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Book Reviews - by Crane Johnson
Threads, The Basics & Beyond
THREADS, THE BASICS & BEYOND
by Debbie Bates & Liz Kettle
What a wonderful resource and a delightful journey into a passion for all things Thread. The authors have created a unique learning device called a passport page. They suggest that each exercise in the book be stitched out in a 5”x7” fabric sandwich. These small passport pages are small enough to try anything, and serve as a cool
journal of your thread journey.
Beginning with the nuts and bolts of thread tension, basic stitches and edge finishes, the book branches out into six sections with lessons on thread in quilting, thread as paint, thread as texture, thread as structure, thread as ornament, and thread as embellishment. Each passport section builds upon the previous one. Tip boxes throughout suggest machine set-ups for tension, needle size, and top and bobbin threads. The illustrations are top-notch and I really like all the cool edge finish ideas.
Couch threads, creating fabric from thread, and playing with water soluble stabilizers are just some of the fun things to try.The section on thread and other media, like crayons and paint, was very intriguing.
This book has convinced me to make 2012 a year of skill building, stitch play, and thread discovery. How about you?
Threads Sewing Guide
From Threads Magazine
Threads Magazine has been America’s go -to sewing source for the past 25 years. Whether you are a seasoned garment seamstress,a beginner who hasn’t yet installed a first zipper, or a quilter pondering an edge finish, this comprehensive sewing guide is for you.
Do you really understand why different sizes and types of sewing machine needles matter? I flipped to the sewing machine essential tools section and found that out and more. I learned about all the different kinds of fabric we are so lucky to have and learned about the best way to prepare, sew, and care for fabric.
As a quilter, I liked the hints on choosing fabrics. Then I read through the basic order of clothing construction and realized that garment sewing is well within my reach. Edge finishes and hems are equally at home in a skirt or on the knife-edge closure of my latest quilt. Linings, zippers, and buttonholes are used in both clothing and in making a bag, clutch, or eyeglass case.
Detailed, time-tested, and expert advice drives every section of this book, whether you turn to couture techniques or use it to refine your current skills. It deserves a central spot on your bookshelf.
Texas Caviar
Recipe provided by Valerie Hinkel.
1 large jar medium or hot Picante sauce
2 16-oz cans hominy, drained
1 cup green pepper, diced
1 cup white onion, chopped
1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup jalapeno, seeded & chopped
1 cup green onions including tops, chopped
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp salt (really)
2 Tbsp ground black pepper (not a typo)
2 Tbsp cumin (no kidding)
Mix together and refrigerate for 24 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.
This recipe and many more can be found in
The Quilt Crossing Cook Book. The cost is $17.95 - with $2.00 donated to The Idaho Food Bank for each copy sold.
Quilt Shows
Here's a look at our shop, for those of you who get to Boise occasionally or are just curious. If you see something you're interested in, send us an e-mail.
5725 Fairview Ave
Boise, ID 83706
208-376-0087
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
Sunday 12Noon-5PM
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