Inspired to Sew
Known for her ability to source and artfully combine fabrics into colorful, one-of-a-kind creations...Bari J. shares 15 projects in this joyful book. With everything from exquisitely detailed...garments,to crazy-quilted lampshades...Bari shares...sewing secrets, design processes, and tricks.International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene,Winter 2011/2012Probably one of the prettiest sewing project books you'll add to your library this year!  That's my personal opinion of course speaking, but Inspired to Sew by Bari J. Ackerman (Stash Books/C&T; Publishing 2011) is one of the prettiest sewing books I have seen in a while. Starting with a simply beautiful cover that depicts vintage thread spools, you'll be drawn in to the pages of the book to discover that the beauty of what you can create is awe inspiring. and eager to create you will be ..after you see the 15 pretty projects included throughout. I loved the Garden Tunic with the rose design neckline, so very feminine and comfy looking. I also found myself drawn to the items like the Sweet Home Chicago Pillow and Quilt, and the Little Cabin Pincushion as well as the Tea Party Accessories (Teapot Trivet and Tea Cozy and Lavender Sachet Place Card Tea Bags) All of the designs have a sophisticated, modern,  and yet unique vintage romantic look to them.  You'll enjoy learning how to mix and match beautiful fabrics together to create special home accents and gifts. Each of the designs have thorough instructions and supply lists included as well as patterns at the back of the book. Throughout the book Bari includes her sewing tips for Keeping It Real. These are tried and true tips for sewing each of the projects, methods that have been proven to make the creative process run a bit smoother. Wonderful ideas that you'll want to add to your sewing knowledge. With springtime right around the corner I know that you'll want to get your hands on this book so that you can start creating items like the Flowering Container Garden Pillow and the Seasonal Wreath to add a bit of garden cheer to your home. The Tea Party Accessories will be perfect to have on hand for inviting your girlfriends over for a tea party or luncheon on the patio or in the garden, and they'll be amazed that you created the items yourself. This book truly is a treasure and one that you'll enjoy turning to time and again for beautiful projects to decorate your home with.--Small Town Living (2/1/11)Probably one of the prettiest sewing project books you'll add to your library this year!  That's my personal opinion of course speaking, but Inspired to Sew by Bari J. Ackerman (Stash Books/C&T; Publishing 2011) is one of the prettiest sewing books I have seen in a while. Starting with a simply beautiful cover that depicts vintage thread spools, you'll be drawn in to the pages of the book to discover that the beauty of what you can create is awe inspiring. and eager to create you will be ..after you see the 15 pretty projects included throughout. I loved the Garden Tunic with the rose design neckline, so very feminine and comfy looking. I also found myself drawn to the items like the Sweet Home Chicago Pillow and Quilt, and the Little Cabin Pincushion as well as the Tea Party Accessories (Teapot Trivet and Tea Cozy and Lavender Sachet Place Card Tea Bags) All of the designs have a sophisticated, modern,  and yet unique vintage romantic look to them.  You'll enjoy learning how to mix and match beautiful fabrics together to create special home accents and gifts. Each of the designs have thorough instructions and supply lists included as well as patterns at the back of the book. Throughout the book Bari includes her sewing tips for Keeping It Real. These are tried and true tips for sewing each of the projects, methods that have been proven to make the creative process run a bit smoother. Wonderful ideas that you'll want to add to your sewing knowledge. With springtime right around the corner I know that you'll want to get your hands on this book so that you can start creating items like the Flowering Container Garden Pillow and the Seasonal Wreath to add a bit of garden cheer to your home. The Tea Party Accessories will be perfect to have on hand for inviting your girlfriends over for a tea party or luncheon on the patio or in the garden, and they'll be amazed that you created the items yourself. This book truly is a treasure and one that you'll enjoy turning to time and again for beautiful projects to decorate your home with. --Small Town Living (2/1/11)I have really enjoyed the few Stash books I have read. They are a new line of how-to books that celebrate fabric art. As the inside cover of the books says they offer fabric arts for a handmade lifestyle. Bari J. Ackerman is a product and textile designer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. In Inspired to Sew by Bari J. you will find projects for all aspects of your life. Bari uses bright colors and textures and lets the fabric do the work. Her collage technique is very easy to understand and the small collage projects in the book, along with the easy to understand instructions, will give you confidence you need to create your own collage piece. Bari also includes a section on must have tools and sewing habits. I think the look of this book leans toward cottage chic and I know everyone will enjoy and learn from working on these 15 pretty projects.Bari is a textile artist. What this woman can do with fabric is amazing.  She has such an eclectic style it's really hard to just sum it up in a few sentences. Bari is such a creative lady and she has her elegant fingers in so many pies you just have to go and discover it all.Inspired to Sew has so many funky, modern, elegant, and just down right beautiful projects, everything from purses, to pillows, to a gorgeous garden tunic... This book is so full of eye candy, incredibly gorgeous project ideas and absolutely wonderful, keeping it realtips you will read it cover to cover, at least twice. And everything is explain in a way that demystifies so many of sewing's great mysteries. Then you will be inspired to go to your stash, the local quilt/sewing shop and online. Then you will be absolutely on edge to make some of these gorgeous projects... Review Source: Cara Quilts      Review Date: 2/6/11