book review: gooseberry patch stitching for the kitchen

We've had Gooseberry Patch books at my house since I can remember. In fact, some of our favorite holiday recipes have come from their cookbooks! But the truth is, I didn't spend too much time looking at their books (probably because I think of them as being too "country") until recently when I spotted one of their embroidery books at JoAnn. Seeing that book changed my mind. Shortly after my new interest in Gooseberry Patch craft books arose, I got an email asking if I'd like to be part of a blog tour for their latest title...and here we are!




Stitching for the Kitchen is a collection of projects that are focused on the kitchen and food. So good! There are things to make using sewing, embroidery, quilting, crochet and more. And they have clear instructions in their charming illustrated style. (The stitches shown above are a drawing, not a photo!) While this book has a cute, country feeling, it's also fresh, modern, and fun. I really do think that the Gooseberry Patch folks have found a way to span several generations with this.





I like that Stitching for the Kitchen's projects have a classic feeling with a contemporary touch. I also like that there are items in here that are perfect for gifts. Instead of just giving a new bride a 9x13 pan, why not make a carrier for it too? Or how about welcoming a new neighbor with some warm bread in a sectioned basket?



And though I don't crochet much (it's been a couple years since I picked up the hook), this rag rug and the charm of the edged napkins you can peek at really make me want to get back to crochet.




Of course, I wanted the first thing I made to be an embroidery project, and I chose a tea cup tea towel. My towel is an Aunt Martha's towel (purchased here), but the stripes run along the long edges instead of the short end. That meant that positioning the embroidery in the standard tea towel location would have meant hiding the stripes. That's no fun!

So, I turned my towel sideways and will fold it to be wider and shorter than usual. Hey...being different is okay!

If you're looking for some new things to create for your kitchen (or for a friend or neighbor!), be sure to check out Stitching for the Kitchen. You'll also want to check out all of the other blogs that are part of the blog tour! You'll find more sample projects (including instructions for making a mug cozy), reviews and giveaways too!

July 22
Gooseberry Patch

July 23
Momma Young At Home
Craft Gossip

July 24
Glued to My Crafts
Green Eyed Momma

July 25
Sew Serendipity

July 26
Smashed Peas and Carrots
Marsha's Spot

July 27
Wild Olive (You're here!)
Only From Scratch

July 28
Pam Kitty Morning
Blue Nickel Studios

July 29
Old House Homestead
Susie QT Pies Cafe
Prairie Flower Farm

July 30
The Crafty Princess Diaries
Gramma's in the Kitchen
Two Maids A Milking

August 1
Vicki O'Dell
Homesteader's Heart

August 2
A Creative Being
Delightful Country Cookin