While an adult-level sewing book would not have been my first place to look for a project for 16 first graders, I just kept coming back to one project – the Nature Notebooks. I knew the kids would love the idea of recycling and the involvement of paint and stamping would allow a nice level of personalization. They all love journaling and the light level of sewing gave them all a big sense of accomplishment when they were done.

Take a look at the gallery to see how they came together and how wonderfully they turned out!

I should also note that all of the kids now want a sewing machine, most especially the boys.

Huge thanks to all of the kids for their hard work and creativity, to my daughter’s teacher for the invitation, and to Park Tudor School for allowing me to spend a morning with her class.

Maya- your project was a winner! There truly is something for everyone in your finished book and I, for one, am looking forward to making the rest of them.

And, now for the giveaway. We’re so excited about this book that we’re dying to share a copy with one lucky reader. Leave me a comment and on Monday I’ll pick a winner to receive a copy of Reinvention.

Your best bets will be to stop by the Timeless Treasures booth where she’s sewn some of their Washi fabric into projects from Sewing for Boys. She also sewed some sample garments for Cloud9 Fabrics.

Patty Young can be found in her booth, #3024-3026. Drop by her booth and she may tell you when she’s planning on a suprise book giveaway and signing in her own booth.

Or on Thursday, at her Schoolhouse from 12:45 – 1:15 p.m., Room 2503B.

On Saturday, she’ll do a book signing at 3:00 in the United Notions booth, #110-117.

And on Sunday, she’ll have a book signing at 11:15 in the Brewer booth, #2824-2833.

Joanna Figueroa can be spotted in her own booth, #136 & 237. She’ll also be hostessing a surprise book signing and giveaway in her booth. I bet if you stop by, she’ll let you know when to stop back.

On Thursday you can meet her at her Schoolhouse at 12:10 in Room 2505B.

And on Friday at 1:00 she’ll be doing a book signing at the MODA/United Notions booth, #110-117.

Anna Maria Horner should be easy to catch up with in her own booth, #2010-2012. I bet that she’d even spill the beans on the topic of her next book, if you’re really nice.

So, for all of you Gleeks who want to recreate a little piece of their favorite show, here’s a link to our version of an embellished mini top hat. Click here for the free pattern!

Look out for more great hats designed by celebrated fabric designers, pattern designers, and bloggers in August, when Sewn Hats hits bookshelves! (Although, you can pre-order now!)

Kristy, thank you, and all of the Wiley Project Testers for truly adding so much value to the books you test. We appreciate all of your insight and working with you was a lot of fun!

Happy May, everyone! The bright greens and purples and pinks that I see outside my window on this cheery spring day have me thinking about color…and color knitting! So it’s a happy coincidence that Mary Scott Huff‘s new book, Teach Yourself VISUALLY Color Knitting, will be released next week. Mary has packed so many techniques and so much information into this comprehensive guide, from stranded knitting to intarsia to entrelac, that you’re sure to find something you can’t wait to start knitting. Here’s a sneak preview: 

Stranded knitting projects from Teach Yourself VISUALLY Color Knitting

Intrigued? Check back on Friday for a FREE PROJECT from the book!

 

Whether you are an avid attendee or simply wanting some festival inspiration, grab a copy of Joanne Seiff’s Fiber Gathering: Knit, Crochet, Spin, and Dye More than 25 Projects Inspired by America’s Festivals. Joanne highlights eleven fiber events throughout the U.S. and gives you a taste of what each has to offer through photography, essays, lore, and even a local recipe. On top of that, talented designers have contributed patterns using fibers that are ubiquitous to each festival.

Safe travels to everyone Maryland-bound next weekend!  

2012 Fiber Festivals

Northeast

• Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, West Friendship, MD, May 5-6
  http://www.sheepandwool.org/ 
• New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, NY, October 20-21
  http://www.sheepandwool.com/
• New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival, Deerfield, NH, May 12-13
  http://www.nhswga.com/sheep-and-wool-festival

 South

• Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Fletcher, NC, October 26-28
  http://www.saffsite.org/
• The Tennessee State Fair, Nashville, TN, September 7-16
  http://tennesseestatefair.org/

Midwest

• Michigan Fiber Festival, Allegan, MI, August 18-19
  http://www.michiganfiberfestival.info/

 West

• Black Sheep Gathering, Eugene, OR, June 22-24
  http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/
• Estes Park Wool Market, Estes Park, CO, June 9-10
  http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=TownofEstesPark%2FCBONLayout&cid=1251609816602&pagename=CBONWrapper
• The Wool Festival at Taos, Taos, NM, October 6-7
  http://www.taoswoolfestival.org/

Have a great weekend!

Looking to add some new jewelry pieces to your spring wardrobe? Chris Franchetti Michaels, author of More Teach Yourself VISUALLY Jewelry Making, offer this lovely project from her newest book. The Filigree and Gemstone Ring has a trendy antique look, and following Chris’ clear, step-by-step instructions makes it easy to make. Click here for details: Filigree and Gemstone Ring.