A Month of Sundays - Family, Friends, Food & Quilts: Slow Down & Sew - 16 Projects, Precut Friendly

June 13

Arkison (Sunday Morning Quilts) draws a dreamscape of quiet afternoons sewing and playing. Her lulling, maternal voice whispers “slow down.” She pieces together four themes to take it easy: relax, eat, shop, and explore. Before guiding the reader on these personal journeys, she introduces an idea for committed beginners: using “low-volume” fabrics in which white or a light base dominates any graphics or colors, so there is less contrast in color, value, and scale. In the “Relax” chapter, she writes: “True relaxation comes when you concentrate on something other than the stress of real life.” She offers instructions for quilts called “View” and “Beach Grass” and for a mat for playing “button Sudoku.” She presents “Crossword” and “Sherbet” quilts in the chapter “Eat,” as well as apron and napkin patterns; a “Hugs and Kisses” quilt of X’s and O’s and a pattern for a wine carrier in “Shop”; in “Explore,” the quilt features large-scale pinwheels in many greens. Patterns for a sack and a scarf also reflect that theme. The last section, “Basics Plus,” covers no-nonsense how-tos.

― Publishers Weekly

Jan 14

If you, like me, feel pretty sure that you wouldn’t be able to create a quilt as beautiful as Cheryl Arkison’s in a month of Sundays, then, paradoxically, this is the very book you need. A Month of Sundays features over a dozen projects – including bags, quilts and accessories – that you can make for your family, which are both scrap-/pre-cut-friendly – excellent if you are on a budget or are a fabric hoarder – and pitched at a variety of skill levels. Novices like me, and those who have quilted before, will be entranced by her focus on “low-volume” fabrics that lend a still small voice of calm to any project. Not only that, Arkison gives us many helpful clues as to how she attains the simple life that enables her to slow down and sew. Arkison has the rare ability to encourage and inspire whilst being friendly and down-to-earth. It’s clear that her priorities are family, friends, food and quilts and the love she has for these four areas of her life shines on every page. Reading A Month of Sundays is like making a new friend.

― Mumtopia

When Cheryl was a kid, her family bet her ten dollars that she couldn’t keep silent for an entire family meal. It was the easiest money her family won. Cheryl never stops talking, let alone writing, designing, or cooking. This means she never stops creating. As a mother to three kids who have only two modes – awake and asleep – it also means she simply never stops. It might be her Ukrainian heritage and the work ethic that comes with it, or perhaps it is simply a matter of there always being something fun to do. In the midst of full-time motherhood, Cheryl finds time to write books, teach quilting, and maintain a small freelance writing career. Calgary, Alberta, is home for Cheryl, who lives with her wickedly handsome and sarcastic husband; two gregarious girls with enough wit, charm, and energy to feed a village; and one little boy who is happy to take in the day with eyes wide open. Her perfect day starts with tea and the family (wrestling match optional). Most likely it ends with a cocktail (gin in the summer and scotch in the winter) and conversation. And somewhere in there she will quilt.