Sewing Literature and Shop Update

I thought I'd share some sewing books and magazines that I think would be nice to own (hint, hint, Mike, my birthday is coming up). I feel very fortunate that my love of sewing has finally come into vogue and there are lots of amazing women (and men) out there creating patterns and projects and sharing them with us. So here is my list:

Happy Hour by Terry Atkinson. I recently stumbled upon this quilt and think it would be a really nice pattern to own. I could probably figure it out but I've been busy and so having the book might be nice. I don't actually know what other projects are in the book but I like the quilt so much that they should be good.

Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. I've looked through this book at Borders and there are some sweet little projects in there. I think it would be nice to have on hand for the making of gifts. I've been reading lots of posts in blog land about having a "grandmothers gift closet" so when those new babies, weddings and house warmings come up, I can just go to the "gift stash" and pull something out.

Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects. It was an article about Denyse Schmidt and pictures of her quilts that got me to learn to quilt. I like her crooked style.

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. I've seen this one at Borders and my friend Michele owns it (and said I could borrow it....thanks Michele!).

Amy Butler has two books: Midwest Modern and In Stitches. She has a fabulous fabric line and some amazing patterns. I always want to use these ultra modern, large print fabrics in my quilts but can't ever do it. I think the fabrics work better in other sewing projects.

Finally, I'm not one to want to order magazines but there are two that I think could be nice. The first is Better Homes and Garden's Quilts and More. There are always amazing quilts and other patterns that look fun to make. The eye candy magazine I would love is Mary Englebreit's Home Companion. I love her use of color, it makes me happy.

I'd love to hear about YOUR favorite books and magazines. What makes YOU happy (in a materialistic way, of course...)

Finally, I wanted to let you know that I am trying to get my etsy shop back up and running. The pictures on this page are all in or going in the shop. They are a really nice, large bag with coordinating brown and green material that I really like to look at, coasters made from the scraps and my snail's trail quilt.