Sew Wild by Alisa Burke Blog Tour

I am super excited to be part of Alisa Burke's blog tour to promote her amazing new book, Sew Wild. I actually met Alisa in Cleveland a couple of years ago when we were both there to tape segments and workshop DVDs for Quilting Arts TV and Interweave Press. I remember seeing her work laid out on a table ready to be taken over to the taping studio. It was energetic, raw, colorful, and full of surprises. I was instantly drawn to it.
Now, lucky for us, she's written a book detailing her many techniques, her work and design philosophy, and how she finds inspiration. Plus, the book has scads of wonderful projects that you'll really want to make.

Hey, did you notice that note in the bottom left-hand corner? This book includes a bonus, instructional DVD.
This book is visually beautiful, well-illustrated, and chock full of inspiration, but I think one of the most important statements in the book is found in the introduction. There Alisa writes,

I want to break down the stigma that often goes along with sewing—that it’s scary, that there are rules to follow, that you have to be technical and always use a pattern. Instead I want to encourage you to experiment, find your style, embrace mistakes, be messy, let loose, and explore. 


Oh my, that philosophy speaks to me and, I think to a lot of folks who create.
But, Alisa doesn't just send you out there without lots of information. There is everything from standard sewing techniques to sewing with alternative materials to an extensive, and I mean extensive, surface design techniques section. And, these aren't techniques that you need an amazing, jam-packed full of materials studio to re-create. These are simple, doable, yet striking techniques that can transform your fabric and give you a palette of materials to work with. I especially love her take on incorporating text into surface design and stitching.
Plus, once you've played with patterning fabric, Alisa has designed fun projects for you to craft that fabric into. Everything from quilts to pillows to cuffs, scarves, hats, and more. I mean it...much, much more.
You know what I think you should do? I think you should go here or here and order yourself a copy. 
I don't think you'll be disappointed. Also, don't be surprised if you see me post a project or two inspired by this book, cuffs, maybe or a tote decorated with fused plastic. Just sayin.