I’m finally finding time to flip through these books I ordered ages ago. It’s a treat to browse my copy of Bend-the-Rules
and see what Amy‘s been up to behind the scenes. It’s amazing what an
undertaking authoring a book is. Potter Craft has done a beautiful job
translating her style onto paper.

Bend the Rules is
full of beautiful, often quirky photography and illustrations, and
entertaining text as you might expect. It’s magical. Congratulations,
Amy.
Simple Gifts to Stitch is a fun book to touch. The paper is
more matte and stiff and the photography is peaceful and quiet. Yes,
as a designer, I’m much more of a book browser than a book-project
maker, but if I did pick a project from this one, it’d likely be the
magic rain poncho which houses a smattering of tissue-paper confetti.

Oh, and here is the pool I missed out on in Florida. I always, always
pack a swimsuit when I leave town, but had to forget the swimsuit on
the this trip of all trips. Look at that pool! There were caves and
tunnels, waterfalls and rope-bridges. Ay, ay, ay. I thumbed through
the gift shop swimsuits twice. I was ready to splurge $150 on a
one-swim suit. Isaac even consented. My pocketbook was saved by a
late night conversation with these guys and one of these guys.
Sleeping in gained priority. That was the Hyatt Grand Cypress in
Orlando.

Then, the next weekend, we were at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for Trash
Ties. They had a wave pool! (I didn’t take any pictures. That’s
still The Grand Cypress over there — about half of it.) I walked past
it to and from the convention center each day. Yes, I packed my
swimsuit, but no, I couldn’t stay longer to dip in — I needed to get
back to the kids. Needless to say, I think we’ll be heading to a
waterpark before summer’s over. Perhaps with the wave of family coming
to town next week?
I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned how much I like to swim.

Wow. I’d be pissed I left my swimsuit home! That pool looks awesome!
BTW, I love to swim, too! 🙂
These photos are making me yearn for summer. We’re in the middle of winter over here and being able to laze around a pool sounds wonderful!
Speaking of Trash Ties…… when do we get to actually see them and feel them and use them and buy them and…….?
Mandalay Bay was my favorite in Vegas! Not even a toe dip to test the water on your way back and forth from the convention? lol…I’m sure you must have been a busy bee to not jump in that pool!
That pool likes TDF gorgeous! I can’t blame you for considering a $150 swimsuit!
I love a good swim. Vegas has some great pools. I’m so glad that all my kids are fish. 🙂 We’ve spent hours at the pool this summer.
The Grand Cypress is my favorite hotel! I know how you feel not being able to get in the pool, it’s so beautiful there. Whenever I get to stay, I take a couple hours just to walk the hotel grounds. 🙂
That pool looks like heaven. One of the joys of my small townhouse is that the association has a pool. My daughter and I spend hours there — luckily she loves the water too, and best of all, I don’t have to clean it. It ALMOST makes up for not having a sewing room. I said almost.
I would love that bend-the-rules book, I just saw it on another blog as yours was loading and then I see it here. I’m actually about to leave the house to see if my local bookshop has it. 🙂
What exactly is Trash Ties? I still can’t figure it out. Is it a book? And event?
We’re headed to Vegas in September for a conference (hubby is attending, I’m tagging along for fun). We missed out on the special deal at Mandalay Bay, so we’re staying next door at the Luxor. It’s our first trip to Vegas – I’d love to hear any tips you have.
Swimming is the best, and I wonder what lengths I would have gone to to get in to that inviting pool… !
I just plopped onto your blog via design-interests and wow— You are a gifted photographer! Mind if I ask what kind of camera you have?
Ooh – I love the new picture under “welcome”…cute use of the blocks! I got inspired by your freshcut quilt to try and put a ruffle on the last baby quilt I made – I am in love with ruffles now!!
oh thank you!! can you believe it’s been almost 2 years?? and trash ties!! can’t wait!
xoxo,
a.
Don’t tell me I missed a class in Orlando. I commented earlier asking…must have missed it. 🙁
Hope you enjoyed the City Beautiful.
Thanks for the link Heather. I’m sorry we kept you from swimming. Next year I’ll spring for a suit just for you :).
What fun we had with you!