Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Wool Applique Folk Art Blog Tour ~ My turn...


Almost a year ago, my friend Linda introduced me to the folk art of Rebekah L. Smith. I was immediately smitten. Her unique, distinctive style was immediately recognizable. The mark of a true artist is having an iconic style – and Rebekah truly has that. I was drawn to Rebekah’s use of aged and muted jewel tones – colors I didn’t know existed. And her use not only of the oft used whip and blanket stitches, but a larger array of embroidery stitches. Something I hadn’t really thought of in the primitive folk genre.

 Mom and I began following Rebekah’s blog and Facebook page. As soon as pre-orders of her book were announced, our order was placed. In the meantime, as we tried to patiently wait for the book, I had the pleasure of meeting Rebekah and attending one of her classes. She is a kind, gentle, caring soul as you would expect from her art…


Her book arrived and I was eager and apprehensive – could the book live up to all that I hoped that it would? The answer is - Yes, absolutely!

The book is helpful with techniques for processing and preparing your wool through completing your projects. Even more important to me are pictures and stories. I love a book that even when I can’t start another project, I can turn to the book after a long exhausting day and admire the photos and dream…
Whenever I see amazing projects, I wonder… where does the inspiration and ideas come from? I love that Rebekah shares the stories – photos of the antique inspiration and why she created what she did. It certainly feeds my soul, even when I don’t have the energy to stitch…


I’ve completed “For Needles and Thread: Sewing Caddy” and am thrilled with the results. 


I stepped out of my comfort zone with the embroidery and found that I actually enjoy it! I love how Rebekah stuffs some appliqués for dimension and then uses embroidery to accent it even more. The caddy is a beautiful yet useful creation – what more can you ask for…


I keep perusing the book front to back and back to front, trying to pick my next project… “A Patriot’s Rug” keeps catching my eye, but summer is waning and then my eye catches:


“Creatures of Habit: Blackbird”, how perfect for the coming days…
But still I debate… Mom completed one of Rebekah’s book designs as soon as the book was in her hands. She loved “Bird Out of the Bag”, but saw it in a different light… Mom completed the design twice and it became…


A lovely table runner.


Perfect on her entryway table.
And it will be my next project as well.


I’m ready to start stitching!
I'll be sure to blog about it once it is all finished!

I give this book a solid two thumbs up! It’s a book you can turn to time and again to inspire you. Thank you Rebekah for sharing your unique designs with us so that we may fulfill our own desire to create in that distinctive Rebekah style!


Rebekah and CT Publishing have been kind enough to host a giveaway so that one of you may receive a copy of Rebekah’s book.

This giveaway is open to all that live in the U.S. 
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post only 
or if you are not on Blogger, 
simply send an email to me at pgagliardi9@hotmail.com 
and enter “Rebekah’s book giveaway” in the subject line so that I can find it.
 I will pick a winner using random.org on the last day of the blog tour, August 29th.

Blessings, Patti


89 comments:

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

Loverly post today my sweet-stitching friend!
~ Rebekah has inspired and lit the heart-fires of many needlewomen with her book ~
I love reading your blog to see the beautiful things your hands have created!!
L

Jacqueline said...

Sew pretty. My hands are itching to get started. I would appreciate being entered into your drawing.

Thanks

old crow said...

Such beautiful stitching!!! Cannot wait to see how your next lovely turns out!!

Donna Keating said...

Rebekah's work blows me away.

Donna Keating said...

Rebekah's work blows me away.

Unknown said...

Love the sunflowers in your blog header! Thank you for the giveaway!

Fran said...

I would love to try my hand at some of Rebekah's beautiful projects. Thank you for the chance to win.

Lillian Carol said...

Thoroughly enjoyed your post today.....my sentiments exactly! Rebekah's book is so inspiring and I have started collecting wools in new shades......can't seem to get enough! I have always admired your appliqué work......your caddy is so lovely!

Margo said...

Always enjoy your blog and all you work! The book looks wonderful!
Margo
mwhiterug@att.net

Julie Wittmer said...

Thank you for the chance to win the book. Looking forward to following along on your blog!
~Julie

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Love Rebekah's book. I am fill I wing rtf he blog hop. Would . Love to be entered!

lou said...

I love Rebekah's book too. She is a wonderful teacher also. I agree with you. I have made the sewing pouch and now I am trying to decide which one next. It is so nice to complete a project that combines wool, stitches and fabrics into a special piece.

Tina McFadden said...

Love, love, love Rebekah's style.

Sandy Kelley said...

Love her designs but, even more, I love that the colors chosen seem to be effortless on her part.....she's just a natural at it!

bayrayschild said...

Great review of Rebekah's wonderful book Patti!
I just love it! Can't wait to enter into a 3rd project from her book!

Audrey

Teresa S. said...

I'm a newbie to Rebekah's talent. It is lovely. Would love to have a book to try one of her projects. Currently working on a wool wallhanging.

Paula said...

I have been eyeing this book and want it badly. She does amazing design. Thanks for sharing and the chance to win it.

dianeknottllc.blogspot.com said...

I agree! I was also smitten when I first saw Rebekah's work. I have her book, so please, no need to enter me in the contest. But if you do anyway, I know someone I will give it to as a gift. :-) All of you ladies in this group inspire me! You all do beautiful work!
Diane

marie said...

I adore Rebekah's work and would love to win this book.

Judi said...

I would love a chance to win a copy of this book. Thank you!!

Lana Manis said...

I'd love a chance to win, Patti! Rebekah's work... art... is wonderful!

Cynthia G. said...

Would love a chance to win.

Anonymous said...

WOW- I have just found out about this book and would LOVE a copy. The projects look fabulous and the colors- the stitching- I LOVE it all. Thank you for making this opportunity available!
Peg in NJ

Angelia Lanouette said...

Your sewing caddy and your mom's table runner are gorgeous!! Last year I broke my knee in a car accident and was planted in my recliner for two months. It was during that time when I discovered wool applique, needle turn applique and punch needle. I am hooked!! I am a newbie to Rebekah's beautiful designs and can't wait to see the other amazing projects in her book!

Sue singer said...

I would love to win. She is teaching at the San Diego quilt show in September.

Mary Margaret said...

Thanks for the giveaway. Would be lovely to win!

Sheila said...

I'm just getting into wool applique and loving it so far. Would love a chance to win a copy of this book. Thank you

Unknown said...

I too, am smitten with Rebekah's style and artistic use of color and design! I love it! Can't get enough of it and hope to get her book someday!

Doris R said...

I agree, I love her colors. They are so rich looking. Thanks for your review.
dorismaeann@gmail.com

Jean Bee said...

I love this book and would love to win one to share it with a friend. I love the table runner your Mom made...I may have to borrow that idea!

Karen said...

Oh my. Your mother's table runner is beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Looking forward to seeing more of the blog posts on this beautiful book!

C Reeder PhxAz said...

I love how you described looking at the book front to back and then back to front! That's a sign it's a great book. Hope I win.

Jonette said...

Beautiful! Would love to win.

bethq said...

Just getting started with wool applique. I think it's going to be my new BFF!

Pat said...

Lovely book, lovely YOU! Hope I win. Looks like some great projects.

Teena said...

pre ordered and seemed like forever until the book was released!!!

Kathleen said...

The book looks fabulous - so much raw creativity - it is truly inspiring.

Kathleen

Halland House Gifts said...

I have a small wool alergy, but I'm in love with Rebekah's work. I would love to learn wool applique, and I would definitely start with her designs.

WoolenSails said...

I love how your piece came out, beautiful wool choices and sewing.
I love the table runner with the birds, that would make a wonderful piece to add for fall decorating.

Debbie

Primstitch said...

Love all of your sharing of pics from stitching trips & finished projects! Would love to win Rebekah's book, it looks so inspiring! Thank you for giving us a chance to win it! Also, always your Mom's beautiful work too! debbie :)

Rugs and Pugs said...

The book is wonderful and Rebekah is as sweet as her work!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Edwina said...

The book is so inspiring. Would be so happy to be a winner. Love working with wool and Rebekah's projects are beautiful.

CantstopQuilting said...

This book is just full of lovely things to make! I just love stitching with wool!

Gayle said...

Every single project I've seen from this book is spectacular! Loving the blog hop

KrisR said...

I have been waiting for this book!

Kris said...

I would love to win this book! Now if I only had more time....

coke said...

I have been to shows where I saw the things she has made,absolutely beautiful.... What a neat give away.. I would love to win but not too lucky usually... I can hope.. Thank You

marly said...

You did a fantastic job. But we knew you would! Please include me in the offer. Thanks!

Charlotte said...


You certainly piqued my interest in the book. I already love to do wool projects so this would be a great book to have.

Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Charlotte S.

desertladylv said...

I would love to win the book. I love wool applique...it is so calming.

Debra G said...

The book looks wonderful, and I love your idea of adding wool appliqué to a bag.

Anonymous said...

Love your and your mother's projects. This book is certainly one that would be nice in my collection.
Andang Wales

Unknown said...

Patti I love reading your blog and always seeing your lovely creations. You get so many things finished !! I have seen this book and it looks amazing. I would love a chance to win---Thank You!!

nallian said...

Love your projects, so inspirational!!!!

Glenda said...

Your work is beautiful. Would love this book.

arlene-marie said...

Beautiful projects - I love finding a wonderful new blog to follow!

Teri said...

I'm happy to have discovered your blog! Lovely stitching. Thanks for the chance to win the book. Wool appliqué is fun!

Barbara in TN said...

Simply beautiful projects once again from Miss Rebecah! Would love to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity!
Barbara in TN
saltillo3@yahoo.com

Judy Zarlenga said...

Love the projects, love the book. Would love to win. thanks for the giveaway!

PriviesAndPrims said...

Thanks for participating and making it fun!

Doreen
priviesandprims at yahoo dot com

Shelly said...

Thanks for the peeks of this book, one that I would love to win! What your mother made is just beautiful. Thanks!

lisa said...

What beautiful finishes both you and your Mom have created...you & Rebekah are true inspirations! Would love to win her book! Lisa
scneth@verizon.net

Sandi said...

I'd love to have this book :)

Diane said...

The projects look lovely...would love to win a copy of the book.

Debra said...

What a beautiful book! I would love to have this book and make every project in it!

mumbird3 said...

Sewing caddy is so cute! Thanks for sharing!

Kellie from Indiana said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Your post alone has me jumping to get it! Thank you for an opportunity to win a copy!

annie said...

I'd love to win the book. I love the Black bird design!
Your Mom, wow! She does amazing work, I love it on the table!

usagypsy said...

The projects in this book are gorgeous! Love it all!

Sue at The Boar's Breath Ranch said...

I love working with wool. The book looks very interesting and informative. Thanks.
suejswank@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Would love to get this book - love working with wool

sue bennett said...

I love working with wool and the cover of this book is so fleshing and grabs you into it.. Thanks for the chance to win.

suebennett1975@gmail.com

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I just love your blog. Your projects are beautiful.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

With fall so near, this looks like the perfect inspiration for a new project. mcsdces19(at)gmail(dot)com

Lori said...

I may be too late for the drawing, but wanted to add that your pieces are adorable!

Simple Pleasure said...

Your blog is such a source of inspiration...
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Looks like s very inspirational book--thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for this opportunity to win this! Love your work!

Wendy said...

I'm excited about ordering this book, she has a style that is timeless

Ann said...

I would love to be entered in the drawing for this book. Thanks for sharing your work on your blog.

Ann

Unknown said...

Rebekah's work is amazing--thanks for the chance to win !

Ronda said...

Rebekah's work is so wonderful,,,I will have to buy a copy, I've been thinking of it and with so many wonderful reviews I definitely will, that is if I don't win! ..thanks for the opportunity and I enjoyed your post. rstedder1298@yahoo.com

Cricketwood prims and gardens said...

I love Rebekah's work and style, thanks for your review and the opportunity to own a copy.

Carm said...

WOW! So many wonderful ideas. Would love a chance to win this book. Hope to see more of your work!

Unknown said...

Would love a chance to win. Rebekah's work is beautiful!!

dq said...

what a lovely book i hope i win it
dq bogfairy@yahoo.com

Debbie said...

What a gorgeous book-such lovely projects you have made! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book!

teresa said...

Patti ~ Thanks for the chance to win the book. It looks like a winner!

baju batik said...

your blog is awesome
really love it :)