Monday, March 28, 2011

Book-a-Round Tour 2 - Inspired by Tradition

Hi everyone:


If you've been following along with the Book-A-Round tour for Kay Mackenzie's new book, Inspired By Tradition, you'll know that today is my turn. Yay! I've been eagerly awaiting the release of Kay's newest book and the chance to share it with you. Make sure that you visit Kay's website to see the complete list of participating bloggers and whose turn it is next on the tour. In addition to reviewing this fantastic appliqué book, I'll also be giving away a copy of Inspired by Tradition, thanks to the generosity of the publisher, That Patchwork Place. I'll tell you more about the giveaway a little later in this post.

If you're visiting my blog for the first time, let me introduce myself. I'm Kim Jamieson-Hirst, the principal designer and social director of Chatterbox Quilts in Calgary, AB, Canada. You may wonder about the choice of my company's name: well, I'm from Chatham, ON and love to chat, so Chatterbox Quilts it was! 

I've been quilting for about 9 years now and have been designing patterns for the past two and a half years. I consider Kay my mentor in all things quilt, especially appliqué, and have always admired the practical and comprehensive information that she provides in all her patterns and books (as well as her cute designs, of course) and Inspired By Tradition is no exception. 

In this book Kay has included 50 appliqué blocks in 5 different sizes, allowing you to create your own personal quilts and wall hangings. Kay describes these blocks as having "that old-time vintage flavor and feel, but are simplified for the modern quilter." In addition, Kay provides appliqué information on everything from back-basting to fusible web appliqué. 

As with her first book, Easy Appliqué Blocks, Kay has included a CD to make it very easy to print out the blocks in any of the 5 sizes available. Yes, I said 5 sizes: 6", 8", 9", 10", or 12"! Think of the time and frustration you'll save by being able to print out the block you want in the size you want without having to go to a copy shop or fuss with your own photocopier. I think this is brilliant and actually increases the number of blocks available in the book as  each one is printable in 5 different sizes. 

You may wonder how the larger blocks will print out and this is how Kay explains it in her book: "Larger sizes will automatically print out as multiple pages; just trim and tape them together and you'll be ready to go. Reversed versions are also included". Seems like Kay has thought of everything (I'm not surprised). I really appreciate the inclusion of the reversed versions of the blocks on the CD since I usually do fusible web appliqué and this saves me quite a bit of extra work. I also like the fact that you can tape the parts of the larger blocks together to make the actual block size as I can print these out on my home printer on 8 1/2" x 11' paper, without using any special paper.


As with all her instructions, Kay takes you by the hand and walks you through the process of using the CD and accessing the blocks on it. She includes several helpful hints to ensure that the blocks will print out at the correct size and the proper orientation. 


Since the blocks all have a similar old-fashioned feel, combining them is easy, but if you're having trouble deciding on which block to do first or how to combine blocks, Kay has included a gallery of ideas to get you started. Appliquér at Heart is just one of the examples that Kay provides. 



It includes one of my favourite blocks from the book, "Distelfink". It reminds me of a summer vacation from my childhood where the restaurant that we ate at was called "The Distelfink". 

The only problem with this book is that there are too many choices for me to easily decide which block I'd like to do first! I'm drawn to the Distelfink, but the Puppy Dog is so cute and I can definitely see how I could combine him with the Pansies (it would look like he's sniffing them). Being able to print the blocks in various sizes really helps with these types of combinations as I could print Puppy Dog at 10" or 12" and print the Pansies at a smaller size so that the proportions would be appropriate. I really like the opportunities the 5 different block sizes creates. To pick your favourite block, visit Amazon where you can see all 50 of them.

Now that I've got you wishing you had your own copy of Inspired By Tradition, here's the information that you need to enter to win your own copy. It's easy! Just leave a comment below with your email address before March 29 at 9:00 p.m. MST letting me know which type of appliqué you like the best. As I will be on vacation at that time, Kay will be drawing the winner's name herself and will contact the winner by email to get their address details so she can send out their copy. I will be announcing the winner's name in a future blog post when I'm back from vacation. This giveaway is open to Canadian and U.S. addresses only. 

Good luck in the giveaway and thanks, Kay and That Patchwork Place for providing a copy of Inspired By Tradition to be won by one of my readers.




67 comments:

Jill said...

This book looks really good. I would love to win.

pinkquilter said...

I am dying to win this book! My favorite type of applquie so far is template and starch like ErrinRussek uses. Thanks for having this book round and all your give aways! I keep praying I win!!

DebrafromMD said...

I primarily use freezer paper on the back of the applique and baste over the edges but I'm learning to use other methods as the situation dictates. I would love to read about Kay's techniques and how she chooses what is appropriate for each design.

Mary said...

Definitely needleturn. I love applique and I think I've tried every method there is but I always go back to needleturn. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. It looks awesome!
Mary

Unknown said...

Kim - thank you for giving us a "review" of Kay's new book - I love the idea of the cd too - I'm not computer savvy so not having to enlarge anything is a bonus! My favorites are the animals - and love your idea of having them "pose" with flowers.
Love your cat pictures - I have an orange tabby like yours - his name is Velcro;he also inspects my quilting work!

Vicki B said...

oh my, how can one pick. I have looked at them all several times and can't pick a favorite. What a great book!!! ok, I will say my favorite is the vase with the 2 birds. great to meet a fellow Canadian too. vboschman@shaw.ca

Vicki B said...

I love needle turn but haven't tried all types. Am interested in getting some starch for applique and trying some other kinds. Love this book! Great job! Also, think I need the 16 basket pattern. vboschman@shaw.ca

Lisa England said...

I've tried different types of applique and think that needleturn is the most beautiful, when it's done well. I'm working on improving! For something with fairly large pieces I also like starching and ironing the edges under then topstitching by machine. I do this on things that will be washed often, like baby quilts.

VickiT said...

I just LOVE the fact the patterns are all printable from the CD. Other than all the excellent info about applique, I think the CD is one of my top reasons for wanting this book. Not having access to a printer easily means I can open this book anytime I want and be able to actually pick anything that day and be able to do it. No planning on trips out to find a printer to increase the size. AWESOME!

My favorite type of applique is really hard for me to actually pinpoint at this time. I am learning about applique at this time which is why I am hoping to win this book. The only type of applique I've done to date is in machine embroidery. I want to learn to do it without having to purchase an embroidery design and do them with my machine.
vburr at charter dot net

Dolores said...

I like needle turn applique. I am making a quilt right now that is has fused applique and I really do not like all the gummy mess on the sewing machine needle. The book sounds like a godsend with the variation in sizes supplied. I am planning an applique quilt and have had to go to the copy place to make my chosen designs the size I need. It's such a pain.

Anonymous said...

Needleturn is the only applique method that I use. I love it. I babysit my 6 month old granddaughter often. Hand applique is so easy to pick up and put down as needed. I would love to have this book and make her a quilt, using the puppy and kitty blocks, ofcourse! cindy_1259@hotmail.com

Marcia W. said...

This is a book I would like to win so that I can learn applique. I don't know which method I will like the best - I like handsewing so perhaps needle turn, and I also want to learn to machine applique. Thanks for the giveaway and have a wonderful vacation. Thank you Kay for bringing this new book to market! mlwright29 (at)hotmail(dot)com

Ed and Lori G said...

When it comes to applique, I love it all! I do needleturn, starch and press, invisible machine applique, fusible applique, and now.....BACKBASTING! I am having so much fun!

Sallie said...

I like needleturn applique. Thanks for the chance to win Kay's book!

Michele T said...

I love applique and I needle turn mine. Thanks for the chance to win this fantastic book!!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I love needle turn!

Thanks,

Billie in TX

magicthimblecreations said...

I love the fact that Kay is offering so many sizes of each block. I would love to win it, because otherwise I would need to wait until we move to buy one.

SewCalGal said...

Great post Kim. I love your idea for the puppy and the pansies. I hadn't thought of mixing the sizes.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Dj said...

I'm currently a big fan of back-basting. I use freezer paper when necessary.

Kd Brown said...

I love to do fusible web appliqué, but want to try more complex needle turn applique. This is a great giveaway. Thank you! brown.k [at] centurytel.net

KaHolly said...

I am so looking forward to this book!!!

Wayne said...

I like needle turn applique. I have tried other methods, but seem to always come back to this needle turn. The more I do of needle turn the better it is looking. I would love to have this book. Thanks, Helen

Anonymous said...

I love to do the needle turn applique with freezer paper. This book looks like a must have.
maryturub@shaw.ca

darlene said...

I like needle turn but having problems with points. Will be trying other methods. Thanks for telling us where to see more blocks.
lenesam@yahoo.com

Sundar Koyal said...

I have been wanting so badly to learn how to applique. I learn best by books - written instructions with photos. This book looks like a must-have for any experienced or beginner appliquer.

Jen said...

I love the look of applique but don't know how to get there. My applique looks like a kindergartner did it! I would love to win this book, thanks for the giveaway!

Hannele said...

I love machine applique with blanket stitching :) I'd love to win this book, thank you for your most generous giveaway!

Rhonda the Rambler said...

Every time I read a post on this book I get another idea. Now to learn to applique LOL

daniquilter said...

I would LOVE a chance to win! I have been quilting for years but just recently became very interested in all types of applique. I don't know which type is best for me but I love the journey.

LesQuilts said...

Hi Kim!
I am a die hard needleturn appliquer! I love it! The demention and flexibility plus the relaxation benefits work for me!
I've tried other methods, but needleturn works for me.
Please, please, please can I win this copy?
Thanks for the giveaway.
Take care, Leslie

Lee said...

I have done some needle turning. Would love to learn some more! thanks!

Candace said...

So far I've only tried fusible on the machine applique but I would love to learn needleturn.
Thanks for the win opportunity!!

Sherri said...

My favorite method of applique is the freezer paper then glue baste method. I used to only like satin stitching with a machine, but the freezer paper method seems to give a more dramatic finish to me!

Joanna said...

I like the look of needle turn applique but usually use the heat bond method and then stitch around the edge by machine. I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

Misty said...

I enjoyed reading more about how the CD that accompanies the book works. I am fairly new to applique and have tried needleturn and machine applique so far. I like them both but I find I do prefer the look and the experience of doing needleturn.

Anonymous said...

My favorite applique method (today, lol) is needle-turn. I trace the pattern right on the fabric and turn under on the traced line, trimming down to an eighth of an inch seam allowance as I go. I hope I win this book!! midnightsewin at yahoo dot com Kelly

Unknown said...

I like freezer paper method and would love to try all of Kay's patterns.

Barbara C said...

I like to do machine applique. Looks like a great book.

WoolenSails said...

I love this book and love applique. I usually do needlet urn, I enjoy sewing while I watch tv, but I also want to try machine applique.

Debbie
woolensails@verizon.net

robin said...

I've done the fused, with hand stitched blanket stitched - worked well, and I was very happy with the result.

Polly said...

I do freezer paper applique using a clover glue stick instead of hand basting. But I need get better w/machine applique as I won't live long enough to do all the qppliue projects I have to do. ;-)

Sewgirl said...

My favorite kind of applique is raw egde with machine blanket stitching...so many quilts, so little time! I would love to win a copy of Kay's book! Thanks for the chance!

Jocelyn said...

I am very new to applique. I would love to learn to do needle turn. This looks like such an awesome book! Thanks for the giveaway :-)

Gkathgoldin@yahoo.com said...

I have tried a bit of everything `I think' ...but everytime I go to applique i get queasy like the 1st day of school, I feel like I never `really' know what I am doing. I read book-follow directions-try to copy bought items-auughhh. Your review is superb-I LOVE LOVE the idea of the CD & being able to copy pattern to differend sizes on my printer & `seeing' & hearing directions !! whoo haa
I have done needle turn & zoomed around with various stitches on my machine.. I really need help! I love Kay! Thanks for your review

Janet said...

I like needleturn applique the best. It's relaxing and easy to do. I hate anything that requires lots of preparation....Thanks for a chance to win.

Silverthimble said...

What a lovely looking book! I love freezer paper applique the best! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of this book!

Mommarock said...

I love hand work the best.. I'm currently working on a paper pieced hexagon quilt which I love.. and I have an applique waiting in the wings..It will be wonderful! I would love to win this wonderful book.. it looks amazing.

Kentucky Granny said...

I am exploring all the different methods and think there is a time and place for all of them in the quilter's bag of tricks.

The book looks like a wonderful addition to any quilter's library.

Unknown said...

I have always done freezer paper applique but would welcome the oppotunity to look at other avenues of applique and with it all in the book what better way to try it and in different sizes. I hope you have a wonderful vacation...

maryc said...

Best post ever! So often I buy quilting books with cd's assuming the cd will enhance the mediocre book content. Usually I am disappointed in the cd content. Thank you for demonstrating what a great addition this cd is to an already great looking book. I love all types of applique and this book looks truly inspiring!

bertiequilts said...

I prefer freezer paper with glue stick applique. This works for me. I would like to be able to work with other ways of applique but most of them dont work for me. I have been thinking about trying backbasting and will probably do that. I would love to have this book.

Angie in SoCal said...

I like the fusible web applique method especially with the new dissolveable fusibles - they turn out as soft as hand applique.

Sandy said...

My method of choice is backbasting...and of course the pattern needs to be reversed to trace, so this book and CD would be perfect!
I would love to win!

Deb G. in VA said...

I've only done needle turn and fusible applique, but want to try some of the other methods. I would love to win a copy of Kay's new book, it looks fabulous! Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

Anonymous said...

I so enjoyed finding you!
Needleturn is my favorite. I love The Distelfink.

Linda E in NM said...

I'd love to do needleturn applique but just can't do it very well, so I'm more into the freezer paper turnover method. Since I got my GO cutter, I've been experimenting with fusible applique finished off with machine overstitching.
This looks like a wonderful book so I'd love to have it. Thanks!!

Marilyn S said...

I have only done fusible marchine applique. I would love to learn some other techniques.
Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

Love the blocks. I personally love needle turn applique. I find needle turn to be very relaxing and once I get going, very soothing.

Anne said...

I like the results of machine applique, but it's quite tedious to stitch, place, stitch, trim, etc. I also enjoy fusible. I adore the classic designs, so I think it's high time I tried needle turn!

Laura said...

love the idea of including the cd and all the flexibility that gives you. Would love to win a copy of this book!

free indeed said...

I prefer the look of needle turn and enjoy reverse applique too; I just need more practice to get really smooth edges. I like have that CD to print the pieces out...would save lots of hassle!
Shelley
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

Kathy in GA said...

I would love to win the book - I think the CD will be of great assistance for planning and playing with the blocks, and will make prep work so much easier! Thank you for the giveaway!
Kathy
Ksoppelt@aol.com

Slovenka said...

Thanks for giving us a chance to win the book. Variety of patterns on the CD sounds wonderful too. I love needleturn applique with back basting.

kc said...

Ohhhh, I hope I can squeeze in there! I LOVE applique, and I can sure see why it would be hard to choose which one to do first!!

Nancy Sue said...

I've tried a little fusible web applique in the past. I'm a newbie to applique though, and it can be a bit intimidating. Like always, thank you for your book review. We get a great idea about the books from your writing, and I appreciate that.
nsue21702 at gmail dot com

GranChris said...

I really like all of them but lately I have been doing fusible web applique. It seems to be a lot faster right now. Your writing is wonderful!

Kay Mackenzie said...

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for your nice words! Thank you so much for tuning in and for entering the draw.

The winner is... #10, Dolores! Congratulations!