yahoo beauty tm: Book Review and Giveaway: Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner

I was so happy to receive a review copy of Anna Maria Horner's new book, Handmade Beginnings: 24 Sewing Projects to Welcome Baby. It couldn't have arrived in a more timely manner! As my regular readers know, I am expecting baby #2 in just seven short weeks, and while I certainly don't need any help adding to my ever-growing project list, this book is nothing short of inspiring.

First of all, Anna Maria Horner must be some sort of motherhood goddess, because she wrote this book while she was pregnant with her sixth child (my hero). In the introduction, Anna talks about how all the sewing (her form of nurturing), was so beneficial to her pregnancy. I especially liked when she said:

" ... sewing while expecting has kept me healthy and centered on what matters - more joyful than not."

I find that true for myself as well. All of the projects I've been working on for Ruby keep my mind on the excitement of a new baby, and away from worrying about all the potential "what ifs." Plus, I like the late night sewing sessions, just the two of us, when I can feel all of her little wiggles (and sometimes backflips).

Anyway, back to the book! It really is a wonderful collection of projects that includes the whole family in getting ready for baby - there are sewing projects for mama, baby, dad, siblings, the home ... she just about covers it all. Can you tell I like this book? The projects are clever, the instructions are clear, and the photography is to-die for.

The first project to catch my eye was the Baby-in-the-Hood Jacket:

Isn't that baby just delicious?!! The jacket is gorgeous, too ... I had to make one. Here is my first attempt:

This was one of the more complicated baby projects, but the instructions were so clearly written, it was easy to follow. I picked fabric that was neutral but still playful and really like how the jacket turned out. When I compare it to the jacket in the book's photos though, I can't help but think I need to make a second jacket in bold, vibrant colors. Yes, a second jacket is definitely on the to-do list. A girl needs options!

I have fabric cut for about 4 other projects from the book, but another one I wanted to specifically mention is the Nesting Cubes:

So cute! You can try it out as well, because this project is available as a free pattern download here.

In addition, Wiley Publishing is running a drawing for 1 SINGER® Confidence™ 7470 sewing machine, 5 yards of Anna Maria Horner fabric, and a copy of the book Handmade Beginnings: 24 Sewing Projects to Welcome Baby. Just click here to enter.

Finally, you can read more about the book (and find more book giveaways) on Anna Maria's blog tour. Here's the schedule:

May 3 Craft

May 4 Indie Fixx

May 5 Sew Mama Sew

May 6 Pink Chalk Studio

May 10 Wise Craft

May 14 House on Hill Road

May 16 The Purl Bee

May 18 All Buttoned Up

May 19 Alabama Chanin Journal

May 20 Homemade by Jill

May 21 True Up

May 22 Oh, Fransson!