Staff Picks
Cynthia Bix, Developmental Editor
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Although I'm new to C&T Publishing, I have some favorite books that I loved before I got here. I'm particularly fond of Alex Anderson's books, because they present projects and techniques in such a simple, approachable way. I also like the fresh, open look of her books. I'm not new to quilting, but whenever I need to learn or re-learn something basic, I look in her books. I find her books on hand quilting and machine quilting especially helpful. |
Kerry Graham, Graphic Designer
A mom who loves to craft, Kerry has two children, Alivia (5 years old) and Hudson (2 years old), so her crafts are always kid oriented. She and her children have designed their own board books, fabric bean bags, Barbie clothes, jewelry, seasonal and birthday party crafts.
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Fast, Fun & Easy® Critter Bags by Mary Link
I feel so inspired by the author's original artwork in this book. The way she turned her cute illustrations into dimensional fabric designs is really exciting to me. The projects are so fun to make and EASY. I used the instructions and templates to create my own character, a dinosaur pillow. In 3 hours I had a cuddly pillow for my daughter, and I consider myself to be a beginner sewer. Now I need to get started on one for Hudson.
Critter bags will make unique gift bags for birthday parties. Instead of buying the big, expensive party bag that just gets thrown out, my daughter and I can make a bag, and fill it with goodies. Making a bag that the kids can keep, instead of a disposable bag, also fits in with my family's efforts to be more environmentally conscious. I think I will have my daughter help me out with fabric choices and character design. What an extra-special gift to give her friends! |
Teresa Stroin, Managing Technical Editor
Teresa
has been crafting since she was a kid, beginning with embroidery, cross stitch, rug-hooking (remember that?), and decoupage. She started quilting in 1984 with a variation of Drunkard's Path that had the curves straightened out. But she made it with templates anyway, not having discovered rotary cutting as yet! The quilt was queen size and had over 1300 pieces. She's still amazed that she persevered and finished it. Her favorite things to make these days are quilts from traditional blocks using "non-traditional" fabrics.
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9-Patch Pizzazz by Judy Sisneros
I love this book for several reasons. The quilts are easily pieced in a day and the directions have the steps clearly laid out. I enjoy using large-scale prints and 9-patch Pizzazz showcases that type of fabric beautifully. It's a fun way to combine a simple traditional block with a fabulous focus fabric for a beautiful finish. Another thing I love about the book is that the quilts are easily enlarged to any size you need. My college-bound daughter selected the fabrics and now she has a gorgeous (if I do say so myself) quilt to keep her warm her first year away from home. |
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Neutral Essential with Alex Anderson by Alex Anderson
Not only was I inspired to work with neutrals by this book, but I learned a lot about value, scale, print character, and fabric placement. The projects are traditional (my favorite) and range from beginner to advanced, so there's something for everyone. I'm planning on making the Dresden plate quilt, Crème Brulee. My twist will be using batiks! We'll see... |
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Covered with Love by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins
I can't say enough about Piece O' Cake Designs and I love to have a hand appliqué project going. (I keep one in my car for carpool line waits.) In this book, Becky and Linda give lots of options: needle-turn appliqué, "casual" appliqué, simple piecing, and other crafts. The projects are adorable kids' quilts with a few other fun ideas thrown in. The storybook that they create re-introduced me to decoupage and was a cute present for my younger daughter when she graduated middle school. That's another great aspect of this book: it's adaptable to any age "kid". |
Lynn Koolish, Developmental Editor
In addition to editing books at C&T, Lynn teaches a variety of surface design and quilting classes. She loves to try new techniques and materials. Her quilts (and clocks) have appeared in books and magazines, as well as local and national quilt shows.
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Fast, Fun & Easy Creative Fabric Clocks by Lynn Koolish
This book has tons of ideas, with clocks to fit with any decor or interest, and they are perfect to make as gifts. While I was in Houston for Quilt Festival this past fall, I taught a class called Tick, Tock, Make a Clock, using a project from the book - everyone in the class of 25 finished a clock; each one was was different and all were fabulous. |
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All-in-One Quilter's Reference Tool
All the basic information I need, all in one place. Perfect.
3-in-1 Color Tool by Joen Wolfrom
I use this tool all the time. When I'm teaching or working on my own projects, it's easy to use, and gives me everything I need to figure out fabulous color schemes. |
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Danielle Dews, Marketing Coordinator
Danielle loves to make beautiful things, but her job and her very active dog don't give her as much time as she'd like to make them. That's why her current pick is Gift Box Studio®.
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Gift Box Studio® must have been created just for me. It takes no time at all to put together, yet there are no limits to how creative you can get with the included paper embellishments and other embellishments from your stash – ribbons, beads, or whatever else you can find. The pretty designs inspire me to give more small gifts, and the approachability of these projects lures my "un-crafty" friends into finding their creative side. |
Gailen Runge, Editorial Director
Gailen has been quilting since 1991 and operated her own custom-quilt business before coming to C&T. A true serial-crafter, she will try anything and everything at least once and loves to buy everything you need to do each different craft. With two small children at home, quilting is taking a back burner to other (less time consuming) soft crafts, such as sewing kids' clothing and knitting. Her list of favorite books is long and changes almost daily. Here are three of her current picks:
Stacy Chamness, Developmental Editor
With a deep love of the serial comma and a well-worn copy of the Chicago Manual of Style, Stacy has been with C&T Publishing for seven years. Here are Stacy’s picks:
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Quiet-Time Busy Books by Michelle Van Tassell
In our days full of electronic beeps, a quiet-time busy book is sure quietly to entertain children, be it in the car, in a waiting room, in church. . . . Michelle has lots of ideas for activity book pages for children of different ages. Great ideas for different friends and family members to each create a page, then compile them as a gift for an expectant mom or a young child. |
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Take-Along Totes by Marilynn Bilyeu
Quilters, knitters, teachers, kids, girls on the go. . . one pattern with endless variations, there is a quick-and-easy tote you can make for anybody’s hobbies! |
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Floorquilts!: Fabric Decoupaged Floorcloths—No-Sew Fun by Ellen Highsmith Silver
The idea behind Floorquilts! is fantastic: Why not beautify your floor with fabric, too? A simple, no-sew process, the hardest thing about Floorquilts is waiting for them to dry! |
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Fast, Fun & Easy® Book Cover Art: Add a Quilted Fabric Touch to Binders, Scrapbooks, Journals & More by Jake Finch
With very little time or materials commitment, you can turn a regular ol’ binder into a beautiful (and useful!) work of art. |
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