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Friday, March 25, 2011

Inspired by Tradition, by Kay Mackenzie (Book-A-Round blog hop & giveaway)

Welcome to my stop in the "Book-A-Round" blog hop & giveaway that is introducing a wonderful new book by Kay Mackenzie, published by Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place.  There are ten blogs participating in this event, each sharing their insights on Kay's new book, as well as hosting a giveaway where you could win your own copy.
I've been an admirer of Kay Mackenzie for quite some time.  She is a great quilter, designer and author who specializes in beautiful applique for quilters of all skill levels.  Her new book "Inspired by Tradition: 50 Applique' Blocks in 5 sizes" is a follow-up to her previous book "Easy Applique' Blocks.  I think this is a wonderful book and am very happy to share my insights on it with you.

Kay has created 50 all new designs with a traditional appeal, with a bonus CD that is included with the book that allows you to easily print each design in five sizes, ranging from 6" to 12".  No need to go to an office supply store and have designs enlarged!  I really liked how easy it was to use the bonus CD. Every design has a color block of the design, plus a line drawing for tracing, and easy to follow steps to print in any of the five sizes.  Much, much easier than trying to copy a design pattern within a book, or tracing from a physical book. 
The book is well organized, with a block library that shows a color photo and a line drawing for each of the 50 blocks.  All of these designs are just delightful.

Of course, I fell in love with the cute puppy dog,

The cheerful kitten,

the Distelfink.

And all of the other blocks too.   So many choices to create your own unique quilt!

There is a section that provide insights on fabric selection, preparation, tools, and suggestions for fine detail sewing for such items as the whiskers on the kitten that  is well written and has great visuals. Other sections are  included for hand stitching your applique', Raw-Edge machine applique', Fusible-web applique', and Applique' Questions and Answers.
I also really liked the "Little Gallery of Ideas" where beautiful quilts are shared that provide inspiration for various ways you can combine these blocks to create beautiful quilts, wallhanging, table runners and more.
"Inspired by Tradition" is an excellent book, perfect for anyone that loves to do applique' quilting.  I also believe this is an excellent book for someone that is wanting to learn applique.  I hope you have a chance to check it out at your local quilt store, or check it out at the online store at Martingale & Company.

Did you catch that I mentioned earlier that I have a copy of this book to giveaway?  This copy is being given away as courtesy of the publisher, That Patchwork Place.  To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and let me know that you'd like to win a copy and be sure I have a way to contact you.  If you do not have a google account, I recommend that you review tips that I have listed on the page of this blog labeled "giveaways" as the odds are your comments might appear as a no-reply blogger and I won't be able to contact you if you win unless you are aware of these tips.  If you are in doubt and in a hurry, consider leaving your email address embedded in your comment.

Deadline to enter this giveaway:  April lst noon.  I'll announce the winner that evening.

If you would like to learn more about this book and/or have more chances to win a copy, you may want to visit the other blogs that are participating in Kay's Book-A-Round blog hop.  To clarify, each blog has a copy of this book to giveaway but the rules and deadlines can vary by blog.  Here is a list of the participating blogs and the dates they will be posting about "Inspired by Tradition".

March 22 Maria Peagler, Willow Ridge Media, Quilts and Creativity
March 23 Darcy Ashton, Ashton Publications
March 24 Erin Russek, One Piece at a Time
March 25 SewCalGal (where you are now)
March 26 Holly Mabutas, Eat Cake Graphics, Sprinkles of Thought
March 27, Kathy Mack, Pink Chalk Fabrics, Pink Chalk Studio
March 28 Kim Jamieson-Hirst, Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat
March 29 Sarah Vanderburgh aka Sarah Vee, Sew Joy
March 30 Maria Hrabovsky, Maria Michaels Designs, Maria's Quilt Scraps
March 31 Susan Brubaker Knapp, Blue Moon River



I also hope you will visit Kay's website and blog.  During the Book-a-Round/blog hop, she'll also be directing readers to the appropriate blogs every day.

By Kay Mackenzie
http://www.kaymackenzie.com Books, patterns, & etc. for the quilter
http://www.allaboutapplique.net Appliqué blog

104 comments:

Mary Ann said...

I would absolutely LOVE to win this because I've been in awe of Baltimore style quilts for so long, but this seems actually doable to me - how exciting! Thank you!!

Laurie in Maine said...

I would love a chance to win this book :)
Thank you!

Sunnybec said...

Is this open to international? Never sure when its a book as I appreciate they can be heavy. Would love to win it though as I have just started to learn applique. Linda

marie said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!

WandaFish said...

Thanks for sharing your insights on the book. It looks great! Thanks for the chance to win it :)

Hannele said...

I'd love to win a copy of the book! Thank you for a most generous giveaway :)

Jessica said...

I have just started applique and would love to win. Thanks! :)

Christine M said...

I've fallen in love with that little puppy as well. I'd love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.

Lisa England said...

Seeing all these applique patterns gives me so many project ideas! I would love to win the book. Thanks!

StillyBee said...

Being a beginner with applique...that book is a MUST. Hope I win!
angeldove7dt@gmail.com

Rhonda the Rambler said...

One of these days I will learn applique, I am sure this book would help.

Char said...

I'd love to have this book. I haven't done applique in a while. I imagine something beautiful
with all the wonderful fabric on the market now.

Gerald said...

I'm having a great time with this blog-hop travel. First time I've done this and just beginning applique, This book sounds like a great 1st book for my library, hope I win. I'm Rena at rena722@gmail.com on my husband's computer so his name appears
BTW- your site is quite nice, checked it out just yesterday for the first time thru a link on yesterday's blog, this us such a great way to see new sites.

Jocelyn said...

Wow this book looks so awesome! Thanks for the review and the giveaway :-)

Mommarock said...

It is so cool that you can make the blocks in any size like that.. of course I can't help thinking..it really is unlimited because you can mix and match the sizes of the pieces and create your own blocks.. SEW FUN!

Lee said...

I have been waiting for this book! I looks so great and I love applique. Love the puppy too! thanks for the review.
butler83ataoldotcom

KaHolly said...

Yummy looking book!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. ~karen

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

I just bought this book and can't wait to make several of the appliques!

Amanda said...

I love appliqué and this book looks wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to win it!

Karen said...

New books are such an inspiration. Would love to win

Kathy H said...

I would love to win this book. I really like that it has the cd that will give you the blocks in the different sizes. No figuring it out myself! And seeing the quilts made up is always the inspiration I need. Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

Thank you for allowing Kay to post on your blog. I am so looking forward to getting my hands on her new book! :-) And I enjoyed looking around your blog too!

Jackie said...

This book really needs to be in my collection - I love applique and love the idea that you can print different sizes from the CD. Thanks!

darlene said...

Thanks for the pics of blocks from the book. My dream is a 30s fabrics quilt of animals like you've shown us.

West Michigan Quilter said...

Oh, my goodness. I've never seen this book. I love applique. Fell in love with the cat (you know I just lost my Sassy). This is a must have book. Thanks for sharing.

Pam in KC said...

I'd love to win this book. For years I've said "I don't do applique", but I find myself drawn in. I love the calico cat & gingham dog and think those would be great shapes to start with.

VickiT said...

Each day gives me more reasons to want this book in reading and seeing more. This looks like a great book to own.

Diane H said...

This looks like a fabulous book and CD. Thanks for such a wonderful post and a chance to win.

Deb G. in VA said...

I would love to win a copy! I have Kay's previous book, Easy Applique Blocks, and it is great! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to win this book!! I just bought her first book with cd and can't wait to get my hands on this one. Thanks for the offer!! midnightsewin at yahoo dot com
Kelly

maryc said...

I love Kay's work. This looks like a wonderful book.

DebrafromMD said...

I've been drooling over this book ever since I first saw it on Kay's blog. I love applique!

Mary said...

I would love to have this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Mary

HeyJudee said...

Wow...Love the dog and cat blocks in this book. Would love to learn a new way of applique too. This looks like the one for me! Hope I'm the lucky person...:-) Thanks!

Sylvia said...

I love that puppy block so I would definitely like to win the book! Thanks for a great giveaway.

Candace said...

Thanks for the chance to win Kay's new book..it would be so cool to be the winner!

Stitches said...

I love Kay and I love applique and I would love to win this special book of hers. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Ariane said...

The patterns in this book look wonderful!!!! That little dog is so cute!! Thanks for the chance to win!!! Hugs Ariane

Linda E in NM said...

very cool looking book so I'd love to win! Thanks!

Laura said...

would love to win a copy! This book looks fabulous!

Michelle MMMM4 said...

I would love a chance to win his great book! Thanks for the opportunity!

Michele T said...

I love applique and this book looks incredible! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

LOVE THIS BOOK!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

Polly said...

I'm new to Kay, but what a gal! I am passionate about applique and will have my fingers crossed. I would LOVE to have this wonderful book. Her designs are just wonderful.

WoolenSails said...

I would love to win her book, love the designs and how you can mix and match to make different types of quilts. Wonderful review on the book, I had seen it, but didn't realize what it was, until I saw your blog.

Debbie

Kim said...

Lovely applique work by Kay....my goodness her color usage is fantastic.
Thanks so much for a chance to win this beautiful book.

Happy Sewing

Unknown said...

This book looks so interesting! I would love to have it in my studio! Thanks for the chance!

YankeeQuilter said...

Looks like a beautiful book...thanks for the opportunity!

Quilt Rat said...

I would LOVE to add this one to my library.......I am hooked on applique....can't get enough and this book looks like a wonderful resource! :-)
Thanks for the opportunity

Eden said...

Ooh, this would be a great addition to my library! More inspiration!

Susan Entwistle said...

I would love to win this book. You showed us some great designs, and I've been applique crazy recently. Thanks! Happy Spring!

Robin Gold said...

I'd love to win this book! I have Kay's earlier book and love how easy the CD is to use! I'm eager to get this one, too!!

Sherri said...

This book sounds like it would be a wonderful reference book as well as having eye candy to inspire one to make a special quilt! I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for participating!

Quiltin' Sandy said...

What beautiful patterns. Like everyone else I would LOVE to win this book. I love applique. Thanks for the chance. :)

Anne said...

I'd surely enjoy creating projects from this great book. I learned a new word today, too. Distelfink -- oh, how I love birds!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Wonderful book. I'm particular in love with the bird and would love to win this.

Billie in TX

GranChris said...

What a wonderful book. It would be great to win. I love flowers and of course birds. Do you think Spring will ever be here?

robin said...

It would be lovely to win this book! Thanks for the chance!

susan said...

I would love to win this book! I am really enjoying the visits to all the blogs to read the reviews. Sue

Diana LaMarre said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! I do mostly paper piecing, but I would love to learn more about applique.

Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

BeachQuilter said...

I love applique and would love to win this book!

Anonymous said...

I have Kay's Easy Applique Blocks, and it is great! I'd love to win Inspired by Tradition :)

Joanna said...

Yes I want to win a copy of this book. I too fell in love with the puppy, kitty, flowers, table runner, bird, etc. I love charming images like the ones she creates.

Janet said...

Fabulous looking book. I'd love to win a copy.

LesQuilts said...

Hi!
I am a die-hard appliquer!
Please, please may I have this book?!?
Thanks for the giveaway!
Take care, Leslie

Unknown said...

I would love to win a copy. I saw a review of how she shows to do some of the applique in this book and I love it!

Marcia W. said...

I've wanted to learn to applique and this book would certainly help me learn the correct methods. The "bird" sold me on entering. Thanks Darlene for hosting this and thanks to Kay and That Patchwork Place for the prize. alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

scottylover said...

Now that I saw that puppy I really want this book! :) Thanks for the insight and for the chance to win!

Sandy A

Anonymous said...

The thought of having all of those applique patterns in five sizes makes me giddy with creative excitement! I too would love to win this book. Cindy ODear

Cori said...

Thank you for your review of the book. I am just starting to applique and I like what I see so far in the book. Thank you

Sallie said...

Thanks for the chance to win Kay's book!

Donna said...

Applique is my favorite and I love the option of different sizes. thanks for the chance to win this one

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Looks like a very good book! I love the eagle. Thanks for the chance!

herşeyden azıcık said...

I need this book because ı cant find in my country like that:(( Thank you very much
kristalzeytin@hotmail.com

Jen said...

I love the look of applique but don't have the know-how yet! I'm hoping this book will change that! Congrats Kay!

Beth said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. This was the first time I'd seen it, and I am charmed. Thanks for the giveaway.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Great book. May I play Give Away? Thanks for holding and organizing and posting and quilting. You are a gem.

Carla G said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! I've been wanting to try applique. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Yes Darlene, I would love to win a copy of Kay's new book.

Sewgirl said...

I have been following Kay's work for some time and love the way she has created this book with a choice of sizes, not to mention the variety of blocks. Looks like a great one to have in the library! Thanks for the chance for the giveaway.

Slovenka said...

What a lovely book. Thanks for reviewing it. I would like to win it because I love all to applique. Thanks for the chance.

Sundar Koyal said...

I have been trying to learn to applique. So a chance to win this book would be a huge help.

Gwen said...

I would SO love to win a copy of this book! I just love applique, and there are so many wonderful patterns in this book! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed, for sure! Thanks! :-)
(bamagirl@gulftel.com)

Unknown said...

Would love to win a copy of the book. I like to applique while riding in the car. Keeps me relaxed.

Julie said...

I would love to win a copy of this book to share with my local applique society! Thanks for the chance!

Janet said...

I'd love to win a copy of this book ... and I would love to try her baste method.

Thanks for the opportunity!

Vicki B said...

My gosh this book looks great! I can practically taste it. And 5 sizes - too thoughtful!! I'm betting it will be a big seller.I know I want one - and of course winning one would be special. Thank you for the opportunity. vboschman@gmail.com

Marilyn S said...

I am new to applique and would love to have the book and directions. Thanks.

pinkquilter said...

I would love to win this book! I think it would be a great resourse to my libary! I already have sevearal project I want to do just by what I have seen in demo's! Thank you for hosting this! Have a wonderful day!

Dolores said...

I love applique and this book, with the CD, is a godsend. To have your applique in the size that you want and not have to go to the copy shop is wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.

Average Quilter said...

I haven't done much applique but I have been leaning that way lately. This book looks really good. Thanks for the chance.

http://averagequilter.blogspot.com/

Deb said...

I love applique and would love to own the book! Appliquing flowers with stems on a quilt is my favorite type!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book....but I'd gift it to my sister. She does beautiful applique, so she could do justice to the lovely patterns! (And besides, she's the one that got me into quilting!)
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angies Place said...

I am new to quilting and I'm like a sponge, just soaking up all I can to learn. I would love a copy of the book. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!!!
angeladewittatmacdotcom

Darlene B said...

I love applique and I would love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Rhonda said...

What a great giveaway!! I would LOVE to win this book and learn how to applique! Thanks for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the chance. So much inspiration - it would be lovely to have a copy.

DianneB said...

thank you for the generous give away - Thanks CT!! I love applique and drooled over your blog!

Kim D. said...

Thanks for the great review of this book and author, I would love a chance to win Kay's book. Thanks to both of you for the opportunity.

Unknown said...

I would love to win this book!

Nancy Sue said...

After going to all the blogs in the hop, you get a real sense of the book. Looks like a keeper, no matter what applique level we are at right now..(I'm so new to applique, I'm not sure I'm registering on the map yet)!

Eileen said...

have been doing applique in some form for years but not in a large way until recently. absolutely love it and the designs i'm seeing from this book are so appealing. think i'll have to get a copy somehow--through your wonderful giveaway would be marvelous!! thanks and have a great day

Linda said...

I would love to win that book! Thanks for the review!

arlette said...

Oh my... there are alot of people interested to win such an interesting book, so I am!!!