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Presidential Good Reads

February 20th, 2012

It’s President’s Day here in the U.S. so in honor I am sharing some of my favorite books on U.S. Presidents.

I love history and usually try to have a non-fiction to read, even if I’m reading a fiction as well. I’ve included a few historical fictions too:

His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis - I started out reading this book with vague notions about our first President of cherry trees and not telling lies. When I started reading I was stunned to discover I didn’t much like George, who seemed both ambitious, vain and often petty. But as the book went on, either he grew as a person or his circumstances brought out the best in him. My admiration certainly grew, and by the end of the book, I felt a tremendous respect and gratitude for the “Father of our Country.” I was glad to know more about the man I owe much to.

John Adams by David McCullough – Again a biography changed the way I looked at history. I used to think of John Adams as a blustering, outspoken, but less significant, founding father. He was nothing compared to the dignified, articulate and accomplished Thomas Jefferson. This book was one of my favorite biographies of all time. I came away with the greatest respect for John Adams – and cracks in the facade of Thomas Jefferson. This book might even make you feel indignant, like I am, that John Adam’s face isn’t on any of our money and he’s not on Mount Rushmore… and he should be. I LOVED learning more about John’s relationship with Abigail.

The President’s Lady: A Novel about Rachel and Andrew Jackson by Irving Stone – I read this historical fiction when I was a teenager. I remembering loving it and have wanted to find a copy to reread. I went on an Irving Stone kick back then and read his historical novel about John and Abigail Adams (Those Who Love: A Biographical Novel of Abigail and John Adams) which are both out of print. I also loved and have read several times- including once while I was traveling in Italy- the wonderful book The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone- which is still in print.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin- One of my favorite non-fictions of all time, this book was a page-turner for me. I even felt myself wishing, hoping that the outcome could somehow be different. This book absolutely confirmed my idea that Abraham Lincoln is my favorite President.

Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt by David McCullough. I knew Roosevelt came from a wealthy and privileged upbringing in New York. But what I didn’t know was that his success- his greatness- was a product of pain and struggle. I loved this book.

Truman by David McCullough. Yep. I really like David McCullough. Not only does he have a great voice, he has a way of telling history which makes it living and immediate. He has a way of making you FEEL it. As for Truman, have we ever had a less likely President? To read about his path to White House was amazing in it’s unlikeliness. He was an incredibly likable President for me, with small town values and an contagious optimism.

What are your favorite books about our Presidents? I’m on the lookout for a good book about FDR.

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Book Review and Giveaway: Sew What You Love

January 23rd, 2012

Last week I received a lovely surprise in the mail. It was a copy of the new book by Free Spirit fabric designer, Tanya Whelan.

Sew What You Love: The Easiest, Prettiest Projects Ever

I love Tanya’s fabrics so I couldn’t wait to read through her book.

There are 30 projects ranging from wonderful bag designs, projects for babies and kids, clothing and projects for the home.

I’ll be making this Amelie Bag soon- I love the style, shape and roominess of the bag. I really love that the templates for each project are in a pocket at the back of the book. (Books that make me enlarge templates at the copy store are such a pain.)

How wonderful would this be as a top made with one of the cute cotton knit fabrics out on the market right now? Each pattern includes clear diagrams and tips.

Apple Pie Ottomans? Yes please! I would love a few of these pretty ottomans stacked in the corner of my family room.

Tanya even gives tips for using scrap fabric to make your ottoman. Which brings up another point I loved about this book. It includes good advice for how to use scraps and for reusing and recycling items.

I made my first little project from the book over the weekend. It only took a few minutes to whip up this wonderful, pieced pincushion. I made it to sit at the end of my ironing board… and because a girl can never have too many stylish pincushions.

Tanya is sharing a free pattern for Travel Checkers from her book for the readers of Make it Do. If you’d like to download the pattern click here.

She is also giving away a bag pattern to anyone who twitters or mentions her book on Facebook. All you need to do is provide a link to the Sew What You Love page on Amazon.

And last but not least, today on Make it Do, you can enter to win your very own copy of Tanya’s book.

To enter leave a comment on this post answering: “What projects are you most inspired to make right now?” Are you focused on quilting, projects for your home, sewing for the little ones in your life, clothing or bags…. or if you’d like, just say hi!