Exploring Embellishments - Book Review and Giveaway

Can you believe the help I needed was right under my nose?  I just opened the file for Spring Quilt Market and look what I found:

Exploring Embellishments by Rose Hughes

After all that struggle with "flying by the seat of my dragonfly pants" I had a book that could have helped me make that project really jump.  Exploring Embellishments, more artful quilts with fast-piece applique is just the ticket and I spent a few days looking over the book.  Rose autographed the book and gave me some Wool Demo Kits for Beaded Wool Gems to give away here on the IHAN blog.   Why didn't I refer to Rose's book before I started Linda Pooles' Quilt Challenge?  Hindsight....you know....is always 20/20.  Darn it anyhow!!

This is Rose at Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis.  She demonstrated how to make Beaded Wool Gems. 

She also had this Bobbin Saver filled Superior Threads Masterpiece Collection.  Rose was telling me she likes to keep this with her when she stitches so she has all the colors she will need.  Now how handy is that?  Perfect for carrying in a project bag or going on a retreat.  No need to pack all those spools of thread.  I love this for doing hand applique in the car-while Mr. McSteamy is driving, not me silly!! :)

Here is a close up of the pretty Beaded Wool Gems Rose was showing us how to make.  They are beautiful as pins and/or embellishments for art quilts.

So if you are like me and need some excellent directions for adding some pizazz to your textile wall hangings, clothing and/or quilts....you will love Exploring Embellishments!!  Rose clearly put her heart into this book because it covers so many wonderful topics.  Not only are there 6 projects with excellent directions, Rose also covers tools, exploring backgrounds, the basics of applique backgrounds. 

Typically I just ask folks to leave a comment, but this time I'm going to ask you to go one step further.  In order to be entered into this giveaway you must go over and vote on Linda Poole's Blog for the Quilt and Fabric Object that you like the best.  The Iridescence Collection is Linda's first fabric line.  I agreed to do a Quilt Challenge and I made the piece below for the Challenge. 

I've gotten many e-mails asking me where I bought the fabric.  You can, click here, and be taken to Linda's website.  She sells the fabric as do many other fabric stores.  If you order it from her, you can request her to autograph the salvage. 

Now, you don't have to vote for my quilt, but you can if you like.  But you do have to go over and vote and then come back and leave a comment saying you voted.  If you have voted prior to this blog post, please encourage your friends and family members to go over and vote.  Then come back and let me know you encouraged others to go and vote.

Click here to Vote

On October 15th I will randomly draw one name to win Exploring Embellishments and three more names to win Beaded Wool Gems Demo Kits.  The kits include Wool Roving, a Superior Thread fully filled Bobbin, Gutermann Beads and a John James Needle.  Everything you need to make a beautiful Beaded Wool Gem!!  Thank you Rose for the lovely Kits and for the incredible book. 

Smiles,

Kelly