Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher to review. But as always, all opinions expressed here are 100 % my own.
Review: Step out with Tangle Stitches
Jane Monk is the teacher we all wish we had growing up, in that whatever the challenging subject, she would inspire us to master it. With her new book, Tangle Stitches: For Quilters and Fabric Artists, you’ll feel as if Jane is sitting down with you for a tutoring session on stitching. The premise of her book seems obvious after the fact: she combines Zentangle and needle and thread. Need a way to relax? Hand stitch some Zen. Always been afraid of free motion quilting (FMQ) on a domestic machine? No more with her expert guidance. Afraid to draw? She’s confident you can do it.
In the first part of the book she gives you tools you’ll need, techniques to be successful (such as ways longarm quilters can modify Zentangle for custom work) and patterns for practicing your new skill. The 41 tangle patterns include step outs, these are diagrams for achieving the Zentangle design. The second part of the book includes 10 projects you can stitch using the Zentangle patterns provided in section one. My favorite happens to also be on the front cover, “Pincushion With a Twist”, with instructions on page 71.
Quilters generally fall into 2 categories, those who get more joy from creating the tops and those where stitching is the supreme motivator. With this book, Jane may win the former into the fold of stitching heaven.
Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of this book
The publishers have also given me a book to give away to a lucky Craft Gossip reader. To get a chance to win, leave a comment on this post and tell me the last time you drew something freehand as a creative endeavor and why. It’s okay if it was in grade school.
Contest ends October 4, 2014. Only US and Canadian entrants eligible due to shipping costs.
What a beautiful way to relax zentangle and embroidery.
I am a substitute teacher and I drew a roller coaster just today to go with a math problem on the white board. I even got a few compliments on my drawing! I like to draw on the board when I teach to spice things up a bit.
I have purchased Zentangle books and “doodled” on paper. It is absolutely amazing how a person with no artistic ability can make something acceptable. I am close to retiring and decided to start quilting. This would be a great way to explore my new passion for quilting.
I free hand drew a manta ray pattern for my son’s school report,then made it out of auto headliner fabric. He got an “A” on his report, that was seven years ago.
I actually did a few ‘tangles’ on a sign I needed to make for our guild this week! Sure makes everything more interesting. L
As I get older, I find that my need for artistic outlets grows. I found Zentangle and it has sure found me. My DH has had several recent hospitalizations and I have some bags that stay packed. One important bag contains my drawing supplies. That was used one week ago, to relieve stress. I try to remeber some of my favorite tangles and draw from memory. Interesting.