Thanks for the well wishes friends! We are on the mend, and starting to feel hungry again – always a good sign. Since I haven’t made it to my sewing machine yet, I thought I would share a book with you! Given the opportunity to select books for review, I was drawn to the intricate designs of The Rose of Sharon Block Book by Sharon Pederson. Most of you know that I love simple pieced blocks, but I had to know more about these blocks! Aren’t they beautiful?
The first few pages introduce the book and show you exactly how to use the book! Also, Sharon’s business partner is Ami Simms, founder of Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. Ami shares the story of her mother and how she turned the difficult times into a beautiful project to honor and remember those who had forgotten themselves. Rene’ has made it her personal goal to create at least one quilt each month if you would like to join her, you can find details here.
The Rose of Sharon Block Book is the product of an online competition, EQ6 users were given 3 shapes in multiple sizes to design blocks with, the variety of blocks made is incredible to me. In the book all the patterns needed, are ready to be traced in the desired size per the block directions. Also if you happen to have a Go! Cutter there is a die to cut perfect pieces too!
One thing that I love about this book is Sharon’s encouragement. She knows how she likes to appliqué, and shares all those details with you, BUT if you have a way that works for you – do it that way! No right or wrong way, just your way. I do love all the detail she shares about her method, needles, thread, stitch length and width – did I mention that her favorite way is machine appliqué? It is!
Produced with the book are these stunning note cards! I haven’t been able to part with any of mine yet, but I’m looking for the perfect opportunity. Proceeds from both the book and note cards goes to Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. I love this book and can’t wait to gather the fabric supplies and courage to get a block or two made!
Happy Quilting –
Amy
One of my all time favorite quilts is a Rose of Sharon by Mary Schafer. It is done in all pinks and greens – very pretty!
The book looks fantastic.
I still have to get my self a copy. (I’m in that book somewhere I can’t remember the page # though)
I didn’t know they had note cards, I”ll have to find some of those too.
I would love to add this book to my collection as it is such a beautiful and versatile one. Thanks for sharing.
wow great book! I love the included note cards, I think i would have them framed and put in my sewing room so I could enjoy them every day! Thanks for the review Amy I will have to see if our LBS has a copy!
Hi Amy!
Those blocks are gorgeous and a Rose of Sharon quilt is on my “to do” list! Machine applique sounds good to me!
big hugz….
oh, by the by, are you thinking of a Applique Quilt A Long?
glad you’re feeling better–so many people we know had it, too. got the cd and look at it almost every day. collecting batiks to work on it and another couple projects. i tried cutting freezer paper but pieces didn’t stay on material –have you tried that method before–was my iron too hot? any help would be appreciated. i actually found a way that’s worked really well for me–cut out cardboard shapes, cut material a bit bigger, lay both on a piece of tinfoil a big bigger than material then fold it in tightly around the piece and iron–it works really well. love to hand sew–don’t feel so guilty about watching tv while doing something productive!!
I love these blocks, and I love Ami Simms – so it looks like a must have to me! Thanks for the great review, this is going on my list. Hope you’re back to feeling 100% soon!
I’ve been looking for appliqué books lately, and just haven’t found any I really like. But I do really love the blocks here. I think I will check it out. Thanks for sharing!
ok–know this is late–can’t figure out how i missed this post from you as i get your emails!! anyway…just have to say, i LOVE the rose of sharon cd i have. when i first saw the quilt i fell deeply in love and have done some applique all along in my sewing endeavors, but this was something i just had to do. hubby was going to sign me up for bom, but i wanted to do it myself and have so enjoyed it. i totally agree about sharon and her encouragement. watching the video is really fun, and so uplifting when i’m feeling stressed! thanks for sharing
Amy!! Sharon also has a fantastic (FANTASTIC) DVD based on this book – http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Pederson-Presents-Rose-Challenge/dp/B00401TYLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327116665&sr=8-1
I love it – I have watched it at least 11 times and even more if you count the number of nights I drift off to the sweet sounds of ‘applique, applique, applique…..’