In keeping with the theme of "Just Around the Corner", I want to share insights on something around the corner from where I live. My local library is practically around the corner. It is a short walk from my home and I love walk in my "hood" and visit this library. As a community library, there is always someone there that I know, plus they have a great selection of books. And, I love books of all kinds. I probably visit this library, at least once, if not twice a week.
Just around the Corner: Quilts with Easy Mitered Borders, by Kari M. Carr, published by Martingale & Company, home of That Patch Work Place, is an excellent quilt book that features innovative methods for mitering corners that make spectacular borders that can make any quilt amazing.
Mitering is a quilting technique that many quilters are afraid to try. Kari shares her approach in each to follow steps, with great visuals, that a quilter of any level should be able to follow and quickly master. Simply take your border strips and any 90 degree ruler, a fabric marking pen and a sewing machine for the basic mitering technique. Or, you can apply variations of this technique that Kari shares, including her beautiful scallop border technique.
There are nine spectacular projects in this book ranging in size from a18" x 18" to 45 1/2" x 67 1/2" projects that create beautiful quilts, wallhangings, table toppers, a pillow, and there is even a project for a cute purse.
All of the patterns are well written, with easy to follow instructions and great photos. The majority of the patterns are traditionally pieced, with a few having light applique'.
A section is included in the book to help share insights for using Kari's Clearly Perfect Angle (CPA) tool, which she designed and sells thru her business New Leaf Stitches. This CPA tool really makes sewing mitred pieces easy and accurate and when you are sewing point to point, such as speed techniques for making Flying Geese blocks, Snowball blocks, or any situation where you need to sew point to point vs 1/4" seams.
An excellent section is including on "Quiltmaking Fundamentals", with insights on how to sew accurate seams, pinning, pressing, Applique'ing, and Adding Butted-Corner Borders (non-mitred borders), along with finishing (backing, batting, binding).
It is truly hard to say what my favorite pattern is in this book, but if I had to just pick one, it would be the Sidewalk Cafe', which is on the cover. At 45 1/2" x 45 1/2" it is a perfect table topper size, as well as a wallhanging. It is a fun design that also has beautiful mitred corners with lovely scalloped borders. It just want to pull up a chair, enjoy a latte' and watch life stroll by. Wouldn't it be fun to visit a cafe' that every table has a beautiful quilted table topper, as well as quilts on the walls? I'd definitely want to visit such a cafe' frequently!
I'm also planning on making some cute Cozy Cottage Pillows for Christmas gifts. With
Kari's book and her Clearly Perfect Angle tool, I'm sure they'll be easy to make and everyone that receives one will love it.
I hope you'll soon have an opportunity to check out "Just around the Corner" as I think you'll agree with me this is a "must have" book for quilters of all levels and style preferences. It is a versatile book with very cute projects, but the techniques shared will help you learn how to make spectacular borders for other quilts too! Plus, you can do it in a way you really don't have to care about math!
Here is the line up for this fun blog hop:
- Sun., Sept 4th - Kari (New Leaf Stitches)
- Mon., Sept 5th - SewCalGal
- Tues., Sept 6th - Pat Sloan
- Wed., Sept 7 - Heidi (Hens and Chicks Studio)
- Thurs., Sept 8 - Sherri (A Quilting Life)
- Fri., Sept 9th - Roseanne (Rosebud's Cottage)
Did I mention giveaway with SewCalGal ? You can win a copy of "Just around the Corner" and a copy of Kari's very cool Clearly Perfect Angle tool, simply by leaving a comment on this post, letting me know what you think about this new quilt book and the Clearly Perfect Angle tool. Be sure that I have a way to contact you, should your name be drawn as a winner. I will randomly select a winner and announce on my blog on Monday, September 12th.
http://www.newleafstitches.com/
http://www.martingale-pub.com/store/
128 comments:
Thanks for the review. Looks like a great book. I've nver tried mitered corners and the projects are beautiful!
Since I've never achieved a decent mitre in my life, I think I need this book so Fingers crossed I win it.
This looks a great book! I also like the cover quilt!
I like the look of miters. I always wanted a ruler for angles instead of using the lines on the regular ruler. Thanks for counting me in, Darlene.
It looks great! Books about finishing quilts and making them more interesting and unique are always welcomed to my bookshelf. Mitering corners scares me, although I'd like to try it with confidence. I know, like with everything else, practice makes perfect!
Wow what fun things to try in the book. It is going to be a must on my list!
Never done miters so this would be a real challenge for me, Thanks for the chance. Linda
I think this book and the ruler would be invaluable for a beginner like me!
Thanks for the giveaway :D
Thanks for a chance to win "Just Around the Corner" and the new ruler. I LOVE new books and tools! Shahann at yahoo dot com
What is it about me and borders, I'm always stumped. This looks like a perfect win for me -- how to, what to, and the tool to do!
Thanks for the review! I would love to win.
This book seems lovely and I've been so curious about the "Clearly Perfect Angle" tool for a while now! Thank you for the chance to win =)
Love this - I have been stymied by mitered corners so far and not tried one....or four.
I would love to own this book and learn to miter corners. It looks like a wonderful book with lots of neat projects. Thanks for the giveaway!
I am one of those people who have been slightly afraid and just avoided mitered corners. This would be a good win for me to push me further.
Good morning! I have totally avoided mitered corners. I'd love to study Kari's technique. I have a clearly perfect angle and love it. Would love to have a second for my travel machine. Have a wonderful day!
Both the book and the tool are really interesting! I just added the book to my wish list at Amazon.com, to remember it the next time I order something. Naturally should I win a book I wouldn't have to order it... Hopefully my blog is contact enough...
The book has lots of fun-looking projects, it would be hard to decide where to start! Thanks for the opportunity.
What a lovely way to "turn" a corner! Great book! I would love it.
hugz
Pam
This looks like an interesting and useful book. I love all the curves in the various quilts.
Wow, the colors and designs for these quilts are so pretty. I love the Quiltmaking fundamentals. Especially concerning applique, which I've never done. I've seen where several bloggers use the Clearly Perfect Angles, and I've wondered how they work. Thanks for the review and the giveaway :-)
My one and only attempt at miters was awful, but would love to try again. Book looks very helpful.
I like the look of mitered.there are nice and great projects.Thanks for the chance.
I love the projects in this book. The clearly perfect angles looks like a great tool to have.
The book looks amazing!! The tool look like a need.LOL.Thanks for the opportunity!
This looks like a neat book. Love the purse and the interesting quilt borders.
Books and gadgets! Two of my favorite things! I especially need help with mitered corners....
Thanks, looks like a great book. Would love to try this gadget and have a go at miters.
Sounds like the perfect book for my library. I have just started doing mitered corners and any hints are welcome. I would love to win this book. I had not heard about Kari's angle tool so I hope to learn more about it in this hop!
This book and tool seems like something all quilters (beginners and experienced) could use in their library! Thanks for sharing.
How fun is this! I also love the library. It's not around the corner but I still love to go. Can't wait to win this book.
I think this is exactly the book I have been looking for! What a great tool too! Yes, I would love to win...thank you so much!
Looks like a great book! :)
I gave up on mitered conners....... maybe after I read this book I will start agIn.
Maybe.....I will start doing mitered corners again after I read this book.
The book looks great... I would love to try some new techniques! Thanks!
NEAT BOOK!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
HAPPY QUILTING!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
Looks like a nice book, and i'd like to try the tool, too.
I'd love to try how to work correctly with the mitered corners, the book looks like a must have!!!
I'm always ready to learn a new quilting skill or improve on what I already know! I would love to win this book and ruler. Thanks for the giveaway.
The more I see the more excited I get! I love the arches in the quilts and the handbag is so cute too. I hope I am on your Christmas gift list too! LOL
Cathy Eystad
cadybeth@gmail.com
Wow....this book is a winner. I'm in love with that purse. It looks hard though.
I'd love to learn how to make mitered corners! Every time I try them, they turnout lop sided. And I've been looking for a tool to make sewing HST easier! Win-win for me! LOL
Sandy A
This is a book I could really use! And I could really use the Angle tool too!
Thanks for the review and the chance to win!
It looks like a great book. I am one of those people who have trouble with mitering corners - have a UFO that has mitered corners. What I like best about the book, according to your post, are the scallops. I would love to learn how to do those as well.
Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book. I have never tried mitered corners or scallops and would love to learn to try both. Thanks for the chance to win.
a good book to have ... am interested in her mitering technique - it sounds a whole lot better than my 'hit and miss' mitering!
Lovely post and I would like to try this technique for mitering corners. Thankyou!
Looks like a terrific book...thanks for the chance to win!!
What a great technique. I can't wait to learn more about it. The purse looks like a great small project to start with. Thanks for a fun giveaway!
This book would be a great addition for me...my mitering skills are woeful!! Thanks for the chance to win!
This book would be so great for me. I have made many quilts but none with a mitred corner :) I need all the help I can get.;0
My Street is just one block, so around one corner is an exserviceman's club- where I sometimes go to Ladies day, and just around the "top" corner is Maitland Road with is part of the Pacific Highway or HWY#1 which travels the east coast of Australia. :)
Looks like some wonderful projects and cool techniques. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow, the projects you've shown are lovely - not the same old thing at all - nice to see for a change!
Thanks for the review and the opportunity to win!
Wow! What fresh ideas. Kari's quilts are unique and beautiful. the book looks like it would make a great addition to any quilter's library!
I tried to post this with my google acoount, but it wouldn't take it, so I'm not really anonymous! You can reach me at: nancy.sumner@comcast.net
This looks like a great book that will take a quilter past the "just add a straight border" phase and on to something new and beautiful. And if there's a gadget to make it easier, more's the better! Thanks for this nice giveaway and the chance to win.
It looks like a great book--I love the purse pattern....thanks for the chance to win...
Hello,
I love that there are a variety of projects in this book. The instructions seem to be well written which is so great. Thank you for the chance to win. So glad that you visit your library, I haunt mine on a regular basis too.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
This book looks interesting. I especially love the purse! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book and the tool.
Love the scallops--they look very well paired with the straight borders. Thanks for the post and the giveaway !
This book sounds like it will be full of important tips and quilting information.
So far all the projects show look like winners to me.
katie.paxton@gmail.com
I have just the right fabric for that beautiful turquoise quilt from the book.
I've avoided miters because felt couldn't do them. With this tool, and the book's directions, would give it a try. Thanks for the chance.
What a great idea for a book. Thanks for the chance to win such a nice book with some great information and ideas for borders.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna
Thanks for the chance to win the book. Would love to have the book to help me with my mitered corners.
Thx
First time hopping over to your blog -- thanks for the giveaway! Those quilts look amazing and I'd love to have a copy of the book & the ruler too.
I love the cover quilt with the curved 3-D borders and the pillow. Thanks for the give-away.
I am scared of mitred borders, never tried one and would love a simple and easy way of doing this. Crossing my fingers for luck. Thanks for the giveaway
Any help I can get with mitered corners is a plus! I would love to win the book. Thank you for the contest
Looks like a great book and a very clever tool. Thanks for the give-away.
The quilts in the book give a whole new aspect to quilts, which such lovely borders! Love it!
Thank you for the chance to win the book!
This looks like an interesting book and a technique I have yet to try. Very good, thorough review. Thanks!
Most amazing projects in this book! Would love to learn the scallop border idea! Thanks for a great give-away!
I'm not a fan of mitered corners so any help I could get would be appreciated! Thanks
That blue and green quilt is great! I would probably add another series of borders to make it a bit larger, and to practice the new techniques I am sure to learn. This would probably help me make a cathedral window quilt I have had in mind for a while, too.
Thank you for the great post here at SewCalGal! Good luck to all of you who have left comments...I hope you win!1 Kari
I would love some clear instructions on how to do mitered corners. Everytime I go to do borners, I think how much nicer they would look if they were properly mitered! Thanks for sharing!
I love the look of mitered corners but usually don't use them because it seems very hard to do. Glad to hear there are some easy directions in this book.
These are great prizes! I love the quilt with the log cabin corners. What a great idea!
Scalloped miters? A how-to? Sounds fabulous. I love mitered corners--but I'm too chicken to mess with them. Answers please!
Oh, I need this kind of help. Does someone come with the book to help teach me? ;>)
Your review was interesting and informative.The quilts are beautiful and I love the purse. It would be great to win the book and the angle tool. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
I am always trying to improve my accuracy, and not only does this book and tool help with it, I love some of the borders and layouts she has used. I do hope I'm the lucky winner.
I love pieced borders! I love the stars and courthouse steps pieced borders on the quilt you showed. Gorgeous! Thanks for the opportunity for the giveaway!
This book has a great cover, which would draw me to it in a store. Someday I hope to be brave enough to try mitred corners! Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow, looks like a great book...would love to win a copy.
Some great looking projects that I would like to try. I need some help on my mitering corners.
lsandes@comcast.net
Very nice projects and looks like good info on how to do miters. Id love to try that tool. Thanks for the chance.
love the projects in the book and I always need help...corners are a weakness of mine..
I think I have figured out corners, but I would love some reassurance from the book.
This book looks fabulous! Some of the projects you've show look great, and I especially love the purse! I'd love to learn how to miter corners too! Thanks for a chance to win! :)
Borders? Oh no, I forgot about borders! Seriously, I know this book will come in handy after I get a handle (someday) on that 1/4" seam. I took a look at the screen shots available on the Martingale & Company site and was very excited about the sampler quilt in the frame. I'm thinking with the help of Kari's book and tool, I love tools, I might be able to add border's to a little quilt.
This looks like a lovely book with some lovely projects. It would be hard to choose which one to start first
This book and the clever tool look like great additions to every quilter's sewing room.
What a great sounding book and the Clearly Perfect Angle looks like a must have.
I think I like the pillow the best but they all are cute.
love the mitered corners but never been brave enough to try. would be a great book to help me get started!
I would love that book! Thanks for the giveaway!
The book looks very interesting!
Ooh...I could use all the help I can get. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and give-a-way. By the way, my library is not just around the corner, but I visit at least once a week too! Libraries are my second favorite place to be, the first is my sewing room.
This book looks like a lot of fun. Being a "bag lady" I am really excited to see such a cute bag included. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!
I am always on the look out for new quilting tools so this may be fun to use and books are wonderful for beginners like me cjjj0716 (@)gmail(dot) com
Thanks for the chance to win this book. Looks like a great book. You did a very thorough review. Thank you.
I love the Cozy Cottage Pillow pattern.
I have only done mitered corners once and I had a heck of a time...would love to have a tool that made them easier to do!! Thanks so much for the chance to win this book and Clearly Perfect Angles! You take care!
Paulette
I think this book will be very interesting. I always love book tours like this...and would love to win the book and ruler.
I hope I'm not too late...this looks like a great book! ~Kd
www.KdQuilts.com
that book is great...... love the purse pattern. And the internet book reviews. They are done by people who know. oleqwilter@aol.com
Great review! I have had my eye on this book. I didn't know there was a tool too! I would love to win, thanks for the hop!
I'd love to win the book and tool - they look awesome. :)
I'm not very comfortable with mitered corners. Making a scalloped border is on my quilting bucket list so this book is a must for my library.
Any tool that helps us and makes it easier for us is a plus. Thank you for the giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
It seems like a great book! I would love to win the book and try it out also.
Great project ideas and mitering instructions are always needed. Thanks for the giveaway.
My attempts at mitres have been mixed, provided they are not too big, like on a binding were passable, but in borders, woeful. I could use some help. Would be lovely to get a handle on something so basic and Kari makes it look easy. Thank-you for this opportunity.
Boy do I need that tool! My angles are never quite right (no pun intended). I love that the book contains a purse project too!
OOOOH! This books looks GOOD! I did mitered borders on my very first quilt and they look awesome - but I just haven't bothered since. This would be a hint in the right direction! Love to win!!
How can I get added to your Christmas List?? :)
the book looks like one I NEED !! and a tool to help with angles, oh yes I need that too !! thanks for the give away
I don't think I have left a comment yet here, but I've been reading about this book and just had to have a chance to win it. It does seem to be a good resource for learning this technique, which I readily admit I haven't tried because I'm afraid to make a right mess of it.
I'm always in the market for good techniques and this book looks like a winner(maybe I might be too!). I also like that it includes projects like that adorable purse and those great pillows.
I have this crazy love for books but especially quilt books. Each time I open one it is just like I never looked at it and I always see something new. And there is so much in this one, my gosh pillows, table covers, wall hangings and that adorable purse! I'm in for this giveaway. Thanks
Please add me to the list to win Kari's book, it looks like it really has some good ideas.
Would love to win the book. I have a great fear of mitered corners. The projects look great.
Thank you for your review of the book- it certainly sounds like just the thing I need to cure my 'fear' of mitre corners- I have avoided some patterns because i have not thought I could do the mitres neatly enough, so i would love to open up the world of possibilities that Kari's easy mitres would bring...
This is my first visit to your site and I'll be back. I'd love the book for some great new project ideas.
I love the look of mitered corners, thanks for the review and giveaway!
I absolutely love this technique! The mitred corners look so elegant, and impressively advanced, but are actually magically easy to do!
I just LOVE all of the projects I have seen from this book!! Oh to get my hands on a copy!!
Am I too late? I'm on a trip, and way behind on reading my blogs. These look neat. Mitered corners are pretty easy. I taught myself.
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