You'll love these crisp, eye-catching quilts rooted in tradition but with a refreshingly updated style. In a departure from her much-admired floral patterns, Cindy Lammon demonstrates her range with pretty pieced quilts, stockings, a tree skirt, and much more--all composed of simple shapes. Select from 14 cheery projects that lend themselves to both modern and traditional fabrics Enjoy these quilt patterns year-round; patterns can be used to produce stunning quilts for any season Find easy, confidence-building designs for beginning and intermediate quilters and sewists

In days of old, Christmas was defined by the custom of exchanging simple handmade gifts. Today, it has become a multi-billion industry, synonymous with commercialism and consumption. How did this transformation occur? In this incisive and engaging examination of how Christmas has evolved since 1880, Waits chronicles the history of the holiday, from its origin to its current form. The book is illustrated with dozens of historical photographs and will be of interest to cultural and social historians alike. Christmas was a relatively modest occasion in the English- speaking world, celebrated by the exchange of modest handmade gifts, until the Victorians invested the holiday with immense significance as part of a larger effort to celebrate home, family, and a mythic past of well-ordered communities. By the late 19th century, Christmas had become a major American festival. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry and easily the most important seasonal event of the year. In this survey of the modern American Christmas, William Waits shows us how this holiday emerged, tracing its evolution from the days prior to 1880 when people presented one another with simple crafted presents to the turn of the century when industrialization brought with it waves of inexpensive, tawdry gimcracks. In the early twentieth century, reform-minded Americans reflecting on the new Christmas prompted a backlash against this cheapening of the Yule tradition, and the Christmas card was born. Henceforth, family members and close friends exchanged useful, costly items, while cards were sent to acquaintances and distant relatives. These reformers also persuaded retail stores to keep their regular hours of business during the holiday, rather than lengthening them, to give trade workers the opportunity to join in the celebration. They also rationalized the collection and distribution of holiday charity, resulting in the Christmas celebration we have today. Waits's book clearly illustrates that the notion that Christmas is uncontrollable is simply untrue. An incisive and engaging history of giftgiving, The Modern Christmas in Americaalso examines the differing traditions of giftgiving to friends, employees, the poor, and among entire communities. Handsomely illustrated with dozens of historical photographs, this book is not only the perfect holiday gift but will also be of interest to any student of American history and culture.

Offers simple suggestions for retrieving the true spirit of Christmas.

When you think of your ideal Christmas, what does it look like? Do you dream of a perfect white Christmas, with an impeccably decorated tree filled with tons of beautifully wrapped gifts? Is the fireplace roaring, with matching embroidered stockings hung straight across the mantle? Does anyone's Christmas really look like that? The holiday season can be a lot less stressful by planning ahead and keeping things simple. Staying on top of things can simplify your holidays, helping you relax and enjoy the spirit of the season. Now is the perfect time to cut back, to simplify your commitments and your schedule. By finding ways to create space in your life, you can create a happier, more joyful holiday!

Provides patterns and instructions for creating a variety of Christmas decorations and small gift items.

Thirty-one encouraging devotions to help busy moms pause and ponder the true miracles of the Christmas season--the wonder of a Savior who would leave heaven to save us and the love of those who share our home. Between holiday baking, hunting for the perfect tree, decorating, preparing for visiting relatives, and making sure everyone gets the ideal gift, Christmas can be anything but peaceful for a busy mom. Too often, the stress and busyness of the season make it difficult to find time to just sit and reflect on the wonder of the Savior's birth. If this sounds familiar, allow Simply Christmas to be your personal invitation to slow down and savor the beauty of the manger this year. These thirty-one devotions are not dated, so you're welcome to begin reading anytime--whether that's on December 1, Christmas Eve, the day after Thanksgiving, or the middle of July--without even a smidgen of guilt or shame. Accompanied by seasonally inspired full-color photographs, this thirty-one-day devotional brings a bit of calm to each day through a short reflection and Scripture, together with points to ponder and fun ideas for simplifying your Christmas traditions.

Learn the secrets to fearless, modern appliqué! Top appliqué designers share 16 innovative projects with full-size patterns. Master 7 classic techniques from invisible machine appliqué to bias tape design, each with step-by-step instructions that make it easy to learn. Then, peek inside the design process with profiles of 9 award-winning quilters, inspiring you to rethink the bounds of appliqué.

Includes hundreds of suggestions for inexpensive, imaginative gifts, as well as ideas for enjoying the season and cutting down on holiday stress

This collection of twenty-two beautifully illustrated poems provides an acutely observed, satirical view of modern life. Using traditional rhymes and a highly accessible style to provide perceptive insights into the sometimes serious, sometimes humorous issues presented by life today, readers will undoubtedly empathise with the poems. From internet trolls to people who use mobile phones on trains, this collection will appeal to readers of all ages. Covering topics such as Ofsted, school assemblies and people who fall asleep in AGMs, the poetry would be equally at home in schools, social clubs, day centres or sitting on people’s coffee tables at home. Detailed and quirky illustrations are included on almost every page, which make a delightful addition to the poems and highlight the comedic element. This collection will quickly become a favourite for thumbing through the pages and discovering new delights on each re-read. From the author of Different Genes (Matador, 2017) and founder of the popular website, Books for Older Readers.

Donna Hay, whose bestselling books - modern classics, off the shelf and the instant cook - made food simple, fresh and modern, changes the way you think about Christmas. Take the hassles out of the festive season with this stunning gift-format book. SIMPLE ESSENTIALS CHRISTMAS features simple recipes and menu planners for a traditional Christmas, a speedy Christmas and for treats throughout the season. As a bonus, Donna includes timesaving tips and a 10-page planning section to record notes, handy hints, and things to remember. This is a book that will become a keepsake to treasure for years to come. With its combination of delicious packaging and Donna's signature accessible style, this is a truly beautiful gift to buy others - or to keep for yourself. SIMPLE ESSENTIALS CHRISTMAS is a revised and updated edition of Christmas (2005), now repackaged into the elegant and stylish simple essentials livery. An essential for every kitchen.