The big day at last! to celebrate: A book review and a giveaway

It’s 6 months (all but 1 day) from when the roof collapsed on my “old” studio under the weight of snow.  Now it’s rebuilt – not quite totally organised, but I’m back in and working in my new “Little Blue Shaker Studio”.

Do you remember seeing these photos back in January?  I couldn’t imagine the future back then.  I had so many kind words of support (and beautiful flowers).  I can’t say thank you enough.  The online support was so helpful when I was so despairing of ever working again and all I could see was devastation and two damaged Bernina machines.

Want to come with me on my first day???

Well first of all you need the key, coffee, iPhone and landline.

Open the back door and walk across the (still wobbly) path….

Juggle the camera, coffee and key….

Fight off the door dangles….

Leave the door open as its a beautiful day….

And set up two sewing machines – one for straight and one for FME….

The sofa is back….

   

New cushions….

 

Frivolous bunting….

Treasured books on new bookcases….

  

Art materials all safe….

The iPod playing a good podcast….

And choosing threads for a Festival of Quilts entry…...

 

Until FoQ is over that's all I can show of the work in progress – there will be a hanging and a 3D piece.

Now for the Book review and the Giveaway – this is a first for me, I’ve never reviewed a book online before but lets give it a go. 

Lets celebrate being back!

The Book is 500 Art Quilts by Lark Books - edited by Ray Hemachandra and juried by Karey Bresenhan, with a foreword by Karey (the president of Quilts Inc who run the large American quilt shows). 

The pages open in a visual feast of colour, this is a book of vibrant images of contemporary textile art.  The photography is wonderful and the handy 8x8 inch size is perfect.

There are quilts of all styles many featuring people, flowers and landscapes and in contrast many that are pure abstract.  Whatever your personal preference you’ll find lots to love.  Its simply stunning – page after page of quilts created by 346 quilt artists from around the world.  I have a lot of books (!) and I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite.

Its a “must have” if you have any interest in Art Quilts and textiles and one to refer back to many times.  If you’re stuck for inspiration, or want to browse beautiful art quilts grab a coffee and look through this book.

I only wish I’d got my act together and submitted a piece myself.

I’ve got an extra copy of this book to giveaway – all I need is a comment from you and I’ll get DS to draw a name from the hat on Friday 9th July at 8pm (British summer time).

Leave your comment and pass on the word. 

Happy Days!