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Hell in the Holy Land: World War I in the Middle East
by David R. WoodwardThis compelling WWI history reveals the harsh realities of the British Army’s Middle East campaign through the firsthand accounts of soldiers.The massive flow of British troops and equipment to Egypt made that country host to the largest British military base outside of Britain and France. Though many soldiers found the atmosphere in Cairo exotic, the desert countryside made operations extremely difficult. The intense heat frequently sickened soldiers, and unruly camels were the only practical means of transport across the soft sands of the Sinai. The constant shortage of potable water was a persistent problem for the troops.Drawing on the diaries, letters, and memoirs of British soldiers who fought in Egypt and Palestine, David R. Woodward paints a vivid picture of the mayhem, terror, boredom, filth, and sacrifice they endured. The voices of these soldiers offer a forgotten perspective of the Great War, describing not only the physical and psychological toll of combat but the daily struggles of soldiers who were stationed in an unfamiliar environment that often proved just as antagonistic as the enemy.
A Political Companion to James Baldwin (Political Companions to Great American Authors)
by Susan J. McWilliams“Uniformly excellent” essays on the work of the renowned author and his “extraordinary relevance in the present moment” (Choice).In seminal works such as Go Tell It on the Mountain, Notes of a Native Son, and The Fire Next Time, acclaimed author and social critic James Baldwin expresses his profound belief that writers have the power to transform society, engage the public, and inspire and channel conversation to achieve lasting change. While Baldwin is best known for his writings on racial consciousness and injustice, he is also one of the country’s most eloquent theorists of democratic life and the national psyche.In this book, prominent scholars assess the prolific author's relevance to present-day political challenges. Together, they address Baldwin as a democratic theorist, activist, and citizen, examining his writings on the civil rights movement, religion, homosexuality, and women’s rights. They investigate the ways in which his work speaks to and galvanizes a collective American polity, and explore his views on the political implications of individual experience in relation to race and gender.This volume not only considers Baldwin’s works within their own historical context, but also applies the author’s insights to recent events such as the Obama presidency and the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasizing his faith in the connections between the past and present. These incisive essays will encourage a new reading of Baldwin that celebrates his significant contributions to political and democratic theory.
The Banana Men: American Mercenaries & Entrepreneurs in Central America, 1880–1930
by Lester D. Langley Thomas Schoonover“An engaging and fascinating narrative of the entrepreneurs and mercenaries who ‘ravished’ Central America between 1880 and 1930.” —The AmericasAmbitious entrepreneurs, isthmian politicians, and mercenaries who dramatically altered Central America’s political culture, economies, and even its traditional social values populate this lively story of a generation of North and Central Americans and their roles in the transformation of Central America from the late nineteenth century until the onset of the Depression. The Banana Men is a study of modernization, its benefits, and its often frightful costs.The colorful characters in this study are fascinating, if not always admirable. Sam “the Banana Man” Zemurray, a Bessarabian Jewish immigrant, made a fortune in Honduran bananas after he got into the business of “revolutin,” and his exploits are now legendary. His hired mercenary Lee Christmas, a bellicose Mississippian, made a reputation in Honduras as a man who could use a weapon. The supporting cast includes Minor Keith, a railroad builder and banana baron; Manuel Bonilla, the Honduran whose cause Zemurray subsidized; and Jose Santos Zelaya, who ruled Nicaragua from 1893 to 1910.The political and social turmoil of modern Central America cannot be understood without reference to the fifty-year epoch in which the United States imposed its political and economic influence on vulnerable Central American societies. The predicament of Central Americans today, as isthmian peoples know, is rooted in their past, and North Americans have had a great deal to do with the shaping of their history, for better or worse.“Recounts incredible stories within the framework of social imperialism and dependency theory.” —Latin American Research Review
Zakka Style: 24 Projects Stitched with Ease to Give, Use & Enjoy (Design Collective)
by Rashida Coleman-HaleCreate charming fabric crafts inspired by the Japanese design movement that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts to friends.Discover the hottest new trend in fabric crafting—Zakka! These clever, modern projects are a cinch to sew using basic patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. It’s scrap-friendly and fun for all sewing skill levels.Rashida Coleman-Hale has gathered talented designers from around the world to bring you 24 delightful Zakka projects. Zakka, a Japanese term meaning “many things,” is all about all the little things that improve your home and appearance. Create a one-of-a-kind picture frame, a stylish bread bag, a whimsical bookmark, a chic tote, and so much more. You’ll love these bright, imaginative designs-make them for yourself and everyone you know!Featuring contributions by Amanda Jennings, Amy Sinibaldi, Ayumi Takahashi, Christie Fowler, Holly Keller, Julia Bravo, Karyn Valino, Kat Mew, Katrien Van Deuren, Kim Kruzich, Larissa Holland, Laurraine Yuyama, Leslie Good, Lisa Billings, Masko Jefferson, Meg Spaeth, Melody Miller, Mette Robl, Nova Flitter, Pascal Mestdagh, Rachel Roxburgh, Shannon Dreval, Sonia Cantie, and Theresia Cookson.Award-Winner in the Crafts/Hobbies/How-To category of the 2012 International Book AwardsPraise for Zakka Style“The term “zakka” . . . has become synonymous with a kind of simple charm and uniqueness—something handmade that is useful and pleasing. . . . This book is another wonderful source for gift ideas and sweet little knick-knacks to make ‘just because.’” —Australian Homespun Magazine
How We Talked and Common Folks
by Verna Mae SloneIn these two classic memoirs, the beloved Appalachian author shares a rare and vibrant look at the life and culture of her rural Kentucky home.A free-form combination of glossary and memoir, How We Talked is a timeless piece of literature that uses native expressions to depict everyday life in Caney Creek, Kentucky. In addition to phrases and their meanings, the book contains sections on the customs and wisdom of Slone's community, a collection of children's rhymes, and stories and superstitions unique to Appalachia.Originally published in 1979, Common Folks documents Slone's way of life in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, and expands on such diverse topics as family pets, coal mining, education, and marriage. Slone's firsthand account of this unique heritage draws readers into her hill-circled community and allows them to experience a lifestyle that is nearly forgotten.Whether Slone is writing about the particulars of Appalachian folk medicine or the universal experiences of family life, her deep insight and eye for evocative detail make for compelling reading. Published together for the first time, How We Talked and Common Folks celebrate the spirit of an acclaimed Appalachian writer.
Countryside Softies: 28 Handmade Wool Creatures to Stitch
by Amy AdamsCreate your own adorable stuffed animals—including foxes, hedgehogs, bumblebees and more—with this guide for crafters of all skill levels.A little time, a few supplies, and a dash of creativity are all you need to bring these adorable critters to life. Whether it's a fuzzy rabbit personalized as a gift, or a charming family of birds to display in your home, this playful guide features easy-to-follow patterns, clear instructions, and enchanting photography of the creatures in their natural habitats. Best of all, each project is graded according to difficulty (easy, moderate, and slightly tricky) so both experienced and beginner sewers can share in the fun.• 28 unique fabric softies that can be sewn by hand or machine• Learn how to personalize your creation with a variety of whimsical embellishments• With these forgiving patterns, imperfect stitches make these cuties even cuter!
Hack That Tote!: Mix & Match Elements to Create Your Perfect Bag
by Mary Abreu“A terrific book for the beginner bag maker and anyone looking for fairly quick and easy bag projects” —from a wine-bottle bag to a zip-top purse (Homespun).One pattern . . . infinite looks! With simple tweaks, you can reinvent the basic tote 11 ways, sewing useful projects like a backpack, messenger bag, laundry duffle, and stylish cross-body purse. Create your perfect carryall by adding pockets, leather handles, fabric straps and tabs, O-rings, snap hooks, purse frames, and more for endless variety. A fabric and interfacing guide helps beginners and more experienced sewists choose the right materials every time. Just measure, mark, and cut—no printed patterns needed!Alter a basic tote 11 ways! Switch up the size, shape, pockets, straps, drawstrings, zippers, and hardware to create bags for many usesExpert tips on choosing the right fabric and interfacing for sturdy bags that look amazingEasy, dimensional cutting instructions for fast, professional results“In this beginner-friendly guide, Abreu (Modern Style for Girls) takes a basic square tote pattern and adjusts it in a variety of ways to create a wardrobe of attractive bags in different shapes and styles, from casual and functional to structured and sophisticated.” —Library Journal“Join Abreu as she takes a basic tote bag pattern and transforms it 11 different ways by varying the shape and size of her bags, as well as the detailing such as pockets, handles, and, of course, color and fabric combinations. By following Mary’s tips, you'll create professional-looking bags for yourself and friends.” —Quilter’s Companion
Modern Appliqué Illusions: 12 Quilts Create Perspective & Depth
by Casey YorkThe award-winning quilter and appliqué designer brings fine art principles to 12 stunning quilts in this surprisingly simple step-by-step guide.Casey York pushes creative boundaries in the quilting world with her graphic, contemporary designs and patterns. In Modern Appliqué Illusions, she combines easy quilting methods with the fine art secrets of depth and perspective to create modern quilted optical illusions. Though these sophisticated look like museum pieces, they are designed for everyday use.In Modern Appliqué Illusions, you will learn to create landscapes that recede into the distance, objects that look three-dimensional, even fish that seem to swim underwater—all with easy raw-edge appliqué and straight-line machine quilting! Hand stitching finishes the appliqué with a clean look that still has a handmade feeling.
Bags: Clutches, Hobos, Satchels & More
by Sue Kim“Wonderful . . . The bags look fantastic, the fabrics are modern and stylish and this book will provide plenty of inspiration for sewing projects.” —London Modern Quilt Guild, UKTurn your favorite fabrics into a fashion statement! From chic wristlets to functional carryalls (and everything in between), each project includes a full-sized pattern, easy-to-follow instructions, and inspirational photos. All the sewing basics you need are here, and you will learn some more ambitious techniques such as stitching hook-and-loop tapes, making darts and pleats, and attaching magnetic snaps or zippers.Make your own fashion statement with these sophisticated, runway-worthy bag designsEach of the 19 projects has multiple variations for more than 75 different stylish ways to carry it allCreate perfectly polished bags in no time with easy construction techniques“We’ve reviewed a number of top-notch books on bagmaking in the past few months, and this one, by Sue Kim, is right up there with the best of them. The two features that we think make it outstanding are the range of patterns and the quality of the instructions . . . an excellent choice for someone who is still building their bagmaking confidence and skills.” —Australian Homespun Magazine“One of the books I most often recommend for beginners. Although these projects don’t feature a lot of bells and whistles (complicated hardware, multiple pockets, etc.), the clean, classic lines provide great jumping-off points for more advanced sewists to customize to their heart’s content.” —Beth Ann Williams, author of Celtic Quilts“If you have never made a bag in your life Sue Kim will take you through the process step by step.” —Gable House & Co.
Wendell Berry: Life and Work (Culture of the Land #Cull)
by Jason PetersA portrait of an American thinker with contributions by Barbara Kingsolver, Bill McKibben, Sven Birkerts, Wes Jackson, and more: “A masterful collection.” —Charlotte ObserverEssayist, social critic, poet, “mad farmer,” novelist, teacher, and prophet: Wendell Berry has been called many things, but the broad sweep of his contemporary relevance and influence defies facile labels. With a unique perspective and far-reaching vision, Berry poses complex questions about humankind and our relationship to the land and offers simple but profound solutions. Berry’s writings give voice to a provocative but consistent philosophy that extends far beyond its agrarian core to include elements of sociology, the natural sciences, politics, religion, philosophy, linguistics, agriculture, and other seemingly incompatible fields of study.Wendell Berry: Life and Work examines this wise, original thinker, appraising his written work and exploring his influence as an activist and artist. Each of the contributors—including Hayden Carruth, Sven Birkerts, Barbara Kingsolver, Stanley Hauerwas, Donald Hall, Ed McClanahan, Bill McKibben, Scott Russell Sanders, Norman Wirzba, Wes Jackson, and Eric T. Freyfogle—examines an aspect of Berry’s varied yet cohesive body of work. Also included are highly personal glimpses of Berry: his career, academic influence, and unconventional lifestyle.These deft sketches show the purity of Berry’s agrarian lifestyle and demonstrate that there is nothing simple about the life to which he’s devoted himself. He embraces a life that sustains him not by easy purchase and haste but by physical labor and patience, not by mindless acquiescence to a centralized economy but by attention to local ways and wisdom. This book combines biographical sketches, personal accounts, literary criticism, and social commentary. The result is a rich portrait of one of America’s most profound and honest thinkers.
Kentucky Agate: State Rock and Mineral Treasure of the Commonwealth
by Roland L. McIntosh Warren H. AndersonThis informative and fully illustrated volume explores the untold story of agate gemstones hidden in Kentucky’s scenic Knobs Region.With their fine grain and rich assortment of colors, agate stones are coveted by collectors and becoming rarer across the globe. Some of the most beautiful specimens in the world have been found in the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky. In Kentucky Agate, authors Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson reveal the beauty and diversity of this sought-after stone with hundreds of color photographs.Kentucky Agate also reveals locations where agate may be found, offering maps of the region surrounding the city of Irvine, Kentucky, including parts of Estill, Powell, Jackson, Menifee, Madison, and Lee counties. With detailed photographs revealing aspects of the rock not visible to the naked eye, this book also provides fascinating information on the history, geology, chemistry, and formation of the mineral.
In Defense of the Bush Doctrine
by Robert G. KaufmanA foreign policy expert “presents a thoughtful, comprehensive case” for the War on Terror—a “historically powerful support of Mr. Bush and his doctrine” (Washington Times).The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, shattered the tranquil and prosperous optimism that had blossomed in the United States during the 1990s. President George W. Bush responded with a preemptive Global War on Terror. This controversial strategy led the nation into protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and ignited passionate debate about America’s role in the world.In Defense of the Bush Doctrine offers a vigorous argument for the principles of moral democratic realism that inspired the Bush administration's policy. Conservative columnist Robert G. Kaufman argues that the purpose of American foreign policy is to ensure the integrity and vitality of a free society and that America’s grand strategy must be guided by the cardinal virtue of prudence.Kaufman provides a broad historical context for America’s post-9/11 foreign policy, connecting the Bush Doctrine and other issues, such as how the United States should deal with China, to the deeper tradition of American diplomacy. Drawing from positive lessons as well as cautionary tales from the past, Kaufman concludes that moral democratic realism offers the most prudent framework for expanding the democratic zone of peace and minimizing threats to the United States.
Make + Love Quilts: Scrap Quilts for the 21st Century
by Mary Katherine Fons12 projects for big quilts to warm the heart, soul, and bedroom, from the author of Dear Quilty.Few things say I love you like a handmade quilt. This stunning collection of 12 quilts is specifically sized to fit larger beds (queen and king), to warm the heart, soul, and bedroom. Constructed from Mary’s favorite fabrics for a fresh, modern aesthetic, the quilts in this book are classified as scrap quilts and have an undeniable depth and beauty. These quilts may take you some time to finish but can be completed by any quilter who has passion for sewing no matter what her skill level. So go ahead, make a quilt to show someone love . . . and perhaps that person is you!• Inspiring designs and practical advice from quilting celebrity Mary Fons, of the popular Quilty show and magazine• Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind quilt, using the author’s signature, innovative “scrappy” technique• Bigger is better: 12 quilt projects designed large enough to wrap yourself up in—or to fit a king- or queen-sized bed
Kentucky Folktales: Revealing Stories, Truths, and Outright Lies
by Mary Hamilton“An entertaining collection . . . It will encourage readers to explore the lore of their own communities, no matter how near to or far from Kentucky.” —Library JournalWinner of the Storytelling World Resource Award and the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice AwardFolktales, legends, tall tales, and ghost stories hold a special place in the imaginations of storytellers and listeners. In Kentucky Folktales: Revealing Stories, Truths, and Outright Lies, Kentucky storyteller Mary Hamilton narrates a range of stories with the creativity only a master storyteller can evoke.Hamilton has perfected the art of entrancing an audience no matter the subject of her tales. Kentucky Folktales includes stories about Daniel Boone’s ability to single-handedly kill a bear, a daughter who saves her father’s land by outsmarting the king, and a girl who uses gingerbread to exact revenge on her evil stepmother, among many others. Hamilton ends each story with personal notes on important details of her storytelling craft, such as where she first heard the story, how it evolved through frequent retellings and reactions from audiences, and where the stories take place. Featuring tales and legends from all over the Bluegrass State, Kentucky Folktales captures the expression of Kentucky’s storytelling tradition.“A well-documented, lively, informative book . . . a major contribution to regional folklore.” —Louisville Courier-Journal
Little Birds: 26 Handmade Projects to Sew, Stitch, Quilt & Love (Design Collective)
by Design CollectiveThis guide presents 26 original craft projects of all kinds—from quilts to mobiles, soft sculptures, ornaments and more—all featuring delightful birds!Whether you’re looking for the perfect handmade gift or you want to create your own menagerie, the 26 craft projects in Little Birds will let your imagination take flight! Featuring designs by Mika Yamamura, Robin Kingsley, Heidi Allred and others, this volume covers a range of styles, from artistic to folksy to whimsical.These beginner-friendly projects work well with scraps, fat quarters, and upcycled fabrics. They also feature a variety of materials and embellishments. From budgies to owls to peacocks, these feathered friends will make your heart sing!
Deploy That Fabric: 23 Sewing Projects Use Military Uniforms in Everyday Life
by Jen EskridgeTurn old uniforms into quilts, bags, and more: &“Because the projects are so nicely designed, they manage to be casual and classy at the same time.&” —Generation Q Magazine All members of the Armed Forces have to buy multiple uniforms, some of which become decommissioned. In this book, quilter and military spouse Jen Eskridge shows you how to recycle these uniforms and blend in some cheerful, contemporary fabrics to create useful, one-of-a-kind family treasures. Even if you don't have a service member in your life, you can make these cool projects using camouflage fabrics or uniforms purchased from surplus stores—and show your support in style!
Whimsical Wool Appliqué: 50 Blocks, 7 Quilt Projects
by Kim SchaeferCreate stunning wall quilts, table toppers, and pillows using wool appliqué with these projects by the bestselling author of Calendar Quilts.Cozy up to wool appliqué with fifty colorful garden blocks to mix and match! Bestselling author Kim Schaefer shares seven easy wool appliqué projects to teach you embroidery basics or to bring your hand stitching to the next level. Layer luscious flowers, birds, and butterflies of wool on top of cotton fabric, then add the embroidered finishing touches to fusible appliqué wall quilts, table toppers, and pillows. It’s the perfect primer for every skill level.
Tales from Kentucky Sheriffs
by William Lynwood Montell“Wildly funny and deeply tragic . . . these tales chronicle each sheriff’s journey from youth to election to office and, occasionally, into retirement.” —Wayne County OutlookFollowing the success of his collections of stories from funeral directors, schoolteachers, doctors, and lawyers, folklorist William Lynwood Montell presents a new volume of tales from Kentucky sheriffs. Montell collected stories from all areas of the state to represent the diversity of social and economic backgrounds in the various communities the officers serve.Tales from Kentucky Sheriffs covers elections, criminal behavior, and sheriff’s mistakes in a lighthearted and often humorous manner. The book includes accounts of a drunk driver who thought he was in a different state, a sheriff running a sting operation with the US Marshals, and a woman reporting a tomato thief in her garden. Other accounts involve procedural errors with serious consequences, such as the tale of a sheriff who mistakenly informs a man that his son has committed suicide. Together, these firsthand narratives preserve important aspects of Kentucky’s history not likely to be recorded elsewhere.“The stories Montell collected fill up nearly 300 pages and range from humorous mishaps during incidents and interesting criminal behavior to the more somber topic of death in the line of duty.” —Central Kentucky News-Journal“The numerous experiences shared by the people interviewed cover several decades and provide a very enlightening look into the world of Kentucky county-level law enforcement.” —Kentucky Ancestors“[Montell] has once again mined an important element of the state’s culture with utter transparency, and has—once again—done the state proud.” —Kentucky Monthly
Everyday Embroidery for Modern Stitchers: 50 Iron-On Designs
by Megan EckmanEnjoy these 15 fun embroidery projects you can finish in a day or a weekend, with 50 designs to choose from.Stitch something awesome today! From the creative mind of Megan Eckman come 15 edgy and fun embroidered projects to sew. Just choose your designs, iron them on, and stitch along the lines. Mix and match 50 on-trend designs like crystals and succulents to decorate accessories and home decor—even personalizing the things you already wear and love like denim jackets and canvas shoes. Download the simple embroidery pattern outlines to print as many times as you want. Just dipping your toes into embroidery? With handy stitch guides and practical advice, even beginners will be able to start a project today and finish by the weekend!Get started with embroidery! Sew 15 fun projects that are approachable, practical, and awesomeGo retro, mystical, or botanical with 50 themed embroidery ideas to download and printMix and match motifs to choose your own adventure—even embroider your own apparel
Fishing the Jumps: A Novel
by Lamar HerrinFrom the author of Romancing Spain, a novel about two fishing buddies and about home, family, and the stories we tell to keep the illusion alive.In his latest novel, award-winning writer Lamar Herrin highlights the art of storytelling and the value of friendship with a lush, outdoor landscape serving as a backdrop. Set over the course of a weekend spent fishing on an Adirondack lake, two middle-aged friends—Jim McManus and Walter Kidman—sip Jim Beam on the rocks and share stories of memory and camaraderie as the past and present meld to reveal that what happens in the past rarely stays there.Herrin explores the kaleidoscopic effect of memory while examining the rise and fall of life in the South. Presented is a story about a displaced southerner who tells the account of a family whose fortune was made in the post-World War II apparel industry, but it is the extended family that claims the narrator’s attention and sympathy, the grandparents, the aunts and uncles and cousins, and the stories told and retold about those family members until they reach the status of myth. It is a novel of two lakes—the small glacial one where Jim and Walter fish and exchange stories, and the southern one, created when a dam was built and numerous mountain settlements were flooded. It is a novel chronicling the aftermath of World War II, who won what, and when the time comes, who stands to lose.Lyrical and poetic yet playful and entertaining, Fishing the Jumps is more than just fishing tales. It is a seamless and haunting novel that is ultimately a story of the deep and necessary relationship between two men and the binding and nourishing effect of family—not only of an extended family, but of a whole community, and in fact, a whole region.Praise for Fishing the Jumps“Deliberate and gorgeous, with a mastery of description and a searing command of American culture. Fishing the Jumps is quiet, thoughtfully told, but with a thrashing undercurrent . . . . What seems almost a low-key dialogue on a placid lake is actually a turbulent family history that refuses to sink to the bottom of memory. This makes an elegant structure for a fish story that plumbs the nature of storytelling itself. It is a thrilling, intense novel to read. I was hooked.” —Bobbie Ann Mason, author of Patchwork and The Girl in the Blue Beret“Herrin’s writing is vivid, lyrical, and intense. But the glory of this novel is Herrin’s gift for recreating a particular time and place, the decades after WWII, the exuberance of summers by the mountain lake, the brilliance of Little Howie Whalen building a textile empire. These characters, and this time, come alive in a way that haunts the reader.” —Robert Morgan, author of Gap Creek“Lamar Herrin may be the best writer of whom you have never heard . . . there’s no denying that Fishing the Jumps is a work of genius . . . Herrin’s narrative style is seamless, his emotional intelligence expert. . . . [A] bildungsroman, a mystery, and a prose poem, too, in its lush, layered honesty, verbal ingenuity, and elegant humanity.” —Linda Elisabeth LaPinta, Kentucky Humanities
Amreekiya: A Novel (University Press of Kentucky New Poetry & Prose Series)
by Lena MahmoudA touching debut novel chronicling the life a young Palestinian American woman between two cultures as she comes of age and as she settles into marriage.Isra Shadi, a twenty-one-year-old woman of mixed Palestinian and White descent, lives in California with her paternal amu (uncle), amtu (aunt), and cousins after the death of her mother and abandonment by her father at a young age. Ever the outcast in her amu and amtu’s household, Isra is encouraged to marry and leave. After rejecting a string of undesirable suitors, she marries Yusef, an old love from her past . . .In Amreekiya, author Lena Mahmoud deftly juggles two storylines, alternating between Isra’s youth and her current life as a married twentysomething who is torn between cultures and trying to define herself. The chapters chronicle various moments in Isra’s narrative, including her parents volatile relationship and the trials and joys of forging a partnership with Yusef. Mahmoud also examines Isra’s first visit to Palestine, the effects of sexism, how language affects identity, and what it means to have a love that overcomes unbearable pain.An exploration of womanhood from an underrepresented voice in American literature, Amreekiya is simultaneously unique and relatable. Featuring an authentic array of characters, Mahmoud’s first novel is a much-needed story in a divided world.Praise for Amreekiya“A subversive story about love and marriage . . . a feminist Palestinian project that follows its headstrong lead, Isra, through struggle and loss. This is a tense examination of what a marriage is and how gendered expectations influence love and family. It is an intimate dissection of a relationship that exists in an unequal world . . . . Mahmoud portrays the unsettling conflict between freedom and social imprisonment in Amreekiya, an unnerving novel that encourages questioning common assumptions, no matter how deep down they rest.” —Foreword Reviews“Both wise and humorous, Mahmoud’s debut novel is an intimate portrayal of an early Arab American marriage, filled with passion, loss, and ultimately forgiveness. Readers will be moved by the fierce but fragile Isra, who refuses to be defined by her family, her husband, and her society.” —Susan Muaddi Darraj, author of A Curious Land: Stories from Home“Yusef and Isra’s story is relevant for people worldwide. With poignant, beautiful writing, Mahmoud quickly draws readers into the novel, portraying all her characters with a sympathetic voice. A fantastic choice for book discussions and well worth a second reading.” —Library Journal (starred review)
Pillow Pop: 25 Quick-Sew Projects to Brighten Your Space
by Heather Bostic&“Filled to the brim with 25 quick-to-make pillows from some of today&’s hottest designers . . . A pillow is a great place to expand your skill and have some fun.&” —McCall&’s Quilting This installment of the Design Collective series is stuffed full of pillows! Make a distinctive statement with eye-catching modern designs—choose from twenty-five different 18" to 20" square pillow projects to decorate your home. Pull out your favorite fabrics and have fun stitching up something new to adorn your bed or favorite chair. Popular blogger and modern sewist Heather Bostic brings you a sensational selection of pillow projects. Try different techniques like paper-piecing, quilting, embroidery, and appliqué. More than twenty designers with fresh, contemporary style offer something for everyone at any skill level.
Featherweight 221: The Perfect Portable And Its Stitches Across History
by Nancy Johnson-SrebroA comprehensive history of the treasured Singer sewing machine from the author of Big Block One-Star Quilts by Magic.Enjoy an entertaining look at the history of the Featherweight sewing machine with this expanded third edition updated with the latest research. It’s packed with photos, stories, and handy information, like how to date and troubleshoot your machine. It’s a fun read for quilters, Featherweight owners, and history buffs.
Hand-Printing Studio: A Visual Guide to Printing on Almost Anything
by Betsy OlmstedThis DIY guide to hand-printing lets you put your designs on almost anything—from fabric, glass, and wood to human beings and more!Print artist and textile designer Betsy Olmsted shares her love of art through her namesake brand. Now she shares her tips and techniques with 15 colorful projects you can try at home—from a galvanized planter and curtains to a coffee table. With this step-by-step visual guide, you will earn to add your own design to nearly any surface with block printing, silk screen, and disperse dye transfer. Betsy gets you started with 12 charming patterns, plus inspiration for creating your own designs!
Next Steps in Machine Quilting: Free-Motion & Walking-Foot Designs
by Natalia Bonner50 new modern, sophisticated designs that encourage free-motion quilters of all skill levels to stretch their skills on a home sewing machine.Free-motion fans, rejoice! Natalia Bonner is back with a follow-up to her wildly successful first book that boasts 50 new modern, sophisticated designs that encourage quilters of all skill levels to stretch their skills on a home sewing machine. A variety of simpler straight-line and free-motion motifs invite beginners to dive in, while designs that modernize more traditional patterns will challenge intermediate and advanced sewists. Full-size patterns can be used for practice or marking quilt tops, and tips on a wide range of topics—supplies, embellishments, layering, and basting—open up a world of endless variations.• 50 new modern, sophisticated designs challenge quilters of all skill levels to stretch their skills• Full-size patterns for more elaborate designs can be used for practice or to mark quilt tops• Tips on supplies, layering, basting, and adjusting machine tension