Great New Books are here!

One of the books I have been anticipating has arrived, Paula Nadelstern's Kaleidoscope Quilts. Her work is stunning and this retrospective of her work is full of great photography, artist statements, and lots of insight into her process, then the second half is a how to. I would love to do a workshop if anyone is interested please let me know, We may do it in the Hand stitchers club. Also in is Design Explorations for the Creative Quilter by Katie Pasquini Masopust. This follow up to her last book is chock full of great design ideas and is organized like a handbook with lots of projects to work as you develop your design skills.

This week we are finishing up both the sessions of the jacket. I think that Project Runway has nothing on the Village Fabric Shoppe. The patterns are still not in, let me know if you want me to hold one for you and call you when they do arrive. Also this week is Block of the Month, This Saturday we will be going over the stems and leaves and getting all the applique done on the medallion. The special is on Reproductions, all of them, including the 30's ones -- 30% off. While you are marking that on your calendar, don't forget to put down the dates for Open House, October 11, all day.

Creativity Central:

A few weeks ago I suggested you look at the small things that fascinate you. This exercise is the opposite in some respects, and inspired by a book of Macro Photography that I found in the bargain section at a book store. These are ultra close up photos of sea life, they approach modern abstract painting. Your task is to cut a one inch square out of the center of a piece of paper, take a photo of something you like ( can be from a magazine ) and use your little window to find a small section that would make a good quilt block. If you get really inspired, tape the window in place, go to a copy machine and enlarge it so you can produce a pattern. I can help if you bring it in. Have fun. See you soon. - PS I will have the book at the shoppe so you can get inspired by it too!