Staff Favorites: Happy Book Lover's Day!
Aug 9th 2023
Image: Picture taken at the Chicago Cultural Center by Amy Barrett-Daffin
"He that loveth a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter." —Isaac Barrow
We’re back with Staff Favorites for Book Lover’s Day! Each team member has picked an all-time favorite C&T Publishing book or product to share with you on this bookish day.
by Allyson Rousseau
“The photos in this book are STUNNING, and they inspire me every time I pick it up. I love the colors, the variety of projects, and the practice exercises that make learning weaving feel so accessible.”
In-progress woven detail for a garment project.
—Madison Moore, Editor
by Sarah Van Der Linden
“I love to draw and sketch, but painting has always intimidated me. I love how this book lays out each project step-by-step so it's not too much to take in all at once. It's so easy to follow, but still leaves room for you to add your own flair to each piece.”
—Allison Eiseman, Data Entry Coordinator
by Morgan Beck
“I love to bake cookies and I can't wait to try to make these fun, decorative, gift-worthy cookies. The Happy Birthday cookie looks like such a fun treat to give to a friend celebrating. And I think the Bookshelf cookie is perfect for my book club and will happily surprise them all. “
—Sarah Wolf, Senior Account Manager
by Jennifer Sampou
“I love the 6 projects in Ombre Quilts, especially Dawn Star. I get to see these quilted gems everyday since I'm married to the author! It's really fun!”
—Todd Hensley, CEO
by Barbara Emodi
“The last time I was asked this question, I answered with my all-time favorite how-to book (The Better Bag Maker by Nicole Mallalieu). This time I'd like to submit my favorite for my non-sewing time: Crafting for Murder. This novel is a crafting-based cozy mystery. We meet Valerie Rankin as she's trying to start her crafter’s co-op. Valerie is a wonderful star of the show, but a character that should get equal billing is actually the location: Gasper’s Cove, Nova Scotia. Author Barbara Emodi puts so much personality in the (fictional) setting for the book that I look forward to learning more about the area. I also love that this is the first of a series, and I'm starting out as they are released. While I enjoy chain reading books in a series, there is something to be said about the anticipation between releases. What will Valerie do next? And will someone be threatened with knitting needles?”
—Gailen Runge, Creative Director
by Joen Wolfrom
“This is a new product coming out in August and I've been lucky enough to get an early copy. It's so fun to play with different color combinations, especially when I'm stuck in a creative rut. I often have colors that I gravitate toward, but I've been using this to challenge myself into trying new colors--perhaps colors that aren't usually my thing, but maybe used in the right amounts can be surprisingly stunning. It's almost a game!”
—April Mostek, Senior Graphic Designer
by Gailen Runge
“This is the planner I didn't know I needed. As a petite sewist under 5 feet tall, I have to make a large amount of pattern adjustments and often times toile adjustments before I can get a garment to fit correctly. As a result, once I finally get a good fit, I tend to make the same thing over and over again. For example, now that I can reference my pattern adjustments for everything I've made recently, I can tell you I'll almost always need to grade between sizes from my bust-line down to my waist, but I'll also need a petite adjustment in the shoulders. As I'm approaching middle age, I was also pleasantly surprised to find out my measurements have not changed this year! Fortunately for me, I took good notes in my Garment Planner on those pattern adjustments. Now I know I likely won't have to stray too far from any adjustments I made last time!”
This is how I use the planner!
—Betsy Friedrich, Administrative Assistant
All-in-One Quilter's Reference Tool
by Harriet Hargrave, Sharyn Craig, Alex Anderson, and Liz Aneloski
“This book is ALWAYS on my sewing table. I refer to it all the time for critical quilting info and it makes my life SO much easier, having all the info I need in one place.”
—Betsy La Honta, Product Development & Manufacturing Manager
