I was “introduced” to Mary Beth Temple through her wonderful podcast, “Getting Loopy” where she talked, mostly about crochet and fiber related crafts. Through Mary Beth, I was made privy to a world where crochet wasn’t knits poor old cousin (my initial thoughts towards working with a hook), but a fantastic craft in it’s own right with many experts and masters of the craft inspiring me to learn more.
Mary Beth has a new book, Fabulous Fat Quarter Aprons: Fun and Functional Retro Designs for Today’s Kitchen (due out on June 15, 2016; $12.99; Paperback, 8.5 x 11; 56 pages) which is all about turning your fabric stash into fun and functional fashion pieces. Apparently the secret to many fabric stashes is the fat quarter. Often sold in beautiful stacks, these 18” x 22” pieces of cloth yield about 12 perfect 5” squares, yielding a better representation of the print and making them ideal for quilting, sewing, and other crafts. With each eye-catching print picked up at a craft show, a fabric shop, or friend’s house, the stacks can quickly multiply.
In her new book, Mary Beth lays out 12 stylishly retro designs for aprons and matching accessories. Start out with the “Simply Stripes” for a super quick and easy apron that uses only 2 fat quarters, and a little matching ribbon. Advance to the “Mix and Match” or the “Christmas Pleats” with multiple prints and embellishments — the latter is sure to put you in a festive mood. Every apron project is accompanied by a matching pot holder or oven mitt pattern, so that you can coordinate even in the kitchen. Templates for some techniques are included in the back of the book.
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Simple instructions and step-by-step photos make this book an excellent starting point for any maker looking to join the ranks of the sewing community. And, the unique patterns and color suggestions will ensure everyone is learning something new.
Mary Beth Temple is a nationally known crochet and knit designer, a sought-after teacher, and the founder of Hooked for Life, a popular pattern line of contemporary knit and crochet designs. Previously a costumer on Broadway and a dealer of vintage and antique textiles, she has authored more than a dozen books, including Curvy Girl Crochet and The Secret Language of Knitters. Temple currently resides in North Carolina. Featured in Publishers’ Weekly as having a “spring in its step,” Spring House Press launched in 2014 on the belief that life — and publishing books — is more fun when kept simple. Based in Nashville, TN, Spring House Press provides accessible and smart information in the craft and lifestyle categories for people who enjoy being creatively engaged with a hobby, a craft, or the everyday routine of a busy life.
For more information, visit www.springhousepress.com.
r’s note: Affiliate links are used in this post. If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.
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