• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Book 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!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Book giveaway helps you 'Design-It-Yourself'

If you've searched high and low for sewing patterns that appeal to your fashion sense and can't seem to find what you're looking for, then "Design-It-Yourself Clothes, Patternmaking Simplified," (Crafts & Hobbies/$29.99) may help you create the one-of-a-kind garments that reflect your style.

The book's author, Cal Patch, a former designer for Urban Outfitters, guides you through the steps for making a pattern. She offers numerous helpful tips throughout the book, like always make a muslim version of the garment before cutting your expensive or vintage fabric, always label your pattern pieces, and how to take exact measurements of your body to design the perfect customized pattern.

Projects featured in the book include instructions for making a T-shirt, an A-line skirt, a button front shirt and pants.

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of "Design-It-Yourself," just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me a little about your sewing projects. Please put the word "clothes" in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.

Good Luck and Happy Sewing!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Learn to 'Crochet in Color' with this book giveaway

Fiber artist Kathy Merrick, who's been knitting and crocheting for over 30 years, shares some of her most interesting patterns for crocheting with color in "Crochet in Color: Techniques and Designs for Playing with Color" (Interweave Press/$22.95).

Unlike crocheted garments from days gone by, these are soft and drapey because of the exquisite yarns and large size needles she recommends, making them comfortable to wear.

In addition to wearable art, other featured projects include decorative items for the home, like afghans (no, not the kind your grandmother use to make), a pillow, a table topper and even a colorful footstool.

This is the perfect book to help you find ways to use up some of that gorgeous yarn you've been hiding in the attic from family members. Just think, not only will you add to your wardrobe and home decor, you'll be creating more space for collecting more fiber from your favorite yarn shop!!!

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me an interesting story about when you first learned to crochet. Please put the word "crochet" in the subject line, and REMEMBER to include your name and address.

Good Luck!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Win copy of "The Polymer Clay Cookbook"

Now you can have your cake and wear it too! Jessica and Susan Partain will show you how in their recently published book, "The Polymer Clay Cookbook, Tiny Jewelry to Whip Up and Wear" (Watson-Guptill Publications, New York/$16.99).

If you've never worked with polymer clay, no problem; they'll introduce you to all the basic skills required. In no time, you'll be cranking out miniature replicas of your favorite foods -- burgers, tacos, pies, ice cream on a cone, watermelon, a gingerbread boy, pretzels and so much more.

Each piece is made into a charm so that it can be worn on a necklace, bracelet or as earrings. Best of all, a collection of your favorite foods, can be made and worn as a charm bracelet, like the one featured on the cover of the book.

If you'd like a chance at winning a copy of this adorable little "cookbook," just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me what your favorite food happens to be and WHY. Please put the word "cookbook" in the subject line and remember to include your name AND address.

Good Luck!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Win a copy of 'The Knitter's Book of Wool' by Clara Parkes

We knit with it all the time, but how much do we really know about that wonderful fiber called wool?

Clara Parkes, a knitting enthusiasts and author of "The Knitter's Book of Yarn," is helping yarn lovers everywhere understand just about everything there is to know about wool in her recently published book, "The Knitter's Book of Wool, The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber" (Potter Craft/$30).

She takes you on a journey of different types of sheep and the various wool they produce, all while offering suggestions for which one to use depending on the project and intended use.

For instance, she writes, "Occasionally you'll hear me recommend yarn from certain breeds for outerwear and rugged outerwear. These terms describe the kinds of garments that likely will be worn, as the term suggests, over another garment or possibly against areas of skin less sensitive than the head and neck."

Sprinkled throughout the book are patterns for a variety of projects including fingerless gloves, socks, pullovers for both men and women, mittens, shawls, hats and infant wear.

What a must-have book for those of us who love to knit with wool!

If you'd like a chance at winning a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me why you love knitting with wool. Please put the word "wool" in the subject line and remember to include your name and address.

Good Luck and Happy Knitting (with wool)!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Enter to win book on Fair Isle knitting by Alice Starmore

For an in-depth look into the amazing art of Fair Isle knitting, you should consider adding a copy of "Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting" (The Taunton Press/$24.95) to your collection of knitting books.

A celebration of Scotland's Fair Isle knitting, the book includes 14 of the author's original designs for hats, gloves, sweaters, mittens, vests and more. Detailed charts and illustrations make it easy for even beginners to follow the step-by-step instructions.

Starmore begins the book with "a brief history" on Fair Isle Knitting, complete with photos showing early examples of the art in Scotland, a map, pictures of shetland sheep and stitch patterns.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and put the words "Fair Isle" in the subject line. Remember to include your name AND address.

Good Luck and Happy Knitting!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Win book and learn how to make 'Chic Sweats'

Tired of the same look when it comes to wearing sweatshirts? Love the feel of sweatshirt fabric but wish the styles had a more feminine and less boxy look? Well, if you answered yes to one or both of these questions, check out "Chic Sweats, 22 Ways to Transform and Restyle Your Sweatshirts," (St. Martin's Griffin/$21.95).

Sistahs of Harlem, Carmen Webber and Carmia Marshall, both experts in the world of fashion, have put together a collection of hip garments and accessories that's downright city chic.

If you enjoy the look of being fashion-forward with a style all your own, then this book can definitely help you "transform and restyle your sweatshirts."

For a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me a little about your sweatshirt collection and why you feel it's time to redesign a few pieces. Please put the word "sweats" in the subject line, and remember to include your name AND address.

Good Luck!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Enter "Bend the Rules with Fabric" book giveaway

"Bend the Rules Sewing" author Amy Karol, who writes the Angry Chicken blog, has just written another inspiring book for crafters, "Bend the Rules with Fabric" (Crafts & Hobbies/$21.95).

This time around, Karol gives her readers ideas for using their imagination and sense of creativity to make inexpensive items with things around the house. Projects include a lace necklace, a preppy kerchief, painting with dye, modern bedsheets, a watercolor tote, a striped skirt, a baby shirt, and "sew" much more.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me something about your most recent craft project(s). Please put the word "fabric" in the subject line, and REMEMBER to include your name and address.

Good Luck!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

'Light up your life' with this book giveaway

If you have a passion for decorative lamps with interesting shades, you may want to consider making your own with help from "The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life, 50 Custom Lampshades and Lamps," (Potter Craft/$27.50) by Judy Lake with Kathleen Hackett.

Lake, whose been making lampshades for over 20 years, takes you on a fun journey of designing and creating various lampshades using things like vintage fabrics, laminated postcards, trims, baseball cards, maps and so much more. The shades are then used to accent an antique lamp, or maybe one made with things like a stack of three sets of cups and saucers, or even an old ski or cowboy boot.

You'll be introduced to "The Language of Lampshade Making" in the book's introduction, along with all the "basic lampshade-making supplies" you'll need to get started.

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me why you should be chosen the winner. Please put the word "lampshades" in the subject line, and REMEMBER to include your name and address.

Good Luck, and Have a Great Weekend!!!

• Enlarge

Category: Giveaways

Win this book and make 'Jewelry in a Flash'

Ever find yourself in a hurry, but in desparate need of the perfect pair of earrings or stylish necklace to wear with that funky outfit you just purchased? If so, "Jewelry in a Flash, Easy Earrings, Bracelets, & Necklaces in Under 1 Hour" (Kalmbach Books/$19.95) will have you out-the-door in no time wearing a new piece of jewelry you made yourself!

This just released book "from the publisher of 'BeadStyle' magazine," is divided into three categories based on the time it takes to complete a project. They include fast (under 60 minutes), faster (30 minutes or less) and fastest (15 minutes or less) which means you can choose your project based on the time you have to spare. What a great idea! No more excuses for not having the jewelry needed to complete your outfit.

What's so amazing about the finished projects is that they actually look as though you put a lot of time into designing and creating each piece. Supplies used with the projects include chains, semi-precious stones, pearls and beads of all types -- wooden, seed, felted, glass and more.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me a little about your jewelry making. Please include the the word "jewelry" in the subject line, and REMEMBER to include your name and address.

Good Luck!!!