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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Book review and give-away: Inspired By Tradition

I have a wonderful book to give away today to one lucky applique lover! Inspired by Tradition: 50 Appliqué Blocks in 5 Sizes (Martingale/That Patchwork Place, $22.99) is Kay Mackenzie’s latest book.

Kay Mackenzie
In 2009, I reviewed Kay’s last book, Easy Appliqué Blocks, which includes 50 other block designs. After Kay wrote that book, she envisioned a way for quilters to have “a library of designs right at your fingertips whenever you need one block or many!" Her new book continues and expands the library she began in the first book in a wonderful way. 

This time, the blocks are all traditional in style, but are somewhat simplified for the modern quilter. There are vines, berries, birds, baskets and wreaths. Each design is shown in a color photo of the block, and all the designs are included on the CD (more about this later).


But this book has more to offer than just lovely block designs. There are also great instructions for Kay’s two favorite appliqué methods, one one by hand and one by machine.

Coming Up Roses (26" x 26")
The hand method involves back-basting, something I’ve heard about but not tried (yet), so I am looking forward to testing it out. There are instructions for hand stitching all kinds of shapes, including points, notches, curves and circles.

Kay’s machine applique method involves raw-edge machine appliqué using paper-backed fusible web. For both methods, Kay provides excellent instructions that are extremely detailed, with many clear diagrams. 


At the back of the book, Kay included “A Little Gallery of Ideas,” which is a great way to see how you can stitch and combine several blocks to make a small quilt, table runner, wall hanging or banner. Some of these projects are shown here.

Appliquér At Heart (22" x 46")

One of the neatest things about this book is that all 50 of the applique block designs  are included on the CD that comes with the book. It works on Mac, PC or Linux platforms, and it includes all the designs in five different sizes, from 6" to 12". So as long as you have access to a computer and printer, you won’t have to go running to a photocopy shop to make an enlargement. And all the designs are also reversed on the CD, so if you are doing fusible applique or Kay’s back-basting method for hand appliqué, you don’t have to do that step, either!

Cherry Jubilee (three 8" square mini quilts)

I especially enjoyed Kay’s “Appliqué Questions and Answers” section; it includes very valuable information and insights to common appliqué issues. Even though I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on appliqué – my first book, Appliqué Petal Party (C&T Publishing 2009) was an appliqué pattern– I learned a lot from this book. It just goes to show that no matter what your experience level, you always have new things to learn.

Inspired by Tradition shipped out in early March. So if you want a copy now, ask for it at your favorite quilt shop. It is also available at Amazon and through the publisher, Martingale/That Patchwork Place. And of course, you can order it from Kay’s website and get an autographed copy!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Kay has generously donated a copy of her book for me to give away here! For a chance to win, leave a comment after this post and tell me what you like best about appliqué, and what kind of method you use. OR if you don’t appliqué, tell me why you want this book. I’ll draw one name at random at 9 p.m. EST April 1. Honest. This is NOT an April Fool’s Day joke.

Giveaway is closed... The winner is Robin in Richmond, VA.

If you want to read other reviews of Kay’s book, you can check out other bloggers participating in Kay’s “Book-a-Round” here:

Maria Peagler

Darcy Ashton

Erin Russek

SewCalGal

Holly Mabutas

Kathy Mack

Kim Jamieson-Hirst

Sarah Vanderburgh

Maria Michaels Designs




97 comments:

  1. Applique, in all its forms, is my favorite way to quilt. I think my favorite of all is hand needleturn applique as it is a great way to relax and create something beautiful in the process. I love the traditional settings in this book. Hope to win it!

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  2. This looks a great book!
    I've only done fusible applique and I'd love to learn other methods!

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  3. I love doing applique, both needleturn and using Karen Kay Buckley's technique for machine applique. There's nothing like applique for an old fashioned quilt.

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  4. I love all forms of applique. I wander off into the pieceing project once in a while and always return to applique. My favorite method is freezer paper machine method. Always looks for tips and hints though!!

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  5. I have done turned needle applique and would to try some of her designs! thanks for the review!

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  6. I definitely like applique and use it often in my quilts. Not exactly sure what you mean by method (guess I need to read the book!). Maybe you mean if I do raw edge applique rather than turning the edges under? I find myself using applique often as the designs that I create lend themselves to applique more than piecing.

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  7. I like the startch and press method best, although it does take a lot of time! My favorite quilts are red and green and this book has so many designs that would work with that style

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  8. I use the turned-edge method -- just love the feel of fabric under my fingers.

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  9. I like applique best because I can take it with me. Even if that just means to the chair in front of the TV so I can chat with DH after his long day at work. I love that this book has so many sizes and I think there may be possibilities to mix and match some shapes to make my own blocks.. and experiment a little.. give a newbie some ideas.

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  10. Sometimes I use hand applique, sometimes I use a method of turned edge machine applique I developed. But with either method, I'd love to add this book to my library of applique patterns!

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  11. This book looks wonderful! Adding the CD makes it an excellent resource.

    Regina

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  12. Applique- I like the portability of hand work while creating some gorgeous designs. I also like machine work applique with a chance to add another design element with thread and oh how I love thread. Applique is quite relaxing either way. i have enjoyed this blog hop, it has introduced me to some wonderful website. Thanks to all who allowed us to see some great designs and open our minds to new possibilities.

    If I should win a book, you can contact me at my email address of rena722@gmail.com. I'm writing this on my husband's computer. Thanks, Lorena

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  13. Happy to find your blog and see what you've created from Kay's new book. I haven't done applique in a long time, but this blog roll has inspired me! Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  14. Thank you for reviewing Kay's book - I'm looking forward to getting a copy - if I don't win ;-) I've only appliqued once and that was to finish my grandmother's quilt. It's a simple blanket stitch done with embroidery floss - the same way she did it.

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  15. I love applique I just feel I am not that good at it, but I keep plugging away at it! Practice makes perfect! I want this book really badly! I keep hoping I win it in one of these drawings but alais I never win. But I keep trying! I also love your book petala party!!!! I will be getting it sometime in the near future! Have a blessed day!

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  16. I would love to try more appliqué, and this book would really help me learn more about it!

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  17. I love the look of applique and have tried all the methods. I still jump from one to another, the last being hand applique by machine. The only thing I don't like about this method is he paper removal. Would love to have a copy of Kays new book. Thanks.

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  18. I love to applique - especially by hand because I can take it everywhere to work on it. I also like it because there are no seams to match up as in piecing a block! My method - for now- is back basting. This sounds like a great book to have - Sue

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  19. I am new to applique. I would love to have this book so I can learn new methods. I also need practice!

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  20. I like applique because I can take it with me for "time to kill" projects. I use the back basting method.

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  21. I love applique! My favorite method is tracing the pattern onto the fabric and trimming and turning under the edges as I go...aka needleturn. I love being able to make something subtle or making it pop, just by adding applique. I want this book soooo much, but I just bought the first one, so can't buy another book for a while...I sure hope I win!!
    Kelly- midnightsewin at yahoo dot com

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  22. I love the pictorial aspect of applique. Just a small bit a applique can enhance a quilt. I have often used applique designs in home dec and artwork. This book looks like a wonderful reference.

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  23. Applique is very relaxing. Turning the fabric under and watching a project come to fruition is really cool.

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  24. I started with machine applique and have now been using needle turn. Finished product will determine method used.

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  25. I don't do a lot of applique in my work, but I've tried a few methods: needle-turned by hand and by machine, fused, etc. I like them all and I like the doors it opens. It is a great process and the results are lovely. The book looks like it would be a great addition to any library. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.

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  26. I love the designs in this book, and especially that it comes with a CD for printing. I mostly do machine applique and like it because there are so many ways to do it and it's quick.

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  27. I started with machine applique but am now learning needle turn. I think machine applique will stand up to frequent washing better.munkpi

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  28. I love applique. I use the glue freezer paper method and would love to learn machine applique.

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  29. I have done a little raw edge machine applique. I know this author's books are wonderfully detailed, and would like to learn more about how to applique.

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  30. I started a hand appliqued quilt using the freezer paper method after a shop hop bus trip with our quilt guild. For the next 8 years I would work on this quilt off and on as time would allow. During that time this project traveled with me on vacations, quilting retreats, doctor appointments,hospital visits, and finally chemo treatments for my dad. I laughed and cried many tears while stitching this quilt which makes it my most prized possession. This is why I love hand applique, it holds your memories and you can wrap yourself up in them.

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  31. Hi Susan I really enjoy applique' because it is my quiet time and that is why I started it. It gives me an avenue to relax and clam down and get something beautiful in return. I would love a copy of this book because I have only done freezer paper method and would love to try others. Thanks for helping us along the way.

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  32. I enjoy applique as I do all handwork. Piecing is fun but to give a quilt something extra applique is great. Would love to win this book, always looking for ways to make my work better.

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  33. I like how appliquers can depict nature so life like with this method. I lean toward the traditional, and it's an easy take along project.

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  34. applique is a way to take and make it your own.

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  35. This looks like an awesome book! I would be honored to win & I also love to applique! I do applique alot by machine, but my favorite take-a-long projects are hand turned applique! Thank you so much for having this site! It bring much enjoyment to my day!

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  36. Applique is to me what a new box of crayons is to most children.... an enjoyable form of expression. A good pattern is like a new coloring book.

    I enjoy doing back-basted needle turn applique. Someday I would like to learn to applique with my sewing machine. I could use some good advice on that process before I attempt it.

    The teasers I've seen for this new book have my fingers itching to turn the pages , and to try the design ideas.

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  37. Applique is to me what a new box of crayons is to a child. I most enjoy back-basted needleturn applique. someday, I hope to try machine applique (could use some guidance with that). This book has me yearning to turn the pages (like a new coloring book of a favorite theme).

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  38. I like applique because you can make any shape with applique and even just a bit of applique on a quilt makes it extra special, in my opinion. I have done needleturn and also several types of machine applique. I want to try this back basting technique. I would love to have this book for its tips and all the beautiful patterns!

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  39. I consider myself a newbie at applique. I'm open to all types and methods as I try to do what suits the project. I would love to win this book as I could use some help and I really like the designs. I also like the fact that it's Mac friendly as so many aren't and I also like the idea that her desings come in many different sizes. I've not tried back basting and just today heard about that method so it would be fun to learn more! Thanks for the opportunity to participate:)
    Laura T

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  40. I would love to add this book to my library. I've only done a little with applique, but plan to do applique piece for our next guild challenge and this book would be a great resource.

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  41. I really like the look of applique. Fusible raw edge applique is all that I have tried so far. I don't do much handwork, but needle turn applique is on my list of things to try.

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  42. I usually do needle turn applique, but have been practicing with raw edge by hand. I was about to try it by machine and my machine went wonkers so waiting to get her back. I am using fusible web with mine, but teaching myself, so would love to learn how to do it the right way;)

    Debbie

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  43. It just a beautiful book. What's not to want and I do like needleturn. It's very calming.

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  44. thank you for the opportunity to win this book as it appears to be one of inspiration as well as a "bible" for applique. I have done a little english paper piecing which I love and a little machine stitching - satin stitch needs help on corners - very sad. I love the patterns in this book and can feel it in my hand.

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  45. I like the portibility of applique. I don't like idle hands and it's something I can take anywhere. I prefer freezer paper method.

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  46. I love to applique and have done all kinds, from needleturn, machine,and freezer paper. I'm always looking for new and innovative ways to prep and applique

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  47. I love applique and have done needle turn, machine, and freezer paper methods. I'm always looking for new and innovative ways of prepping and appliqueing.

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  48. I do very little applique but can see that this book would inspire me to try some things that are out of my comfort zone.
    thanks!!

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  49. Hi Susan! I like the artsy touch that adding applique to piecing gives. This book looks wonderful. Thank you for hosting a great giveaway.

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  50. As of right now what I like best about applique is how beautiful it looks. I am just now learning about applique but I haven't done any yet other than in machine embroidery using applique designs. I'm anxious to create something without using a digitized applique design because they just do not look the same. I adore the quilts I've seen with those gorgeous flowers in the border areas the most.

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  51. I love the design spark that applique adds to a quilt. I use a freezer paper machine applique method. I'd love to win this book for more applique ideas!

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  52. I like applique because it so versatile and it is possible to combine it with piecing projects. My favorite is machine applique.

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  53. Needleturn applique is the best therapy out there! It is so portable and forgiving. I get bored with the need to be accurate with quarter seams in piecing. I too would love to win Kay's new book. Cindy O'Dear

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  54. I'm just learning to applique after doing about 5 patchwork quilts. When I say "learning," I mean I look things up on the internet and stumble around trying to figure out what I'm doing. I'm on the binding of my first applique mini-quilt and even though it isn't perfect, I love it and can't wait to start the next. I think this book would be great inspiration, and probably teach me some solid processes, rather than my slap-dash method.

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  55. I love needleturn applique as it lets me take my project with me in a tiny bag. Tonight I will go to a quilt group and just carry my project and my little box of tools. So easy and it allows for conversation also. That's a lot of the fun of a quilt group! =!=

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  56. I read some where about back basting and it is something I would really like to try the next time I applique . I would love to win this book but maybe I will have to buy it.

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  57. I have done machine applique, but never any hand applique. I would love the book to learn hand applique and for the wonderful ideas and patterns. Thanks.

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  58. For the last several years I have tried a variety of applique methods for use in my art quilts including raw-edge fusible, hand needle-turn, and machine applique using the blanket stitch. I am intrigued by the wide variety of looks the various methods can give to the same design.

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  59. I have only done machine applique, and am looking forward to doing some none embroidery applique. I love how adding applique to any project creates a whole new feel to the project. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
    ~ Kimberlee at The Spunky Diva 
    SpunkyDiva at live.com

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  60. I like all kinds of applique and use the method that best suits the use of the quilt. Needle turn is my favorite followed by fused raw edge. The book looks like a keeper!!!

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  61. Great review! I may have to add this book to my library (whether I win your copy or not!)
    If I ever write a book, I want you to review it! :)

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  62. Applique is simply the best! I've used freezer paper, starch method, but am anxious to try using the heat resistant template plastic for multiples of a design. Looking forward to trying the back basting method as well. Thank you for this opportunity. And looking forward to checking out your website and book.

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  63. This looks like a must have book for my growing quilting library. I have done hand applique, turned edge machine applique and raw edge fused applique. I like both machine methods very well and know that I could learn a lot more!

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  64. I've tried needle turn applique and I'm not very good at it. Usually do machine applique. However the book would be inspiration and possibly have the right instructions to get me on the straight path.

    Patchwork is nice but Applique really sets off a quilt.

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  65. I like needleturn ... it' portable and relaxing. Would love to win a copy of Kay's new book! Thanks for a chance!

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  66. This past summer I took a Dawn Heese needle-turn appliqué class
    and have been practicing my hand appliqué since.
    Wouldn't this be a nice book that would inspire and motivate me!
    Hugs,
    Gerry
    L♥ove your work Susan.

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  67. I most often use freezer paper applique but I will use other methods when necessary. I love applique because it is a great way to slow down and relax.

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  68. I am very new to Applique, but what I love is how beautiful it is. I would love to learn needle turn. This book looks awesome!

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  69. Susan, thanks for the opportunity to win Kay's book. I love hand applique, even if I don't get to do as much as I'd like.

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  70. I like applique' best because you can manipulate the outcome easier. I was an artist first, in that I drew and painted pictures. Being able to do that with fabric is very enjoyable!
    I like different methods of applique' for different projects. It would be easier to say which one I did not like! (raw edge) But if I had to choose just one method, I would say the freezer paper and starch method is my favorite!

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  71. What a great book to add to my library. I have not done a lot of applique, but you are such an inspiration with all you do that I fully intend to do more applique!

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  72. I like the way applique looks over pieced blocks. I usually do a raw edge finish, or blanket stitch finish (too many quilts, too little time not to machine stitch them!!)

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  73. I would love to have a copy of the book as I'm a newbie with applique. It's a bit intimidating as I think there are an infinite number of hand stitches between point A and point B when the answer should be 7. :)

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  74. What a great book! I love that it has a CD with the designs. I prefer to applique by hand and I've heard of back basting, but I haven't done it - that's something I would like to learn.

    I'm glad she includes machine and hand applique because I would like to make a machine appliqued quilt - but I would want to have a book like this one to guide me through it!

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  75. I don't use applique often, but when I do I like the way the design comes to life on the fabric. It adds interest, but I wish I were better at it.

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  76. Sounds like a great book to me!

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  77. I want to learn how to do applique and Inspired By Tradition has a great bird applique that would be a sweet learning block. Thanks for the giveaway of Kay's book. It will be well thumbed by me should I win.

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  78. I seem to do best with needleturn applique, but have problems getting the pieces to stay in place while I applique them. This might help!

    Thanks,
    Sandy A

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  79. I am still a novice applique person. I think this book could go a long way to helping me improve my skills.

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  80. Some times, I do machine applique, usually for convenience but when I have time for hand applique, I use freezer paper on the back of the pieces. I enjoy hand work, it is so relaxing (when I have time to relax!)

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  81. I would love to win this book because from all the reviews I've read it must be a very good book to learn from! I've only done machine raw edge and would love to learn some different techniques.

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  82. I don't have a favorite method although I have done needleturn. I do want to learn some alternative methods though. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

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  83. I find applique very peaceful and relaxing to do. My favorite is needleturn applique with freezer paper on top.

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  84. I like raw edge machine applique, but I have done some needleturn. This looks like a beautiful book and I'd love to win it.

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  85. I've only done two types of applique and I wasn't really fond of either one of them. I have read about other methods for doing applique and I am looking forward to trying them out. This book looks like it would be good for that! Thanks for doing the book review and the giveaway!

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  86. I love all types of applique, but my favorite is hand applique. I like to turn under the edges before adding to the background. Raw edge applique except with wool or wool felt is my least favorite.

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  87. I don't applique but would love to learn. This book looks like a good tool and I love the idea of the cd.

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  88. I love doing applique - especially machine (buttonhole) and hand using a freezer paper spray starch method and glue to hold pieces in place for hand stitching. I find it relaxing to do either type and currently have several projects going and can jumpu from one technique to the other. This book looks like a great resource and an opportunity to learn a new technique. Thanks!

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  89. I love applique!!!!, and certainly adores baltimore, I'm always looking for new patterns, love needleturn applique, I have my eyes peeled and would love to win :)

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  90. Applique gives me the opportunity to create pictures in fabric. Can't beat that. Lately I have been doing mostly fusible and machine stitching, goes so much faster. Looks like a wonderful book can't wait to see it.

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  91. Hi Susan, I thought I left a comment, but can't find it, so here we go again. Hope this one sticks like glue. Love what all you do and love the book you are so graciously giving away. Love to get inspiration from it. I do hand applique and machine applique. Currently working on a baby quilt for my grandbaby #2. We don't know what it is yet, but this quilt will be woodsy and have dragonflies on it. Thanks for all you do.

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  92. Inspired By Tradition looks like a turn-to book, one that calls out again and again. Please enter me in the drawing, I'd love to turn to this book

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  93. This looks a wonderful book and if I'm not lucky enough to be picked it's Mother's Day soon in the UK, you never know.

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  94. I find applique so relaxing and calming, my mind tends to 'create' when I'm in this zone....I don't do it enough, I'd love to win this book to encourage myself to get in this 'zone' more often.

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  95. I love applique, i usually do the needle turn method. Lately I have been working with machine fusible applique because I wanted to get some spring wall hangings done before spring will be over! Needle turn is my favorite and I find it so relaxing.

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  96. Enjoyed going through your blog and I would love a chance to win the book.
    Thanks

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  97. I have not done alot of applique, this book may help me improve my applique. I loved hearing you at our guild meeting last month(Cabarrus Quilt Guild)

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