May 11, 2016

Crafted Applique, and a ray of giveaway sunshine!

Hooray, I got myself to sit in front of my computer long enough to blog!

Today it's because my blogger friend Lara B. sent me her new book, Crafted Appliqué - New Possibilities.  I've been so curious about it ever since she told me what she was working on. "A new approach to appliqué" she would say. What could it be? I wondered.

Eventually I got a look at the cover and became even more curious. The detail! How does this super cute appliqué look so perfect?


I dove into the book to find out, and I am delighted. Lara has developed a simple approach to appliqué that takes the best of other methods and comes out with a quick, non-toxic solution that gives better results than other raw edge appliqué methods. Three years from now everyone's going to be using this method all the time and we'll hardly remember a time that we bought that other stuff with the paper when we wanted a quick appliqué. Seriously, it's that kind of "aha!".


Lara shows off her method with a ton of cute projects. The structural house sewing machine cover is my favorite (and not because Lara used my selvage fabric on the inside, it's charmingly clever!).

After seeing all Lara did with the projects in the book, I had to try the method myself. I prepared some fabric using Lara's simple and well-documented process, and then cut out a flower. I fused it to the fabric and straight-stitched it down for good measure. This happened at approximately midnight. Did I mention it was fast? That's good because I'm exhausted this year.


Normally with fused appliqué I would zigzag stitch, but Lara promised good results and no need to zigzag, even with washing, and I wanted to see for myself. I'm so glad. All those little petals would have been a nightmare to zigzag around. Here is the appliqué after a machine wash and dry the next morning. The edges held up great, no fraying!


And here's the happy, toothless girl it delighted.


So are you curious? Good! I don't want to spoil Lara's hard work and tell you how it's done, Crafted Appliqué does that so well. And here's a sweet chance to get your hands on it, Lara is letting me pick a lucky reader to send a copy of the book to!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on the blog post telling me something you do to stay calm when life gets stressful. Don't email me! Comment on the blog! I'll choose a winner this weekend. The giveaway is now closed, thanks everyone!

I'll be sure to show pretty pictures and give a sewing and life update when I come back to announce a winner. I've been missing blogging!

183 comments:

Christine B said...

Is that your daughter? She is so cute! I love to sew (of course) to keep calm.... I love hand embroidery and that is always calming. Now that I have improved my FMQ (thanks to a certain Craftsy class!!) I enjoy that too.... you really can't think about your troubles when you have your tongue sticking out in concentration as you machine stitch!! LOL! Christine x

Anna-Marie said...

Sewing and cooking both calm me, as does eating chocolate(!) I'm intrigued by this new appliqué technique and would love to try it out so thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

Unknown said...

Sewing is how I relax myself, so hopefully seeing isn't the cause of the stress!

smithcindyk said...

Sewing has always been my therapy but I always have to remind myself to give my problems to God and He will work everything out.

Andrea R said...

Sewing and quilting is my stress relief. It's how i recharge.

Quilting Babcia said...

I hand quilt most of my quilts. It's a great de-stresser and a peaceful way to slow down the pace each evening.

Connie Kauffman said...

In the winter a cup of hot cocoa does the trick!,

Patty said...

I do yoga and then have a cup of tea. It really works for me.

FlashinScissors said...

Hi Christina, Nice to meet you. My first visit here! Just been reading your post about "Quilt as you go", and it's given me an idea of how to use some of my scrappy pieces ..... for that, I thank you!

I hope you continue to feel able to return to blogging, and that this means your situation is easing a little now.

Lara's technique sounds really exciting and I would love to have the chance to try it out! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her wonderful book! Barbara xx

FlashinScissors said...

Whoops, missed out the bit about what calms me, which is hand stitching, and especially embroidery!
Barbara xx

Gene Black said...

When I am really stressed, it helps to either sit down at my loom and weave for a while - OR- go for a walk. Both allow me to let go of the stress.
I have been following this blog hop in hopes of winning a copy of the book.

Debbie said...

Very cute test for this! Stress relief is to sew, have a cup of tea and add chocolate!

Websterquilt said...

Looks like fun! I quilt for stress relief or do yoga

Gale Bulkley said...

Stress relief comes in the form of any kind of quilting related activity. Planning projects, starching fabric and so on. Basically, anything that can take my mind off of what's stressing me out.

MaryAnn said...

I read and cook when stressed with a soothing cup of tea

Renea said...

I try to always have a hand sewing project going so when the stress hits I grab the hand sewing (or I would be grabbing the food). Thanks for the great giveaway. I love applique and am very curious about this new method.

quilter said...

I sew when life gets stressful, of course! Thanks for the giveaway.
cork@pa.rr.com

Lara B. said...

Christina, I'm so glad that your "tiny selvages" fabric led me to meet you and that we became friends! It was an unexpected blessing!

When I am very stressed out, I try to find things that will make me laugh. Even when things are super horrible, laughter helps. I'll go on Pinterest and look at lots of humor posts. The Tumblr posts that make it to Pinterest are usually funny. Going for walks is another good thing to do, especially if you can walk somewhere with natural beauty.

Thank you for the so-sweet review - I'm so glad that you liked using the Crafted Applique technique! Your project and especially your little girl are super cute! It's great to know this will even work on a knit background. That get me wondering about all sorts of possibilities. :) Which is the whole point! LOL

2 Little Monkeys said...

Lots of chain piecing is very meditative when I'm stressed.

Thanks for the chance to win the book, I've just been plotting my next appliqué project so the timing is perfect!

Carol said...

I work on a quilt or color in one of my Basford adult coloring books. Both are so soothing to me.

Anonymous said...

Christina; so glad to see a blog from you! you've got my curiosity about this method of applique. BTW is this the adorable artist daughter who colored the calendar cover? LOVE how that flower applique turned out - been wanting to try some flower collage - this method would save a lot of thread!

Vicki in MN said...

Take a long walk in nature, or go kayaking, the water is so calming. Now if it is winter that is a hard one! Hope all is well with you.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

I knit and that really relaxes me. The repetition of knitting is soothing and calming.

Material Girl said...

I SEW when life gets stressful. Piecing keeps my mind occupied as I need to concentrate on those cuts and seams.

Unknown said...

Walk preferably by water, indulge in a little ritual jasmine tea drinking or play iPad solitaire it numbs the brain.

Unknown said...

Cup of tea and snuggling with my two dogs...with a quilt of course!

cjmont said...

i close my eyes and listen to the sound of my breathing as i take several deep breaths and then go sew.

Anna brown said...

I sew or go for a long walk in the woods and have a good cry or scream..... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Chantal said...

I go to my sewing room when the stress hits. Nothing like fabric to melt away anxious moments. Thank you for a chance to win.

Sandy said...

If I feel stressed, I either quilt or read. Either can get my mind off of what's gone wrong.

Kathy's Korner said...

I retired from working for 41 years to relieve my stress! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Lara's book. Can't wait to learn a new technique for applique.

Sarah Craig said...

I sew when I'm stressed, which isn't often because I sew all the time! But back when I was a newlywed and my husband was working at his first full-time church job, I took up counted cross-stitch so I wouldn't strangle any deacons - I guess that counts as a stress-reliever!! Nice to see you blogging again, and your daughter has a beautiful smile!! Great review, by the way - mine comes up on Friday!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I'd love to have a copy of this book. It looks very interesting. Reading is a stress reliever for me. Even better, is reading, while soaking in a nice bath.

Afquilt said...

I go for a walk outside. Fresh air and getting out of the house always helps.

Unknown said...

Taking a family walk outdoors is always helpful
drlbennett at gmail dot com

Anita said...

I take a long walk in fresh air when life gets stressful.

Linette Greene said...

My life has been insanely stressful the last few years--my mom (my rock all my life) has dementia and no longer knows me; I am estranged from my sister over issues with my mother; my daughter went off the deep end after a really nasty divorce and the aftermath and I ended up with my grandson (2 at the time) for a year while CPS had their way with the situation; my dear mother-in-law and best friend succumbed to pancreatic cancer in January; my brother committed suicide in February; my sweet son-in-law (the daughter who had it all together) finally beat his brain cancer by leaving this mortal plain on April 8. Whew. Some days I am amazed I am still standing.

Creating things reduces my stress. I make and gift a LOT of baby quilts--seven so far just in 2016! They are small, relatively quick, and allow me to play with new techniques and patterns. And people (usually) are so appreciative. In fact, I finished an applique quilt with prairie points and shipped it off on Monday!

Digging in the dirt helps me, too. I hear there are microbes in the soil that get absorbed through the nailbeds that are natural antidepressants. I know the sunshine and fresh air lift me up. And watching my plants grow!

I love to can--jam, jelly, meat, fruits, veggies, etc. Seeing my jars on the shelf fill me with peace and contentment. Opening up a few jars for a fast meal faster than fast food, makes me feel happy, and maybe a little smug. Best of all is if I can my own homegrown foods.

swooze said...

Sew with my friends!

Havplenty said...

Creating something is calming to me. I will piece or fondle my fabrics or draw up a new quilt idea. Walking/jogging & exercise is calming for me. I also use aromatherapy and world music (native flutes, water sounds)to relax which I adopted to ease my insomnia. Find whatever centers you and do that to find you some inner peace.

tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Carol said...

My creative outlets are what calms me: digging in the dirt and planting flowers, heading to my sewing studio to sew a bit, knit on current project, cook up something delicious, or sit on the patio and watch all the hummingbirds at the feeders. That appliqué looks very interesting. Anxious to learn about it. Hope my lqs has the book.

Monica said...

I like to take the time to look at patterns and blogs to see what others are creating to relax and stimulate my creative juices.

mumbird3 said...

A warm cup of tea, a sewing machine and some fabric fondling....help me relax and recharge!!!

DebraKay Neiman said...

STAY CALM and Eat Chocolate. crystalbluern at tds dot net

Jocelyn said...

When I feel stressed, I usually like to read a good fiction book. I can get lost in a story and it takes me away and clears my mind.

fabricstasher24@gmail.com said...

I either get lost in a good book ( current favourite author is Kate Morton with The Forgotten Garden) or do some English paper piecing.
fabricstasher24@gmail.com

Crystal_235 said...

I hide out in my craft room to try and relieve some stress!

Mims said...

A short hike along Lower Macleay trail in Forest Park is always calming. I love waling right along the creek.

LadySchep said...

Coffee and a cookie (or two, or three) :)

JanineMarie said...

I read, take a walk or quilt!

Dody said...

I sew ,clean like a maniac,or crochet!

Sewgirl said...

I really like to practice Yoga to stay calm. There is something about the breathing that helps. Cute sweatshirt...thanks for sharing the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Sewing a quilt together, or quilting on my long arm that is my stress reliever.

Kathleen said...

Well, this may sound odd, but I usually write about it. If the stress is caused by something that is happening to someone else, I need to make notes to keep my head. If the stress is happening directly to me, like when my Dad passed away, I sit down and type about what is happening. I don't go on and on forever. I just get my thoughts out during the time I'm feeling stressed. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
kakingsbury at verizon dot net

bunbear said...

when life gets stressful, something i do to stay calm is pray. and quilt! just being in my sewing room is a balm for my sanity! what little of it i have left.... haha

Nann said...

When life gets stressful I take a walk in the ravine at the end of our block. It's beautiful at any time of year....I found out about the blog hop at Red Letter Quilts. It's been great fun to discover new-to-me bloggers. And I definitely want to get Lara's book. I enjoy machine applique and anything I can do to enhance efficiency is welcome.

kupton52 said...

When I get stressed out I stop and just breathe deeply. If possible I take a walk on our farm up a long field...by the time I return home I'm usually calm. If I can't get outside I pray, think of my blessings and think of things I'm grateful for. Sewing, quilting, daydreaming about quilts helps but sometimes those are the stressors.

Preeti said...

meditate,
soak my feet in cool (or warm) water depending on the weather,
make khichdi (rice and lentils cooked together like a porridge) and eat it with spicy chutney.
sewpreetiquilts@gmail.com

Kathy H said...

I like to read a fun book to relieve stress.

Jeanne in Ohio said...

I practice deep breathing.

Lisa England said...

I take yoga classes.

Anonymous said...

HI,I lie down and pray to Jesus for Grace! Thank You!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Tomomi McElwee said...

Very interesting. I would like to say quilting but actually weeding is better choice for emptying my mind.

@lutzcats said...

I grab my cat to love her up, she purrs at the site of me and that in of itself calms me immediately!

@lutzcats said...

I grab my cat to love her up, she purrs at the site of me and that in of itself calms me immediately!

Unknown said...

Of course I sew to stay calm! Just kidding (well, not really) but seriously, I do often lock myself up in the bathroom for a hot bath with a book and a glass of wine, or I take a nice long walk or run along our local river or our own farm road. And several years ago I tried a meditation app which I enjoy for "preventive" medicine. Love your blog and your craftsy classes!

Amanda Conger said...

What calms me? Stopping to doodle our play with fabric. What do I most often do? Catch up on Facebook on my phone!

Amanda Conger said...

What calms me? Stopping to doodle our play with fabric. What do I most often do? Catch up on Facebook on my phone!

Rosa said...

Cooking and go walking calms me.

Jasmine said...

What a cutie! The shirt is great too. I have to just take it a day at a time when I'm stressed.

glittergal4u said...

Music always calms me, also camping, and my Great Dane, Willow Mae :)

OhioLori said...

I usually grab my crochet bag to calm me...unless I am sewing! lol I also loooove to color...very calming too. My Grangirlie loves to color too, so we do it when she is here. :)

Love your lil Model! Such a sweeetie & her shirt is Super! Thanks for chance to win your Give-a-way too!!! :)

Nancy said...

When life is stressful I go outside and pet my dogs!

Paradise Threads said...

Chocolate and some nice music soothe my soul when stressed.

Karin said...

I have got one of those motivational sayings pinned up on the wall that I look at. Picture features a frog and it says..."Today I will trust that everything will be ok". Probably sounds silly but it does help me calm when facing some storms.

Kathy E. said...

Your toothless daughter is darling in her appliqued shirt! When I'm stressed, I like to clean. Not really "like" it, but I tend to do it to keep busy. It reduces the stress and I get a clean house...double bonus!

LJ said...

Oh, dear, I'm afraid I have a dish of ice cream when I'm stressed. It would be better if I exercised - so do as I say and not as I do. I am totally curious about this new applique method.

Elsie Montgomery said...

What I do to stay calm in life's craziness is try to remember that God is God and I am not; He is in control of things and is far wiser than I am. When I do that, He gives me His perfect peace!

JANET said...

I turn on TV and get out quilting magazines/books.

Afton Warrick said...

Truth be told, I have my husband take the kids out of the house for a little so I can catch up on quilting, sleeping, eating, or just hearing myself think.

Swedish Scrapper said...

Oh, fabulous result! I am so curious! When I need to stay calm when life gets stressful, I do a few things- First, I ask for housework help from my family, and try to get my surroundings less cluttered. If it is a lot of stress, I have found that making a routine of sewing some English Paper Piecing, every night, to be very relaxing, and I feel I am accomplishing something, no matter how small. Finally, I seek out either an entire album of music to listen too, or a TED talk that fits the bill, and I take a bus ride with my headphones on. I find that helps me focus on the moment, and dream a little. I come away very refreshed!

Lauren said...

when the stress is more than sewing can handle (or when sewing is stressful too) then I go out and dig in the garden. Dirty fingernails and a warm bath afterwards do wonders!

KaHolly said...

Looks interesting. Your daughter seems pleased! When I'm stressed, I head out of doors. I hike a trail through the woods or along the shore, or through the park.

GranChris said...

This time of year is the best. I can sit on the front porch have a glass of ice tea and let the world go by. However sometimes it just is stressful. Meditate.

MMorton said...

When stressed, I walk and do a yoga relaxation routine.

Mary said...

When I need to get away from it all, Christina, I go into my sewing room, pull out a stack of well thumbed quilting magazines and peruse as I drink a cup of Twinings Earl Grey tea :)

Unknown said...

For the last 6 yrs I have Morton's Neuropathy in my feet. This means that the nerve endings in my toes are dying. It feels like a SEVERE sunburn and someone keeps slapping it. I take meds that leave me dopey and does not relieve the pain. But the only time i feel normal again is when I am in my sewing room creating! I love to applique, on everything! nothing is safe!! LOL

Michele T said...

Your daughter is a sweetie!! I like to de-stress in my sewing studio... hmmm... You'd think that I was stressed out all the time!! Lol

Unknown said...

When stressed, I walk the dogs. Would like to know more about that technique--looks interesting! robinsheloratearthlinkdotnet

Barb Neiwert said...

When stress knocks down my door, I get outside for some fresh air and nice long walk. Something about walking past other people's homes, thinking about the people that live there, and knowing that, on some level, everyone has their own stressors that they deal with. Helps me understand that this, too, shall pass.

Stitchgirl78 said...

Like a lot of others, I find stress relief in my creativity, be it sewing or quilting projects...........wine helps too. LOL!

Grandma Beth said...

When I'm stressed I PRAY!!! I turn on beautiful music- usually peaceful or praise music and I sit and drink hot tea or coffee and flip through a quilting magazine, and dream of possibilities.

Unknown said...

I find that riding my bicycle relieves stress. I love the sense of freedom and I love being outdoors!

Unknown said...

sitting to the sewing machine, doing something I have to think about gets my mind of other things.

Liz Horgan said...

slow, deep breathes and then off to my sewing room.

Paula DiMattei said...

I have several tools in my tool belt when it comes to stress reduction. Often I take my two dogs for a walk. But I also do Tai Chi and of course there is nothing like quilting your worries away.

jlaba said...

Long car rides stress me, so I use a little aroma therapy stick that calms me down. Hand sewing also helps me decompress.
Jackie Laba

Elsa said...

I do a lot of walking everyday and that seems to keep the stress at bay. Thanks for the giveaway ~ looks like a great book!

Lisa S. said...

When I need some calm, I head into my sewing space. No need to sit to sew, even just entering the room calms me down.

artsycraftsyivy said...

Sometimes I sew. Sometimes stress makes me unable to sew. Sometimes I'll drink a cup of tea. Take a long walk. I recommend a daily walk for stress, actually.

Suzanne said...

Happy to see you in my blog RSS. :) I knit when I'm stressed. The rhythm calms me down so does the sitting.

Nancy in IN said...

I usually sew squares together which will become a charity quilt.

Shelia said...

Thinking about sewing for "me" is my relaxer. It is great to sew for others but sometimes I need "me" sew time.
Thanks.
Shelia. stitchedfromtheheart@yahoo.com

Sara said...

I play the piano just for myself when I am stressed. It works every time!

JENNR8R said...

When I'm stressed, I eat everything in the house. I'll be able to try out for My 600-Pound Life soon if I don't find an alternative way to deal with life.

NancyA said...

I go into my seeing room, put an audio book on my Kindle and sew.

Mliss said...

When I'm stressed I pick up one of my 4 cats and take a moment to cuddle and listen to the purring. It's so relaxing.

Mliss said...

When I'm stressed I pick up one of my 4 cats and take a moment to cuddle and listen to the purring. It's so relaxing.

kathy sandell said...

I slap on the iPod with the latest podcasts and go for a long walk. Feels great to be outside and exercising. Love listening to Fresh Air and To The Point. kathy

patty a. said...

Lately I fix myself a drink and work in the studio.

tac73 said...

Taking a deep breath then going for a long walk relieves stress for me or doing hand embroidery.

Julierose said...

I've only ever done needleturn appliaue (and rather badly, if I do say so myself ;000) hugs, Julierose

Andrea Harles said...

Reading magazines and books (usually quilt related) calm me. Changes the focus of my thoughts

Ann Z said...

Of course quilting is a great stress reliever! But I also find that getting outside and being active is one of the best ways to get my mind on the here and now. Nothing like a day skiing in the Cascades or windsurfing in the beautiful Columbia Gorge to forget all about those niggling things rolling around in my mind.

Anonymous said...

Hand work kept me sane during cancer treatments. DH always knew I was feeling better when I got back behind the sewing machine.

JC in TX said...

Like a cat I tune out what stresses me. I just curl up with my favorite quilt (FMQ with your blog & book help!) And a stack of quilting magazines or my tablet to read favorite blog posts.

Krista Wells said...

Cleaning and/or organizing help me when I'm stressed. Once everything is in order I can focus on other things.

Dawn said...

I take a cup of coffee out on the porch and relax. Thank you for the the giveaway. Have an awesome day! dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

Janice Holton said...

That sewing machine cover is really cute! I have never done applique because it seemed much too tedious to me, but now maybe not!

Marla said...

Sometimes doing some handwork while listening to an audiobook helps me slow down and feel calmer.

Unknown said...

I'm really curious about this fusing method! When I have done this in the past, I would satin stitch all around each piece which looks great, but takes a lot of time and thread!

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

Good to read your post. Missed you. I read or sew when I'm feeling stressed (oh, and I eat -- not so good). rmgsummers @ yahoo . com

Needled Mom said...

Using Lara's method is perfect for a project like that. So cute. I always find that sewing is my best stress reliever.

Unknown said...

Oops, I missed the part about de-stressing. I love to watch YouTube quilting videos, hand-sewing (quilt bindings), or knitting to de-stress. I save machine sewing for when I'm not stressed out :)

Mary said...

Between April, 2016 and August, 2016, I will have become a grandmother for the first time by way of my oldest married son and had two more weddings for the other two sons. I have not sewn as much as I would like, but just go to the machine, stitch for a few minutes, look at fabric, look at patterns....and feel my tension ease :). With all this "looking" I have many projects lined up in my head to work on after the happy (but stressful...) events!!

Mary said...

Between April, 2016 and August, 2016, I will have become a grandmother for the first time by way of my oldest married son and had two more weddings for the other two sons. I have not sewn as much as I would like, but just go to the machine, stitch for a few minutes, look at fabric, look at patterns....and feel my tension ease :). With all this "looking" I have many projects lined up in my head to work on after the happy (but stressful...) events!!

Unknown said...

I am intrigued!

Donna said...

Other than making quilts, nothing calms me better than to just go sit by a flowing stream. It seems as if the flowing water just washed all negativity from my brain!

Donna

Cindy Maki said...

I make hexies because they are so easy and I can make them anywhere. It is amazing to sit down for an hour listening to the tv or radio and then see how many you have made in such a short time. I have bags of them-now just what to make! I would love to find an easier way to applique. This looks amazing.

Brenda Perry said...

I'm so glad to see your blog again, Christina! Of course, I quilt to relieve stress!!! Sometimes walking also helps. Thanks for reviewing your friend's applique book. Normally I avoid applique, but this looks like something I could enjoy! Best wishes to you! Brenda Perry

Kath said...

I'm one of those quilters you continue to read about. You know the one's, who try to avoid quilt designs using applique. Your post has certainly gotten me interested in this new technique, I can't wait to try it out! To remain calm during stressful times, I spent 15-30 minutes browsing my fabric stash. Fabrics are so beautiful and soothing to me. I also pick up a quilting magazine or two and admire the work of other quilters. ktsquiltdreams (at)gmail (dot)com

Ophelia said...

I haven't been a fan of applique, but you definitely have me intrigued. I hope I win, because I have unnaturally avoided all applique. Thanks for the tip!

Judy MacLeod said...

I sew or read to stay calm. If I'm so stressed that I can't sit for either, I go and spend some quality time with my horse, an American Mustang. He ALWAYS has the power to calm me down, and make me laugh and appreciate my life more.
I also do a lot of raw edge applique and if there's a method faster than all that zig zagging of blanket stitching I'm all for it!

Anonymous said...

I like to take a brisk walk to relieve stress. I also use Lamaze visualization and breathing techniques that I learned 45+ years ago. Thanks for the chance to win this book. mfhagopian@aol.com

CyndyK said...

To relieve stress, I try to distract my mind. Sewing is the main thing I do for this. This looks like a great book. Thank you for offering to share a copy with us. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Susan said...

Music is my sanity saver-making it or listening to it. I especially like to listen to music and walk or go out and pull weeds in my garden to relieve stress too.

Gayle said...

I love to listen to audio books when I'm stressed. They take me out of my own situation into a different world. Works for me! LOL

Lori Smanski said...

adorable, your applique is wonderful and the new owner looks so happy about it. wow, when I get super stressed I tend to disappear in my craft room. You can find me either sewing or stamping greeting cards.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

QuiltinGram said...

Turn the TV on, read a book and doze off! Refreshing! Thx for chance to win!

Ann said...

Your daughter is a cutie and her shirt looks great. Sewing or knitting are things I do when I need to be calm. Not complex projects usually something simple. Thank-you for the giveaway.

Karrie said...

I do a lot of deep breathing. I also will take a bike ride when I need a time-out. Sewing helps a lot also.

Thanks!
Ksmith8@emich.edu

Darbyquiltgirl said...

Breath deep...then go to Starbucks.

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

I quilt when things get stressful.

Xmasnut said...

I just take a deep breath and let the stress just float away! Looks like a great book! Thanks!

nkadenver at yahoo dot com

Karen said...

When things are stressful I quilt or crochet. Great calming activities!

Wintersqlts said...

I drink a cup of tea, any flavor--seems to help me calm my nerves or get to sleep.

Rommy van Houten said...

I am never stressfull, I quilt!

Linda said...

I like to put on some nice music, it's a great way to de stress!

helen j said...

A great stress reliever for me is going for a walk(especially this gorgeous time of year) and taking really deep breaths. When it's nasty outside I mindlessly make strip-pieced blocks on phone book pages while listening to a riveting book on cd. I have made millions of those blocks!😜

Denise said...

When life gets stressful I take a 5 minute break of fast paced walking and stretching. If I am still stressed I allow myself one extra helping of dark chocolate. I would love to win a copy of this book.

Bonnie58 said...

Beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. I love applique

Marti M said...

Eating chocolate!!!

Lisa J. said...

My life has been quite stressful this year as well. I try to find quiet time to breath and to clear my mind. It also helps to remember that I can't control everything.

Dixie said...

I have done some machine applique before. I am very intrigued about this new method! Never to old to try something new!

Dixie said...

I have done some machine applique before. I am very intrigued about this new method! Never to old to try something new!

Donna said...

When there is too much to do or I need to calm down, I work on a 300 to 500 piece puzzle without looking at the picture.the size of the puzzle allows me a hiatus from life for a few hours while I focus on color, shape, and pattern of the puzzle. It is a mini vacation from my life. Often I find that any problems get solved without consciously thinking about them. My mind is calmer and my sou is re-energized after this break from "reality."

virgdale said...

Walking my dog on the beach will calm me everytime.

June D said...

I have taking up walking when I need a break from something stressful. I wear sunglasses, a hat, bring a book with a backpack and purse. Sometimes with some one else, often alone. I enjoy seeing the changes in the plants and seeing new things. Then in my dream world I come back and sew! Would be wonderful to learn this new new technique for applique! thanks for the chance.

Always In Stitches said...

Stress. Sounds like my everyday life. Believe it or not to relieve my stress I walk away from my Quilting studio and read a book. It has to be a quick read mystery so I don't stress about working on my clients quilts. A fast easy applique? Count me in!

Always In Stitches said...

Stress. Sounds like my everyday life. Believe it or not to relieve my stress I walk away from my Quilting studio and read a book. It has to be a quick read mystery so I don't stress about working on my clients quilts. A fast easy applique? Count me in!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Stress can be so dibilitating. Hard to overcome. Quiet time with a cup of coffee and a needle or hook is my answer...clear your mind.

Unknown said...

I pray...alot. Would love to win the book and get back to seeing. Thanks

skturg said...

I spend some time at the spinning wheel. It always calms me--the repetitive hand/foot motions are soothing. While I love being at the sewing machine, the wheel is my stress reducer!

Anonymous said...

I work full-time but I will always squeeze some time to sew and quilt every night after my children has gone to bed. It can be just half and hour and it makes me happy just before I go to bed. This is my de-stressor

allthingzsewn said...

My instant thought was prayer, secondly any part of sewing.
Especially pick out a project and the fabric for it.

Michelle L said...

Stay calm, quilt on!!! Sewing is the only thing that makes be be in a zen state. I'm thankful I have it.

winna4430@gmail.com

Life Scraps and Patches said...

When life gets stressful, I read. And I piece. And I do wavy walking foot quilting. And then, as the stress starts to lift, I do free motion quilting.

Gill said...

When life gets stressful I like to garden

Helen L said...

Hmmm. Life doesn't get too stressful anymore: my kids are grown up!! But then again, tax time, yes, that gets stressful since I do our home taxprep and the tax prep for our business!! The most stressful part is when something in the books doesn't balance: I check the numbers several time, and then if it still doesn't work, I pray! Really!! It does work! God loves us and wants to help us! It's the best help ever!

barbara woods said...

Pray and take a walk

kc said...

Well, I try to avoid stress at all costs anymore, but I used to be really stressed out by visiting my mother-in-law...she'd push food that I didn't like (or couldn't eat!) until I was almost furious with frustration, so I took up knitting to avoid listening to her. And the more she pushed, the faster those needles flew, lemme tell you! I could knit up a long winter scarf in just a couple of days with her! She's passed now, so my knitting is much slower, hehe.

I'd love to see what that new method is - I just can't imagine anything but fusible and satin stitching! But I must admit, I have done stitching around coneflower petals, and you are sooo right - it is a royal pain!

Anonymous said...

I used to do cross stitch to chase away stress. After a neck injury I could no longer do it. I cried for weeks. Talk about stress. That's when I found quilting. It has been a life saver. I'm interested in all forms of this craft.

Barbara said...

I like to hand sew/epp when I need to calm down. You can't be stressed when you are quietly focusing.

Barbara said...

I like to hand sew/epp when I need to calm down. You can't be stressed when you are quietly focusing.

Camille Mendel said...

Of course sewing is my go to when feeling happy or sad or anything in between. Thanks. Camille@focus20.com

Rilene said...

I make a cup of tea and find a place where I can be alone. Reading helps. So do embroidery and knitting.

MarieMartinsCA said...

When I am stressed and need to calm down --I organize my scraps, such as cutting squares in useable sizes, sort them, iron them, and maybe sketch a new pattern for a scrappy quilt.

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

I sew/quilt. Before I retired, I was a CPA - years and years of "tax season" deadlines - different clients but the same thing over and over and over - every month - every quarter and every year - and stress to the MAX!! When I sew - the sewing machine does the "work" - I get to "play" - NO deadlines - and if I don't like a particular pattern or technique - I NEVER have to do it again - and I LOVE that part - ;))

sam said...

When I get stressed I find a good book to read. Takes me away to another world.

Kathy said...

What do I do when life gets stressful? I sew, of course, and submerge myself in the creation.

Emily said...

Sewing calms me, and so does walking. Last year I went through a stressful time at work and found that making string blocks was really helpful--hadn't done it before or since.
That shirt is super cute!

Angie in SoCal said...

When life gets stressful, I go to my prayer corner, light a candle, and take deep breaths while I pray to the Lord while He takes care of the problem. Thanks for the chance - sounds a very interesing book.

Phyl said...

I practice free motion quilting or play the piano. Life is not for sissies. 😘

Terry Aske Art Quilts said...

To stay calm, I think about quilting.