Book Report | Sew Red & Giveaway

Today I've got a little something different on the blog, a book review! A little while back I was sent the book Sew Red by Jimmy Bean's Wool to take a look at. I'd never done a book review before but when I saw the list of contributors, I couldn't say no, plus the book has a really great cause behind it, women's heart health.

I really wanted to try out one of the projects to go with the review and while I really would have loved to make one of the many gorgeous quilt patterns in this book (seriously, there are AMAZING quilt patterns in here) I just couldn't make that happen. Instead I chose this really clever Spiral Scarf by Nancy Zieman.

This project is a perfect trifecta for me. I'm a major sucker for anything Nancy (love that woman!), I'm a scarf addict, and I love a new and interesting technique - this scarf has all three. The way you sew the straight scarf to itself to create a bias scarf is true genius. Seriously.

In addition to crazy cute patterns for quilts, bags, home dec items and garments (yes garments!) this book is full of some really great information gems. Each project has really well written, detailed instructions and the Helpful Information section at the back of the book includes the best method for turning quilt corners.

Since it's a book aimed at being heart healthy they also share some recipes at the back as well as resources, tips, and stories from each designer who contributed to the book about their relationship with heart health which is actually pretty interesting to read. All in all, I think this is a great book and I'm so happy I got to thumb through it and make this awesome scarf. There are some really unique and interesting projects and the book is for a good cause as well, a portion of procedes are donated to the The Heart Truth. Pretty great.

Also, unrelated to the content of this book, I'm pretty impressed with the spiral inside binding, why do more people not do that, it's such a great idea! I'm giving away a copy of the book, so if you'd like your own copy, leave me a comment below, let me know what your heart healthy tips are. Personally I'm a runner, I feel like there are a lot of us out there in the sewing blog world - go team! I probably need to cut back on my insane cheese intake though... I'll announce the winner one week from now on Saturday May 18th, be sure to fill in your email in the appropriate field so I can reach you! *The giveaway has ended and Debbie is the winner!