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Love Quilting & Patchwork Magazine

Love-Quilting-and-Patchwork

My Rail Fence Tote Bag is in the latest issue of Love Quilting & Patchwork magazine, a new modern quilting magazine from the makers of Mollie Makes. You can order the latest issue here or you can download it from the Apple Newsstand.

The Rail Fence Tote is a project from my new book, 1, 2, 3 Quilt, which you can pre-order now. The tote is lined and features roomy boxed corners. It’s a simple project and will introduce you to the basic Rail Fence quilt pattern which you can use to make quilts or other patchwork projects.

Rail-Fence-Tote

Photo by Laura Malek.

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Fat Quarterly Issue 8

I recently ordered the latest issue of Fat Quarterly as I was excited to see an issue on paper piecing, so thought I’d share with you. Foundation paper piecing is simple with great results, but I’m afraid that many people are reluctant to try it simply because it’s difficult to explain. Here, you’ll find helpful instructions as well as many projects to try out your skills. You’ll also find instructions and projects for English paper piecing and freezer paper piecing, other helpful techniques for piecing quilt projects with accuracy and efficiency.

Featuring some fantastic contributors, the issue contains a variety of projects. Pictured are: Robot Softie by Jenny Novinsky, Cozy Cottage by Charise Randell, Kingdom Courtyards Quilt by John Adams, Apple Pie Pillow by Tacha Bruecher, Quilter’s Clock by Sylvie Roussel, and Teapot Fancy Block by Kerry Green (this one has instructions for both the freezer paper technique as well as foundation paper piecing).

When I have more time to sew for myself, I look forward to trying out that clock project. The issue is just $8 and you’ll find it as a downloadable .pdf, which is quick and convenient. With 125 pages featuring instructions for quilts, pillows, blocks and other projects, I think it’s a good deal. You can read more about the issue here.

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These Days

Lately I’ve been getting tangled up in balls of yarn strewn about the house. This is due to my 8-year-old’s new obsession with finger weaving. She is making scarves, bracelets, necklaces, belts, doll clothes and all kinds of things with her finger weavings. If you’re not familiar with the process, you can learn it here.

Seems like life has been pretty busy for us lately. I’ll be working on some new projects over the next couple of weeks so I won’t have as much time to dedicate to the blog. More fabric and another book, perhaps? We’ll see where it all goes.

And if you turn to the back of the new family issue of Real Simple, you can see my name! I contributed a tidbit about making a homemade kazoo for their wacky holiday calendar. It’s a great issue full of party, holiday, and organizing ideas, so be sure to pick it up!

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Mollie Makes

During a time when print magazines are going down by the dozen, it’s refreshing to see a lovely new publication emerge. Mollie Makes is my favorite new crafty magazine. Published in the UK, the magazine embodies the spirit of the crafty lifestyle along with the beauty of a shelter magazine. With project tutorials, featured handmade artists, photos of craft studios and images of vintage and handmade influenced interiors, inspiration and resources, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves handmade.

I was excited to discover the magazine when my editor sent me a write-up of 1, 2, 3 Sew, which was included in the first issue. I haven’t been able to find a copy of that issue in the U.S., but I did head to the suburbs yesterday to pick up a copy of issue #2 from a Joann store. My love for foreign magazines is an expensive habit, with the U.S. price at $11.99, but since this one is packed with so much goodness, I think it might be worth it. And it’s printed in English, which is a definite plus. This second issue also featured a felt flower kit attached to the cover.

Here are some photos to give you a glimpse inside the magazine:

Alicia Paulson’s beautiful sewing space is featured above. You can flip through the first issue here, watch the charming video trailer here, and check out their gorgeous blog here.

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Action Pack

Check out this new mini-mag full of kids’ crafts from author and blogger Kathreen Ricketson of Whip Up. Action Pack is an easy, downloadable magazine to keep the kids busy. With over 20 pages of craft projects, outdoor activities, cooking, drawing and more, this really is an action-packed gem.

The magazine features project ideas focused on paper and beeswax. The kids can make waterproof origami boats, beeswax candles and lip balm with printable labels, plus learn to draw bees and bake a cake. What I like most about this mini-mag is the learning aspect of it. With science experiments, fun facts and creativity, the kids can stay busy while learning something new in a hands-on way. As Kathreen says:

We see kids as competent, creative and capable people. We believe that our kids are resourceful and clever and we try to enable them to develop their independence and creative minds within a secure and nurturing environment.

We see learning opportunities everywhere. Learning should and can be fun. But we also know that parents are busy and cannot realistically be spending all weekend ‘playing’ with their kids. We want kids to get off the couch, away from the computer and learn the value and fun in making and doing stuff.

Thanks to Kathreen for providing me with a copy of the magazine. I can’t wait to try it out with the kids soon! You can download your copy here for $5.