I had a mission this weekend, and that was to go to Borders, and buy this book:
everybody has been waving it in front of my face for days, and I just couldn't stand it any longer. I don't embroider. But how can you not want to take it up now after looking at the cover? It's fresh, it's fun, it 's for beginners doggone it! Well, they didn't have it. And they couldn't order it either. Crestfallen that I couldn't go right home and begin yet another hobby and craft, I slumped back over to the craft section and was mightily consoled after finding this treasure:
And what a treasure it is! I don't know if any of you have seen it, but I haven't up to this point. It is filled with the most wonderful projects and inspiration from Joelle Hoverson of Purl Soho. I love that it has projects from just a couple of hours to many hours. They styling is fantastic. Well, she used to work for The Martha, so no wonder. And then, if that wasn't enough, I stumbled upon this:
I can't even talk about it, there are no ways to describe it in a short post. You just have to go see it for yourself. It's super expensive, so i didn't buy it, but mumbled something about an anniversary present to my husband. Well see. Add it to the list. As you can probably guess, she has an amazing home, and she takes you into it. So much eye candy!
Ok, so that's the craft book wrap-up, I'm 1 for 3, which is good, because do I really need any more craft books? Of course i do! I managed a little sewing time too and came back to my first love: Kaffe Fassett. You can find his fabric collection at Glorious Color. When I first started to quilt/sew about 12 years ago, his fabrics immediately caught my attention, and I've always gone back to him, no matter what else i see out there, his style still knocks my socks off. I recently bought a bunch of fabric from Sew Mama Sew and these 2 fabrics
Just so happened to be stacked together and I thought, despite the intensity of both and the strong patterns, that they would look smashing together on a bag. So there it is. And here it is. I've named it Baroque Bouquet. The Damask print is by Michael Miller. The traditional tote style is contrasted with the over the top fabric combo. Ok, well that's all for today, off to get some work done, and to answer some interview questions from Lisa of U-Handbag for her new blog Craft boom-a blog about marketing your craft online. It's go some fabulous tips on how to do it successfully, I already warned her that i am no business woman, that for sure, but i'll be honest and share what I know. Stay tuned!
Another great bag - those fabrics look gorgeous together.
Isn't the Patchwork book great?!
Posted by: rohanknitter | October 01, 2007 at 11:44 AM
How amazingly well those fabrics go together, or maybe you have the midas touch. I think if I put those fabrics together they would clash terribly. Well done...
Posted by: Claire (not Bahrain) | October 01, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Your bag is gorgeous, and yes, unexpectedly the colours work together brilliantly.
The doodling book does look really interesting - what a shame they didn't have it!
Posted by: Florence | October 01, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I just reveived my copy of Doodle Stitching in today's mail. It's as wonderful as you think it will be. I'm starting right away!!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 01, 2007 at 01:00 PM
Man, I love that doodle stitching book! I received the 'the patchwork + quilted gift' from a friend just last week. I must say I love it lotssss. The projects in there are right up my alley!
Posted by: Charlene Teo | October 01, 2007 at 01:46 PM
I just saw that Amy B. book yesterday at Border's as well! Amazing! But yes, pricey. amazon.com has both books in stock at discounts - and free shipping!
Posted by: Susan | October 01, 2007 at 01:55 PM
I just ordered Midwest Modern from Amazon.com. It's so much cheaper than our Barns and Noble and I just had to have it. Hasn't arrived yet... but after reading what you had to say I just can't wait!!!
Posted by: Jennalou | October 01, 2007 at 02:02 PM
I wonder how Borders chooses their books. There are some books I see all over the knitting blogs that have never been at Borders.
Your bag is great!
Posted by: Beth | October 01, 2007 at 02:13 PM
I am in love, those fabrics!!And together? Even better. I will be sure to read your interview!
Posted by: katie | October 01, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Gorgeous Bag! I have a craft book addiction and it's a bad one. Both of those books are on my "to purchase" list. I love to embroider. It's not hard and you'd be great. As far as Kaffe goes, well I just found out that he's going to be at Hancock's of Paducah in Jan. (heard it directly from Mr Hancock himself!) I'll be there for sure.I love his stuff.
Posted by: Cheryl | October 01, 2007 at 04:09 PM
Yeah, go get to work you slacker..what is that - your 4th bag completed this week?
Posted by: kimberly | October 01, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Yeah ya slacker...Lol! I've been trying to squeeze some time for weeks to get a bag in and here you go, another smashing bag! Love those brights together. Someday I wanna grow up and be like you ;)! I've seen that Amy B. book on Amazon along with her other new one Sew-It Kit. I think I'll check it out first as a reviewer said it had several repeat patterns from In stitches. Another beauty Lisa!
Posted by: Sugarshop (Dena) | October 01, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Lisa, you need to make a trip down here this month. Kaffe is coming to the quilt shop I frequent!!!
Posted by: Mary | October 01, 2007 at 05:49 PM
I love that book too, just seeing the cover on your blog makes me rush off to Amazon for another order.....:)
Posted by: meg | October 01, 2007 at 05:56 PM
I just got those top two books for my birthday and can't wait to try some of the projects. I haven't seen the third book before.
Posted by: Dallas | October 01, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Hey, email me, I inadvertently ordered two of the Doodle Stitching books on Amazon and would be willing to sell or do a swap.
Posted by: Tara | October 01, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Is your bathroom clean? How do you manage it all????????
LOL!
I am fall cleaning and you are falling in love at Borders~~go figure!
Love, M.
Posted by: theredvelvetshoe | October 01, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Both of those books are on my growing must buy list. I swear you would love embroidery. I started it this year and am so hooked!
Posted by: Steph | October 01, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Ah! want the book... love the fabric... love the bag!
yay!
Posted by: Zelia Evora | October 02, 2007 at 04:47 AM
what a beautiful bag! i would by it for my wife but she makes bags that are just as good. your interview was great! i'm sure you're just being modest about not being that great on the business end (:
Posted by: crafty jeff | October 02, 2007 at 07:48 AM
Lucky you! I want that patchwork book BAD!!
Posted by: beki | October 02, 2007 at 07:54 AM
Hi Lisa! I was just going to let you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the purse that I bought from Ebay! I LOVE it! Ironically, I received it the same day that I got my Last minute gifts book too!! I was going to make a post about how it was the perfect day for me! :) You are so talented. I can't wait to show the purse off!! :)
Posted by: Zoe | October 02, 2007 at 09:17 AM
hi lisa,
oh my goodness, what a stunning bag.
just incredible!
i love that patchwork book and i am awaiting my arrival of the Amy Butler book from amazon...i couldn't resist a preorder on that one. ;)
Posted by: melissa deakin | October 02, 2007 at 09:49 PM
you have the most amazing good taste your bags are to die for not litrally of course but just fantastic i am waiting for a copy of the flee market bag pattern oh but i just love your bags... happydays Margie
Posted by: Margie | October 03, 2007 at 01:22 AM
gorgeous bag! and now if you excuse me I've got some books to check out!!
Posted by: monica | October 04, 2007 at 06:03 AM