Today I’m a stop on the Jimmy Beans Wool blog tour in support of their new book, Sew Red! Authored by Jimmy Beans’ founder, Laura Zander, this book features sewing projects from some truly amazing names in the sewing world. The designers include Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, Denyse Schmidt, Kaffe Fassett and many others, plus little old me! Honestly, a fantastic collection of projects is packed into this book with everything from clothes and gifts to home decor.
The concept behind Sew Red is that all the projects are made from red fabrics, in support of women’s heart health. I think this is such a fantastic idea for a craft book, and I really applaud Jimmy Beans for taking such a creative step in helping to educate women about the dangers of heart disease.
Little known fact: I was born with a heart condition that required me to have heart surgery when I was 20 years old! Luckily, the surgery completely fixed me up and I’m 100% healthy now, but whenever I think about it at times like this I realize how fortunate I am to have my health. So this project really hits home for me and serves as a good reminder that we should all do as much as we can to take care of our tickers. (I think I’m going to go out for a run now…)
Want to see my project in the book?
I made the wool felt Origami Pillow on page 58. This was such a fun project, and surprisingly quick and easy to make! You start with two big squares of felt which are the front and back of the pillow. Then you cut 25 smaller wool squares, and by stitching and folding them in a clever pattern, you create these wonderfully textured folded shapes.
I thought this was so fun to design, and now that the book is out I’m reminded how much I want to make myself a few of these for my sofa! I really do need some new throw pillows for the living room.
AND! Extra exciting, I have one beautiful copy of Sew Red to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell me what you do to take care of your own heart health. (Me, I try to exercise, walk a lot, eat tons of veggies and whole grains… and drink plenty of red wine!)
A winner will be drawn by random on Monday, February 25.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }
To take care of my heart, I follow my cardiologist’s advice of giving up processed sugars and flours, following the SugarBusters diet, getting more cardio by joining a gym, and drinking a little red wine a few times a week!
This book looks great and I love your project! I have a friend who had heart surgery as an infant. And I love Jimmy Beans!!
I take care of my heart health with laughter (often @ my expense!) everyday
I eat a plant based diet and exercise 3 times a week. I’m also a fan of the occasional glass if red wine! Great giveaway and cause!
I’m trying to get back on track with exercise. I’ve been eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as more whole ingredients and trying to avoid processed foods, chemicals, etc.
I love the pillow. I walk to work, eat in moderation and try to get a good nights sleep for my heart.
My heart health: A daily walk, a meat-free diet, and a little bit of sewing, knitting, or crochet therapy. Plus, love, love, love. Sometimes I think about jogging, and the thought alone makes my heart race, so I hope that is sufficient.
I love the idea of being heart conscious. I try to do the recommended advice to keep heart healthy, but I add lots of prayer and positve thinking to combat the daily stress that seems to come my way!
after having a massive heart attack 5 years ago, i exercise at least 4 times a week, lost 50 lbs, quit anything fried or high cholesterol.
I do pretty much the same as you – exercise, eat properly . . . I think I should try the red wine, tho.
Oh, I also try to be optimistic and helpful, and try to keep a positive attitude, as I think that impacts health a great deal.
I do things to reduce my stress and anxiety — like sewing and crochet! :)
I think this is a great book for a great cause…both the “red” books have done a wonderful job getting awareness out there! I personally try to exercise, and eat healthier…both are a challenge, but it’s just something you HAVE to find a way to fit into your life!
LOVE is the best way to take care my heart!!
I also try to eat properly, drink a bit of red wine (with cheese, of course) and use sewing and knitting for mental health therapy! Plus, I LOVE red ;-) Congrats on being included in the book.
I am very conscious of my heart health since heart disease runs in my family. I eat TONS of fruit and veggies. I stay as active as I can. I always take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. And I end many of my days with a nice glass of red wine :) Congratulations on being featured in the book. Your projects are always wonderful!
I have been trying to lose weight (17 lbs. so far) by eating better and exercising. I am also trying to relax more. Stress really can mess up your health! Relax… :)
I do what the doc tells me. lol I just found out I have a condition that I have had since birth and menopause is making it crazy. lol
I am eating better, trying to move more and taking some heart healthy vitamins.
I adore all things red…just made a red table runner/
I joined the rec center this year. I am doing lots of cardio work outs. Heart disease runs in my family. The book looks great. Thanks for a chance to win. Janita
I try to eat healthy and drink only water!
I exercise every week and make healthy food choices. I enjoy crocheting and knitting.
I eat lots of veggies and whole grains. I’m signing up for a half marathon so I can get back into the swing of running after having my two kids. :)
I keep healthy by drinking lots of water, laughing when I want to cry, and eating at least one dessert a day. And listening to my doctor, of course!
Your pillow cover is really cute, what a clever idea! I’m afraid I don’t do much for my heart because I hate to exercise and I never drink red wine. But at least I try to eat properly :) Thanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com
I drink lots of green tea! Thanks for the chance to win! :)
Love the pillow and the color red! I have a full-time desk job and am lazy by nature but I have been trying to incorporate more walking into my day. We eat pretty low fat but exercise is also so important! Lisa in Texas
I take care of my heart with LOTS of laughter and taking great care of my happiness level! It works! :-)
My mom introduced me to the Wear Red campaign when I was young, so I really have tried to eat a bit healthier (i.e. less ‘southern’ food).
I chase my 2 little ones around. Fun and healthy!
Thank you for the chance for the book! I love that project – but not NEARLY as much as my daughter who LOVES origami!!
I juice organic veggies for breakfast every day! I also think that heart health is directly related to your emotions so when I feel sad, I let it out instead of stuffing it in and ignoring it. And I find lots of ways to laugh and be happy!
I eat healthy greens and laugh with my children everyday!
I eat a lot of nuts and dark chocolate! I also try not to stress, it’s bad for the heart.
I take care of my heart by getting an hour of exercise every day. Remember to try for 10000 steps. I also monitor my blood pressure, eat mainly fruits, veggies, whole grains, and not a lot of fat or processed anything. I try to get adequate sleep, meditate a little in the morning and evening, and create something crafty every day. It is important for me to volunteer on a regular basis and create for those that haven’t been as fortunate as I.
lots of laughter & love to excess. :)
Whole grains, red wine, and do what I love ;)
I love that pillow.
I workout with a trainer 3 days a week.
Besides trying to eat right and exercise, I try to find time daily to unwind. I read, knit, sew or just sit and enjoy my surroundings for a little while. Stress is a killer!
Red! Yes! My favorite color and a good cause to boot, how could this book not be a success? What a great idea for a pillow too, popping red color and amazing texture. It just says, ” touch me!”
I have an oat cereal every morning before go to work.
Great book! For myself I practice yoga 4 – 5 days a week, walk and get to the gym. I try and set a good example for my little guys.
I am really excited about this book. I am a nurse with Coronary Care experience and actively educate patients everyday on heart healthy diets. I walk 3 days weekly and follow a low fat/salt diet myself!! It’s great to see red in the grey month of February in the northeast!
I get regular checkups with my doctor, exercise 45 minutes everyday and make better choices for my meals.
I take Q10. It’s supposed to support heart muscle. Hope so. Love your pillow.
Try to eat smaller potions , knit and sew a lot and in between walk around the mall. Take care of my grandchildren and the kids in my preschool keep me very active.
Love the pillow, looks similar to one my grandmother made for us when we were kids. Hers was red gingham and made octagon shapes. Healthy heart menu includes more whole grains and veggies. Parking further away from destination makes for a little more exercise and a less dinged up car!
I’m eating healthy and exercising. The weight has come off! Yay!
I exercise regularly and eat healthily, I like to pass these values onto my children too and try to be inspire them, this year I am running a 1/2 marathon for charity and involving my children with the training to show them how important being healthy and looking after your heart is :) x
I’m just starting to make changes to my diet and exercise routine. I’m starting a new exercise routine and adding
more fruits and vegetables to my diet and eliminating the junk food.
I drink lots of water, exercise 3 times a week at least and I give myself a yummy treat every once in a while :)
I exercise, eat lots of vegs and whole grains.
I like to use my fitbit to track my steps – I’m aiming for 8,000 steps a day and when I get consistent I’ll up it to 10,000. I also try to drink a lot of water.
Drinking red wine is the only heart healthy thing I do regularly. I try to eat moderate portions as much as possible, though!
Just started a month ago by making a smoothie every day for one meal. Includes (besides the fresh fruits) fresh spinach & flax seed. Previously, I did a very poor job of eating my fruits & veggies every day; now it’s easy.
Sleep is good.