Quilting in Children's Books

I love reading books to my girls that mean something to me. Two of my favourite children's books feature quilting and I wanted to share them with you.

Oma's Quilt, written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Stephane Jorisch is an excellent book that features a grandmother (Oma) who is set to move to a retirement home. She's leaving behind a lifetime of memories, and her granddaughter Emily gets the idea to make her a qult so she can remember everything. This book is a real tear jerker and makes me want to get going on the memory quilt project I'm brewing up for my daughters. This book has been adapted into a short film by the National Film Board - check it out!

Sara gave my youngest daugther a fantastic book for Christmas. The Quiltmaker's Gift, written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail De Marcken is a BEAUTIFUL story about an amazing quiltmaker who creates wonderful quilts and gifts them to the poor. A greedy but unhappy king is searching for the one thing that will make him happy. He tries to force the quiltmaker to give him a quilt but she refuses, instead telling him that she will give him a qulit when he is poor, after he has given away all his possessions. He reluctantly agrees and experiences increasing joy and happiness with each possession he passes on, until finally, years later, he returns to the quiltmaker's cottage to gift his final belonging - his throne. The image of the quiltmaker handstitching away atop the king's throne to keep the needy warm at night is a fantastic one.

Do any of you have books that feature sewing or quilting that you love reading to your children? I'd love to hear about them!

- Donna

Quilt Maker's Gift:

Quilt the Seasons

My first ever giveaway win!

I had signed my name in the Sewn Launch Giveaway and was pleasantly surprised to hear from Pat Sloan, that I had won a copy of her beautiful book, Quilt the Seasons. It is chalk full of inspiring projects that I'm itching to have a go at. I think they're more than likely a bit above my current skill level, but it can't hurt to try.

Thanks so much, Pat!

~Sara

Lucky Me!

My book arrived this week! I feel so spoiled.

Thanks so much to Alicia for the giveaway and to Donna for winning!


P.S. 5 more days to sign up for the Coaster Swap...

~Sara

Repurposing Pillowcases

I went to a fundraiser booksale at a local daycare this weekend, and picked up an advance copy of this book for 10$10! One of the parents whose children attend the daycare owns a bookstore and had some great books that had been donated by her book reps. The idea of repurposing materials I can get at a thrift shop greatly appeals to me. There are tons of great prints to be found in the linen section of your local thrift shop, and I just love that you can get about a yard of fabric for 99cents! Can't beat the price.

I invaded the yellow section of the linen this past weekend and came up with four great pillowcases to have on hand for when I tackle a project in this new book. (My stash is also very low on yellows). I love what I got, for the grand total of $3.97. The one in the top right corner reminds me of some Amy Butler fabric - same colours - might be fun to get some of that and use them together. I also love the scallopy ricrac-like edging on the case on the bottom left.

Do any of you used repurposed materials in your creations?

Now I just need to tackle the hurdle that is using my sewing machine. I will write about my fear and problems I've been having very soon.

- Donna