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Christmas in July – A Modern Holiday and a GIVEAWAY!

This giveaway is now closed. The winner is #178 shawn.

Hello everyone! I am delighted to be the 3rd stop on Amanda Murphy’s blog hop for her new book, Modern Holiday, with Stash Books, which is out now! You can find it right here on Amazon.

When I was preparing to write this blog post, I thought I would reference some of Amanda’s patterns that I have made in the past. Looking back, I actually made my first project of Amanda’s, these quilted placemats, about 2-1/2 years ago. At that time, my blog was only 5 months old, and I was kind of a new sewist. Three months later, Amanda gave me the honor of testing her Garden Paths quilt pattern, and after that I went on to test her Blossoms quilt pattern (I didn’t finish the whole quilt, but I ended up using the blocks to make a pillow), and her Beflowered quilt pattern. I think it’s a true testament, what you think of someone’s work, when you have made so many of their designs; I think it is a wordless kind of praise.

I actually got to finally meet Amanda in person at this past Quilt Market in Portland. It’s actually kind of a funny story in that I was using the restroom, came out to wash my hands, and someone said, “Sara Lawson??” I looked up and there was Amanda and it was so wonderful to finally meet! She took me over to her booth and showed me her quilts, her new embroidery patterns, her fabrics with Blend, and her new book, which were all amazing. Amanda Murphy is someone who does many things, and does them all well. She has a SECOND book coming out this year, called Color Essentials: Crisp and Vibrant Quilts: 12 Modern Projects Featuring Precut Solids. If you know me, you know I am a quilting solids girl, so this one has been sitting in my Amazon wishlist for sure!!

Anyway, I don’t mean to drone on and on, but I have learned so much about quilting from Amanda, particularly at a point in time when I was just starting out with it, that it’s astounding. Amanda was also one of my ‘professional references’ when I turned in my book proposal in January 2012, so she holds a special place in my creative little heart. 🙂

However, as this is Christmas in July, it’s time to talk holidays. 😉

Modern Holiday: Deck the Halls with 18 Sewing Projects contains 9 quilt patterns and 9 accessories patterns (think stockings, table runners, pillows, etc.). It is a wonderful assortment of all things wintry and wonderful. My mom always goes all-out in her Christmas decorating, and I could see her wanting to have (me make) all of the things in this book for sure. The projects are also showcased in great modern holiday fabrics, such as Brrr! from Laurie Wisbrun.

All of the project instructions are accompanied by clear-cut illustrations, so you should have no trouble following along with any of the book patterns. Take it from someone who has made some of Amanda’s patterns before, you are in good hands if you decide to get this book. The quilts in the book also feature the addition of extra dimension or texture, such as the Countdown to Christmas quilt above (with the actual ribbons on the packages) to the raised ornaments and ornament tops of the quilt below (which is my favorite from the book).

I had some big ambitions to make the above quilt, but I’ve been really busy this summer, so I just got a little start and made one of the ornaments:

The ornament only took me…eh, an hour to make, and I’m sure the others will be almost as breezy! I also really like the background of this quilt, because I can see myself playing with solids and some low-volume Christmasy prints as well, and the applique letters at the bottom are the icing on the cake! It was great fun to make this ornament, and I can’t wait to make the rest! 🙂 So if you want to have fun like me and make your home pretty for Christmas, go and get Modern Holiday by Amanda Murphy!

Please stop by and check out the other stops on the Modern Holiday blog tour!

Modern Holiday Blog Tour (July 8th-24th)

Monday, July 8th – Stash Books and Amanda Murphy Design 
Tuesday, July 9th – Sew We Quilt 
Wednesday, July 10th – Sew Sweetness 
Thursday, July 11th – Me and My Sister Design 
Friday, July 12th – Fat Quarterly 
Monday, July 15th – Bernina (We All Sew) 
Wednesday, July 17th – Diary of a Quilter 
Thursday, July 18th – Ellison Lane Quilts 
Friday, July 19th – A Quilting Life 
Monday, July 22nd – Aurifil Threads 
Wednesday, July 24th – Amanda Murphy Design

I have a treat for you! Amanda Murphy and Stash Books have graciously donated a copy of Modern Holiday to give away to one lucky reader (hard copy to U.S. winner, or ebook to international winner). The giveaway will be open until July 12th at 7pm CT. Please click on the link below to take you to the entry page!

 

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19 thoughts on “Christmas in July – A Modern Holiday and a GIVEAWAY!

  1. evelyn says:

    This looks like a great book to have. Such beautiful colours. Love the stockings.

  2. Judy B says:

    This looks like a wonderful book filled with Christmas projects! I remember years ago making a stuffed Christmas tree.

  3. margaret says:

    popped over to your table mat link, wow you were a beginner and made those wonderful scalloped edges, I am so impressed.
    The book looks good and lots of interesting things on your blog today

  4. what a fantastic giveaway xx
    1 package fudge brownie mix (13-in. x 9-inch pan size)
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1 egg
    1/2 cup water
    1/4 cup canola oil
    1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
    Confectioners’ sugar
    Directions
    In a large bowl, beat the brownie mix, flour, egg, water and oil until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
    Place confectioners’ sugar in a shallow dish. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into sugar; roll to coat. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 4-1/2 dozen.
    [email protected]

  5. therese says:

    What a lovely Christmas book. I’d love the chance to win a copy!
    [email protected]

  6. maxzoe says:

    I’d love to own Amanda’s new book. thanks for the hint that there’s a new book on the horizon. Looking forward to seeing that one also. I’m a “Mrs. Holiday”…sounds like your Mom is too. I’d love it if someone made me one of the quilts!

  7. kateuk says:

    Sara, if you have any tips on how painlessly applique that circle I’d love to hear them- took me a WHOLE day to sew on the three on my Tula Swirl quilt…that does look a good book.

  8. Dolly says:

    As a first grade teacher, my class make Ohio Buckeyes every year.not sure their sweaty little hands make them a”clean” eat as they lick their hands in delight! I make them at home for my cookie tray and they are gone before I get them to the tray! A great recipe for children and adults to make!

  9. sharonm says:

    These are really usable designs. I love each that I’ve seen
    thanks

  10. Ali says:

    I have looked at this book before and been seriously tempted as there are some gprgeous projects. Thanks for the giveaway offer!

  11. Beth says:

    New book on my wish list. Glad to hear about the clear instructions too. I like to recommend books to my class of beginners and clear instructions are very important.
    Love the colors!!! Love the projects I have seen so far.

  12. Linda says:

    HELLO, THANKS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A NEAT BOOK!

    [email protected]

  13. Rachel Booth says:

    So fun! I have a major love affair with all things Christmas!! 🙂

    mrsrachelsbooth{at}gmail{dot}com

  14. Katy Cameron says:

    Liking the non-traditionally Christmas colours in this :o)

  15. Esther F. says:

    Thank you for this great review! I love the bright colours in alll of the projects!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
    ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

  16. Linda says:

    Looks like a worthwhile book full of beautiful projects!

  17. shawn says:

    Thanks so much, I can’t wait until I get it.

    Shawn

  18. Thumper says:

    Christmas in July sounds perfect in this 100 degree heat! What better way to escape than working on some beautiful holiday projects. Thanks for the opportunity.

  19. Tessa says:

    Beautiful book; I’d love to win it!
    teacaye(at)me(dot)com

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