Category: Giveaways
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 10:41 AMBook giveaway for "This I Accomplish" by quilter Kyra E. Hicks
Longtime quilter Kyra E. Hicks has done it again! The author of "Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook" and "Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria" has put together an amazing book filled with insightful information about the quilting artwork of ex-slave Harriet Powers (1837-1910), who many say is "the world's best-known quilter."
The book, titled "This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces," unveils the many ways Powers' quilts have touched the lives of others. The book is an excellent resource for information that sheds light on "new, exciting facts -- many never before published." Among them are:
"Complete exhibition history for both known quilts,
Proof Harriet Powers was a literate, award-winning quilter, who stitched at least five quilts and promoted her own artwork,
Profiles of two nineteenth-century women who sought to purchase the Bible Quilt,
Profiles of the three men who once owned the Pictorial Quilt,
Unveiling of the young artist who embellished the Pictorial Quilt
Name of the person who first made the connection in the twentieth century that Harriet Powers stitched both the Bible Quilt and the Pictorial Quilt" (information taken from the back cover of the book).
The well researched book also includes black and white photos of those who once owned Powers' work, a poem written in her honor by Terri Lynne Singleton, photos of Quilts inspired by her quilts, a photo of Harriet Powers (circa 1896-1870), including one of its backside; a photo of Powers' Bible Quilt "on exhibit at the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition, Atlanta, Ga." and a picture of the author's personal collection of Harriet Powers books, and so much more!
(Hicks, who holds an MBA from the University of Michigan, lives in Arlington, Virginia. She's the granddaughter of the late Michigan Congressman George W. Crockett. You can read her blog on African-American quilting at www.blackthreads.blogspot.com.
Just think what a wonderful Christmas present this book would make for your favorite quilter!!!
For a chance to win an autographed copy, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com. and tell me a short quilt(ing) story. Please put the name Harriet Powers in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!!!
Category: Spinning
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 3:50 PMEnter giveaway to win DVD by Abby Franquemont on learning to spin
Spinning since the age of five, Abby Franquemont, instructs you on learning to spin on her new DVD, "Drafting: the Long and Short of It" (Interweave).
The back of the cover reads, in part, "You'll learn:
The short forward draw (worsted) and what kinds of fibers it's best for, the backward long draw (woolen) and what kinds of fibers to choose it for, two hybrid drafting methods, including spinning from the fold, important extras such as making good worsted joins and spinning ergonomics, and last, but not least, what happens when you give two kittens the run of a spinning studio."
If this sounds like a learning tool you can use, and you'd like a chance to win the unopened DVD, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and share a winning, or possibly spinning, story about your love for working with yarn. Please include your name and address and put the word "drafting" in the subject line.
Good Luck!!!
Category: Knitting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 2:52 PMSimple project helps you use leftover yarn
Looking for a simple way to use some of that leftover yarn you've been stock-piling; something beyond that basic scarf you've given as a gift to every member of the family?
Well, why not take that scarf pattern a step further and turn it into a shrug simply by making it wider and stitching seams at each end to create sleeves? Tiny shrugs are also adorable on babies and toddlers.
I didn't know it at the time, but I began knitting one last weekend out of a black worsted weight wool. It started out as one of two squares for a simple pullover vest, but then my imagination took over and I decided to make it my first shrug. It's already about half finished! If you feel you need a pattern to make a shrug, check out knittingpatterncentral.com. Hmmm, now doesn't this sound like a way to make room for more yarn to stash?
Category: Recycling
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 1:54 PMEnter "The Sweater Chop Shop" book giveaway
You'll never give away or toss out another wool sweater once you read "The Sweater Chop Shop, Sewing One-of-a-Kind Creations from Recycled Sweaters" (Storey Publishing/$18.95).
Textile artist Chrispina ffrench shows you numerous ways to recycle wool sweaters by felting them and using the fabric to create something new and useful. For instance, that pile of old sweaters in the back of your closest can be turned into a warm color-blocked blanket or throw with matching pillow. Or, you can combine fabric from several felted sweaters to make a stylish sweater jacket, complete with zipper. She's even included instructions for putting together dolls, a dinosaur, flowers, a wreath, baby booties and lots more.
Most projects are made using squares which she describes as "fun for all and most suitable for beginners."
All the basic information you'll need, along with a glossary of hand stitches are provided at the beginning of the book.
If you'd like a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me with a story about an old wool sweater, maybe one you wish you still had. Please put the word "sweater" in the subject line and REMEMBER to include your name and address.
Good Luck!!!
Category: Sewing
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 1:38 PMYou can make your own eyeglass case
Dianne Sanders of St. Clair Shores demonstrates how to make quilted eyeglass cases in today's Handmade column.
Category: Knitting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 1:03 PMKnitting at Knoon Saturday at Artisan Knitworks
If you happen to be a knitter or yarn enthusiasts, you may want to stop by Artisan Knitworks this Saturday around noon to see the hand-knitted work of Chris de Longpre of Knitting at Knoon. This just in:
Chris de Longpré, of Knitting At Knoon, will make one of her rare appearances "in the wild" (as she puts it) at Artisan Knitworks on Saturday, November 14th in the afternoon.
"We are more than pleased to have this Michigan-based designer join us," explains Larry Hart, general manager of Artisán Knitworks. "She'll be available to answer your questions about a large collection of sample garments from her pattern line. She'd be delighted to autograph her DVD which is available for sale during the reception".
Chris started Knitting At Knoon Designs, an independently published and distributed line of patterns for hand knitters, in 2003 and has become nationally known and loved for her wide range of easy to follow patterns. Her first book, "Timeless Knits for Kids, Size 4-14," will be published in 2010.
"Don't miss this great opportunity to meet the creative force behind Knitting At Knoon Designs," adds Hart. "We will have refreshments and a few other surprises during the day. Chris' samples will be displayed in our shop through December 14th.
For more information contact, Larry at (313) 823-4132. Artisán Knitworks is located at 15222-B East Jefferson Ave. in Grosse Pointe Park. The store is open noon-7 p.m., weekdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday.
Category: Crafting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 12:49 PMEnjoy The Art Experience in Pontiac
Learn to make altered books, fabric postcards, artist trading cards and more, all at The Art Experience, located at 175 S. Saginaw St. #109 in Pontiac. For more information, call (248) 706-3304 or visit their website.
Category: Handmade column
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 2:34 PMCrayon apron perfect for holiday gift giving
In today's Handmade column Mary Horvath of Lincoln Park shows you how to make an adorable crayon apron for that special little person in your life.
Category: Craft Shows
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 2:39 PMFrost Holiday Craft Show set for Saturday
Frost Middle School PTSA will present it's 33rd annual Frost Holiday Craft Show Nov. 7th.
Featured will be nearly 200 exhibitors. There will be a bake sale and lunch room available.
Show hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission is $2. "No strollers, please."
The school is located at 14041 Stark Road, west of Farmington, north of I-96) in Livonia.
Category: Crafting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown (The Detroit News) on Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 2:29 PMCraft Night Nov. 6th at Merriman Road Baptist Church
Why not spend time crafting with others tomorrow night at Merriman Road Baptist Church?
Take your craft project(s) and meet other crafters at this free craft night for ladies.Light refreshments and tables will be provided. Hours are 6 p.m.-midnight. A quilting demonstration is set to begin at 7 p.m.
Merriman Road Baptist Church is located at 2055 Merriman, south of Ford Road, in Garden City. For more information call (734) 421-0472.
