovely silk given to me by Anita-thank you Anita! Like that little charm in the lining?
There are 12 more projects in the book that are similar-they are cute, easy and absolutely doable for the beginner. I think I will bring this book with me when I teach. I will also be making more projects from the book. Finally, an easy way to use my free motion skills for gifts that does not involve lots of time and money!
And I actually kept it simple. Now that’s two projects in a row-could this be a trend?
Neat project! I love the charms.
Thanks Martha-it was fun!
Love the projects. Do you think it was helpful as a tool for learning free motion and why?
Thanks Nancy. Yes, it is a good tool because the projects she includes are simple, easy and useful-like placemats, wall hangings, pillows, potholders, etc.
She gives the basic information on how to get started in a very simple, straight forward and encouraging manner. Her instructions are fairly brief because her approach is just to get going on some fun projects that you will love doing.
I think that works. It is not the most comprehensive book on the details of free motion quilting. When I was learning I used several books and found useful info in each. I would recommend this as one of those books.
One of the most important steps to free motion quilting is…doing free motion quilting! She gets you there and makes it fun.
I have the same question as Nancy, Do you think the book is a helpful tool for learning FMQ and why?
Yes! See above-it’s a great book to have in your FMQ library.
I love those bowls. I might have to get the book just to give those a try!
Thanks Debby-you will have fun making the bowls, they’re just so charming!
Looks like a “must-have”. Just added it to my Wish List on Amazon!
Oh that Amazon wish list-never ending!
Great ideas for practicing free motion. I like that the projects are simple. After you’ve done all the FMQ, it’s nice to be able to finish a project quickly instead of putting it in the UFO bin.
YES! I do not like UFO’s.
Great, fast projects – love the addition of the charms. That makes them very personal. Looks like a book to seek out. Thanks for the review.
I got the charms in my Houston goodie bag. Somehow, at the time I thought, when would I ever use those? Now I think I need to get more.
Ooh, I love how that paisley quilting looks on the makeup bag project! The charms are a sweet custom touch, too.
Thanks Rebecca. That was a fun romp to quilt the bag-great little canvas to try out a new motif too I think.
That looks like a great book!!! I, like you, am always on the look-out for beginning/entry-level FMQ books to help me in those teaching situations. The books also take me back to my beginning so I am able to remember those hurdles I thought I had to overcome right away and all the rest of the “mind games” I played that kept me from just starting…..doing…..it!!!! Great post….thanks, Jen! Hugs………………
Yes, you get it Doreen-sometimes I need to step back and remember what it’s like to be new at this. Christina (the author) is so gentle and encouraging. I bet you would enjoy her book also.
What better gift to give than that little quilted bag? ALL my friends would love those, quilters or not! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thanks Robin-I know, I’d love one too! And the little bowls are just so precious-makes you look really good when you make them up.
I buy every FMQ book I can find for the same reason! And, I always learn something new. I have had my eye on this book, after your review, I am going to buy it! Lovely quilting on the small projects.
You’ll enjoy this book Kelly! Great minds think alike, giggle.
Jenny I love getting your emails. You made me laugh out loud when you shared your dilema of what to do while your son was away. As many good quilters do, they visit quilt stores when traveling. thanks for writing your posts. Enjoying your quilting journey.
Godspeed,
mary
Thank you Mary! Sorry for my tardy reply. It’s just natural to seek out “good sources of fiber” while traveling!