Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat is an amazing book on so many levels. I am enthused about it because I met up with Ricë and The EGE several times last year and at several retreats. I watched as Earl took photographs and we all got to know one another over time and several retreats.

I watched Ricë stitching on clothing and we talked about the array of bracelets and memories she wore in her jewelry (check out page 42), we ate barfood together while talking about hotel rooms and well, if you know Ricë, you will know there is a story around every curve. The other teachers would sit down, somehow nosh would appear and soon we be laughing and talking over one another.

I met Michael McMillen and talked at length about Utilikilts (there is a photo of him on page 17). You know I came home and showed them to my Man. I would love to get men, any man into a skirt-they are just so comfy!

This is the atmosphere of Ricë's newest book, Destination Creativity and I think it is aptly named. To read this book is to sink into the relaxed, energized and creative retreat experience. It is a place to get more how-to drawing lessons by the ever silly Carla Sonheim, get to know Jesse Reno and take some mini classes too.

I wrote some on Quilt Festival and some photos from a class I gave are on page 128. So, like I said, I got to see this book unfold and was able to get mentioned in it too.

If you would like the chance to WIN a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post telling me about your retreat experience or mentioning the retreat you would like to go to most.

And also check out this list of A-list bloggers for more chances to win.

Tuesday, October 4th: Seth Apter
Wednesday, October 5th: Mary Beth Shaw
Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim
Friday, October 7th: Lisa Mayers Bulmash
Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry

And of course, Ricë's blog, Notes From The Voodoo Cafe

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P.S. I am going to Switzerland and will be away for 2 weeks, David and I will explore and then I will teach. I will be posting silently, when I am able. Good luck winning a copy of Ricë's book!

I have a few books that need reviewing and it is high time I get to it.

Mixed-Media Paint Box: Weekly Projects for a Year of Creative Exploration, was edited by Tonia Davenport and has projects from the 'big names' we all know and love, like Michael DeMeng, Ruth Rae and Claudine Hellmuth.

This book is a sampler of F+W Media's authors and book offerings and is meant to help give a weekly, creative jump start. You could open the book to any page and try something new out, if you like that idea or technique, you could purchase that author's book and delve more deeply into the idea. But this book stands alone too and you could complete each project presented on a weekly basis to build your skill set.

The projects and ideas presented are varied and wide ranging, jewelry making, frames, magnets, background textures using acrylic paints, watercolor and digital printing. All described with photographic how-to in an engaging and inspiring layout. Check it out.

I have one copy of this book and would like to give it away. Post a comment about a technique you would love to know more about and I will announce the winner within a week time.

A few months ago I had a revelation about thread. When I work a large scale quilt, I do it in two whole cloth layers (for the most part). Cotton is the bottom and silk organza the top most layer. I have come to love rayon embroidery threads as my main quilting thread. The sheen can't be beat and it lends the work a sumptuous, luscious look or patina.

But there is no reason why I shouldn't step out and experiment with other weights of thread, right? My thought being, if I vary the weight and type of thread, I am creating further contrast and visual appeal.

Last Quilt Fest, I stumbled on Aurifil Cotton Mako' 12/2 weight... This seemed a perfect fit for my idea. It is the heaviest cotton thread they sell and it is gorgeous.

They suggest you use 100 weight sewing machine needle and the thread holds up really well when put to the test, both my Bernina 1001 and the 440 handle this thread without incident. The white thread just under her wrist is machine stitched Cotton Mako' 12/2.

The thing about this thread is that it is a loosely plied two strands of cotton. It looks and feels beautiful, and if it withstands machine work so well, why not hand stitch with it? And in this instance it too glides like butter. This thread has a soft sheen, it maintains its loft both hand and machine stitched and it is just downright pretty.

So it both looks awesome as a hand sewing thread and it is fabulous as a machine sewn thread. But...

It hand dyes beautifully too.

If you want to know more about Aurifil Threads, check out this link.

This is my second post of the day, scroll down if you are looking to read about today's lines.