Fig Tree's With Fabric and Thread

You know before I made girl's clothing I was an AVID quilter. I gave away more quilts than I kept and well you don't want to see pictures of my used quilts that I kept do you? I will answer that, no. My quilts have been um er well loved. =D But when I get back to quilting, hopefully this summer, you will be sure to see new yet to be loved on ones. Quilts are much more photogenic in that state aren't they? I am actually sharing all this for a reason. I was recently asked to review a book written by someone who I discovered as a quilter.

I just about DIED when I was asked to review Wiley's latest publication by  Joanna Figueroa,  With Fabric and Thread ! I have some of her earlier fabrics, I have a few of her Fresh Vintage publications, and several of her patterns. You can definitely put me in her fan category.  She has a beautiful portfolio of sewing inspiration. She certainly carried me along as a quilter. If you have not discovered Joanna Figueroa yet, you can find her here at her Fig Tree website.

This book, like the rest of her patterns and fabrics, is gorgeous. I am of the belief that if the pictures in a sewing book resonate with you, you are more likely to open it up and use it and enjoy it. Of course you have to like the projects too. The pictures in this book make me want to sew everything in it. She has quilt patterns, some bags, a laminate project, aprons, booties, pillows, oh the list goes on! They are all cute projects and the book is well organized. I love the full size pattern pieces that are stored in an envelope in the back. I love that the book is like a hardcover book on the outside but it is spiral bound on the inside so that it's easy to use when you are sewing. I love the variety of projects. If you buy this book you will be spurred on by the beautiful pictures and the well written instructions and you will find many projects you will want to make.

 

I received the book over the holiday weekend. I took some time and read through it and I was so impressed. It is such a versatile book, her intent is to bridge the gap between quilters and traditional sewers and I think she has achieved that goal quite well. There is a project in there for every level of sewist or quilter, and so much interesting information. I  loved learning about Joanna's approach to color.

I was going to write a review without sewing from it and then thought, maybe I should give one of the projects a go. So after considering the time it would take to make one of the beautiful quilts(Oh how I want to make the quilts! Can't wait for you to see them in the book!) I decided  time was of the essence and I should make something less time consuming so I made the Dear Betty Apron.

My sweet neighbor volunteers at her church in the kitchen and she didn't have a pretty apron to wear. Oh what's a girl to do??? Well if you live next door to someone with the craziest stash EVER(okay some of you probably have more fabric than me, but I am definitely in the running!) you just mention you would like to learn how to make an apron and voila! Your neighbor with the crazy stash forgoes the apron lesson and just makes you one! =D

Poor thing though. I ran out with the apron hot off the sewing machine. There she is gardening and there I am with my camera in one hand and apron in the other. "SURPRISE JUDY! Now smile for the camera! Oh you look great, I promise." And she DOES doesn't she! She loved it, the apron that is. Not sure if she loved the surprise photo shoot but she was a good sport about it! She went back to gardening with her apron on. Haha! Love her! She's an absolute dear!

Isn't the apron darling!? It has really good coverage at the bottom which can be hard to find in an apron. It is a one size fits most.  We both agreed that we really like the fit. It was easy to sew. Turning the sash ties will be the only thing that takes a little time. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions on attaching and ironing the flounce.  You can either bind the hem or sew the front flounce to the back, I chose the non-binding option. You will find this apron is a breeze to sew and sure to please your recipient! And if you are thinking 'Gosh wouldn't that be cute as a little girl's apron?" No worries, that's in there too!

You can find Joanna's book for a great price at Amazon.com.  Make sure to leave a review after you have a chance to look through it! You are going to love it!