How to Speak Fluent Sewing
Christine Haynes
Stash Books; $22.95

One of the goals of our industry is to attract new sewers or crafters so that the industry continues to thrive. For those of us who have been around a long time, the lingo and terminology are second nature. Even for those who are experienced quilters or fiber artists, some sewing terms may not be as familiar. This comprehensive directory explains and illustrates more than 300 different sewing terms. The author approaches each item, whether that is a tool, a term for stitching, or a type of seam, and answers three basic questions: What it is, What it does, Why use it. At first glance, I thought it seemed rather basic; with a deeper look, I can see its value as a reference not just for new sewists but also for those who are more experienced. After all, do you know when to use a hera marker or when to use ball-point pins as opposed to glass-head pins?

Look for this book at your favorite quilt or book retailer. Here’s a link to Amazon if you would like to learn more about the book.

Quilt As-You-Go Made Modern
Jera Brandvig
Stash Books; $21.95

Those of us who have been quilting for several decades may remember the original quilt-as-you-go method taught by Georgia Bonesteel. I still have the my book from the 1970s and made a few quilts using this method. Jera Bradnvig has taken the concept and updated it for the modern quilter, allowing creativity to shine in design. Blocks are fully quilted on batting, which she refers to as your canvas, and then joined together, with or without a sashing strip. To finish the quilt, she adds a backing along with minimal quilting along the seams. The book includes 12 projects to serve as starting off points. A good choice for someone interested in a quick method to finish quilts.

You can look for the book at your favorite quilt shop or book retailer. Here’s a link to Amazon if you would like to learn more about the book.

Essential Sewing Reference Tool
Carla Hegeman Crim
Stash Books; $17.95

I have always had a “go to” sewing reference, and I use it when I need to know something
like how to do a Hong Kong finish or how to make a round table cloth. What I love
about this reference is it’s compact and includes all the essentials. The author,
Carla Hegeman Crim, is the founder of Scientific Seamstress LLC. A molecular biologist
turned patternmaker, she is well known for complete easy-to-follow instructions
and detailed illustrations. You will find it handy for sewing terms and techniques
as well as quilting terms, ranging from batting types and their advantages and disadvantages
to a materials discussion of fabrics and interfacing. I think this compact resource
could become your “go to” reference.

Look for the book at your local quilt shop or book retailer. Here’s a link to Amazon if you would like to learn more about the book.

Fresh Fabric Treats
Moda Bake Shop Designers
Stash Books; $21.95

If you aren’t familiar with Moda Bake Shop, it’s an online bakery of sorts, filled with jelly rolls, honey buns and layer cakes. Of course, we’re talking about precuts. Moda has taken the reins on this idea with eight types of precuts, five named after baked goods. At the Bake Shop, you’ll encounter a number of chefs. These would be the Moda Fabrics designers. This book showcases a fun mix of 16 projects from those chefs. You’ll find a selection of seven quilts, several bags, a pillow, table runner and accessories. If you are looking for a project to use your precuts, you’ll find a recipe here.

Look for the book at your favorite book retailer. Here’s a link to Amazon if you would like to learn more about the book.