The Appliqué Book - Blog Tour and Giveaway!
Welcome to 42 Quilts! I have the privilege of telling you about The Appliqué Book: Traditional Techniques, Modern Style by my friend, Casey York. This is an amazingly well curated group of modern appliqué quilts made by quilters from all over the stratosphere of modern quilting! And I happen to have been lucky enough to be included in that group!
Betz White | http://betzwhite.com/blog
Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com
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Lookie! My quilt is on the cover! Yippee! |
My project for the book is called Belle the Squirrel, circa 1975! If you've read my blog or follow me on Facebook, you'll know that I love all things 70s! I love the sheer abandon of those quilters during that era - it is so inspiring to me! And that was the inspiration for Belle.
Here's a little of the backstory behind the quilt. As soon as Casey invited me to submit a quilt for the book, I knew I wanted to make a squirrel quilt. A squirrel design had been percolating around my mind for some time before that, and I knew this would be the perfect venue for my idea. Belle is based loosely on a 1930s Nancy Cabot block I found in Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Appliqué.
Belle's inspiration! |
I took this inspiration and began sketching until I got to where I not only liked the shape, but I could actually appliqué it with minimum struggle! It's very easy to draw appliqué shapes that are too difficult to translate into fabric. Those projects often turn into UFOs! But this rendition of Belle is easy to do with a turned edge or with a fusible web.
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A finished Belle - one of 42! |
Once I had the shape where I liked it, I broke out the tail into a separate piece. This allowed me to pair two fabrics together to make a more interesting squirrel than just one piece of fabric would be. Although that could make an intriguing quilt if done with the right fabrics! (hmmmm.....)
I used a wide variety of bright solids and accent prints for the blocks. The squirrel bodies and backgrounds are all solids. The tails are mostly prints with some solids thrown in for fun! Mixing and matching the tails and bodies was the most fun part of the process!
To applique, I prepared the shapes with freezer paper and sewed them down using thread to either match or contrast, depending on my mood! I used a loose zigzag stitch, not really caring how "perfect" the stitches were - just as my 1970s counterparts would have done! (For more on my freezer paper method for preparing appliqué shapes, you can check out my book, The Modern Appliqué Workbook!)
Once all 42 blocks were done, I set them in an old-school straight set with 2" sashing. To modern it up a bit, I used gray for the sashing and used the same gray for the outer border, which looks like sashing because it's the same 2" wide as the inner sashing. You could certainly add a traditional border to the outside of this if you wanted the quilt bigger. (It's 80x93 as shown.)
Here she is!
Belle the Squirrel, circa 1975 |
The fabulous quilting was done by Kelly Cline of Lawrence, Kansas. I can't tell you how fabulous she is as a quilter and as a friend! Our collaboration on Belle couldn't have been a better one! She worked so hard to make Belle shine! I don't know how many thread changes she went through, but it was all worth it in the end!
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Belle quilting in progress. |
I knew in keeping with the 70s vibe of the top, no ordinary quilting would do. I told her to quilt it like the sashing wasn't even there. Her result was to echo quilt around each squirrel and then add in circles (acorns, if you will!) around the echo quilting that spill off the block into the sashing and into the block next to it. It really is amazing to see! Once I have the quilt back in my possession, I'll blog more about the quilting with better pictures showing it!
So there you go! There's the inspiration behind Belle the Squirrel. Now for what you've been waiting for! The question you must answer in the comments to enter for a chance to win a copy of The Appliqué Book! So here goes: What is your favorite decade for quilting? Leave your answer below.
And remember, in order to win, I have to know how to get ahold of you! If you don't have your email address in your profile or comment as anonymous, I won't be able to get the book to you, so please include your email with your comment if you think I won't be able to find it! I will draw for the winner on March 25. THE CONTEST IS OVER! JANIE IS THE WINNER. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
Good luck, and honestly, many will enter and only one will win, so you might as well head over to Casey's website and just purchase your copy now. If you win, then you have a gift to give your quilting bestie!
Here's the schedule of blogs participating in the tour. Head to these sites each day for more info about the book and more giveaways!
Mon. March 14:
Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com
C&T Publishing |http://www.ctpub.com/blog/
Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com
C&T Publishing |http://www.ctpub.com/blog/
Tues. March 15:
Jenna Brand | http://jennabrand.com/ (coming soon!)
Adrianne Ove/Pink Chalk | http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/
Jenna Brand | http://jennabrand.com/ (coming soon!)
Adrianne Ove/Pink Chalk | http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/
Thurs. March 17:
Shannon Brinkley | http://www.thebottletree.net/blog/
Bari J. | http://barijdesigns.com/blogs/blog
Shannon Brinkley | http://www.thebottletree.net/blog/
Bari J. | http://barijdesigns.com/blogs/blog
Fri. March 18:
Debbie Grifka | http://eschhousequilts.com/blog
Beth Vassalo | http://plumandjune.blogspot.com
Debbie Grifka | http://eschhousequilts.com/blog
Beth Vassalo | http://plumandjune.blogspot.com
Tues. March 22:
Lynn Harris | http://thelittleredhen.typepad.com
Kevin Kosbab | http://feeddog.blogspot.comModern Quilts Unlimited | https://modernquilts.mqumag.com/category/blog
Lynn Harris | http://thelittleredhen.typepad.com
Kevin Kosbab | http://feeddog.blogspot.comModern Quilts Unlimited | https://modernquilts.mqumag.com/category/blog
Web. March 23:
Allison Rosen | http://withinaquarterinch.com/
Cindy Lammon | http://hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/
Allison Rosen | http://withinaquarterinch.com/
Cindy Lammon | http://hyacinthquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/
Thurs. March 24:
Rossie Hutchinson | http://www.rossiecrafts.com/blog
Generation Q | http://generationqmagazine.com/
Fri. March 25:Rossie Hutchinson | http://www.rossiecrafts.com/blog
Generation Q | http://generationqmagazine.com/
Betz White | http://betzwhite.com/blog
Casey York | http://studioloblog.wordpress.com
Bella is so cute! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book! I started quilting in the 1980s when the selection of cottons was dismal! Today's quilters are so fortunate to have such a huge selection of fabrics by designers with such imagination SO my fav decade is the present one! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love your squirrel quilt! I think my favorite decade is the 1930'3 because quilter's were drawing their own patterns (like that squirrel!), sharing patterns and design ideas was limited to the newspaper and on a one-by-one basis in person or the mails and quilter's didn't feel like they had to follow rules in books or online. They were innovators in their own way.
ReplyDeleteIf you knew my story about my squirrel that died your would laugh and know this quilt has to be on my bucket list! I love Civil War era quilts and 1930's quilts. And yes, I think I would use 1930's repro fabrics in this quilt - maybe.
ReplyDeleteDiane in Wyoming
This is an adorable Quilt, and since I have a new grandchild coming I am interested in learning these techniques. I started grunting in the 70s but I love the early 1900s, and have several quilts that belonged to my grandmothers
ReplyDeleteI love 30s pastels and small scale florals they would look lovely using your squirrel pattern thanks for the chance to win. twrow@wispernet.ca
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. I saw it originally on FB and loved it! My fave is definitely the 30s. And 40s. And 50s. And...
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with the squirrel's tail and the quilting is so pretty .....Hmmmm I love bright colors ..But I think civil war prints are my favorite... happyness04431@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm a fan of your work. I'm also a fan of FREE! :) My favorite decade of quilting? I'm going to have to say the 2010's because anything goes. There is such an amazing variety of techniques, fabric and fresh ideas out there. I follow a lot of blogs and read loads of quilting books and magazines and it seems like there is something new to learn and possibly incorporate everyday. Hooray for today! mrspettijohn@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI appreciate traditional applique but love the new also.
ReplyDeleteQueenp51@sbcglobal.net
I started quilting in the 1970s and learned that a rotary cutter, et.al., was the best thing invented. But I would have to say my favorite decade would be the current one, as it is providing a lot of freedom to explore my way of quilting. njjnoah@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI love right now with the modern movement! I have always improvised so I feel right at home exploring and doing my own thing. Casey York is coming to our guild in NWA in June! therese.ramsey@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy favorite decade is now! So many wonderful fabrics, threads, patterns, notions to choose from and so easy to find and share info on the internet. Soooo many quilts and too little time! Thanks for the opportunity to win a free book but I agree with you on the odds of winning so will save Casey's website so I can purchase :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite decade is now with all the modern and traditional mix.
ReplyDeleteI've never before thought about my favorite decade for quilting -- such an interesting question! I would have to say the present since the tools and fabrics we have to choose from just keep getting better and more plentiful. Plus, there is so much inspiration to be had on the internet!
ReplyDeleteI like our current era of applique! All the methods are accepted. You can choose the one that is right for you and your project. Now really could any era compete with that????
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question and giveaway.
Vickie
Vickie.van@hotmail.com
I love the Crazy Quilts and Log Cabins from the Civil War era (1860's).
ReplyDeletekaren.patch.anderson@gmail.com
As a fan of minimalist design and negative space, I would have to go with this decade. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletethis decade because i always sewed but have just been quilting the last five years
ReplyDeleteI have to say this decade -- I do enjoy some of the modern things that I have seen. And the wonky blocks are very freeing.
ReplyDeleteYour squirrel is adorable! I think this decade -- loving Kona solids.
ReplyDeleteI have a soft spot for 70's quilting since my family has a number of trip around the world quilts made by my great-grandmother of out double knit polyester (most of it upcycled from outfits) that are obnoxiously bright, weight a ton, and will last until the end of time. My own quilt tend to echo the style of the 1930's- cheerful and traditional.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt! I guess I prefer the present and modern decade.
ReplyDeleteJennifer , my favorite decade is the present as its filled with freedom and the colors that just were not available when I began quilting over 30 yrs ago. Mj
ReplyDeleteI like the current decade--more tools, more patterns, more shows, more fabrics, and I have more money!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your squirrel quilt! I suppose my favorite decade is now, with lots of fabric choices and many more people involved.
ReplyDeleteHI,your squirrel quilt is so neat! Thanks for sharing! i like the present decade of beautiful fabrics for our stitching! msstitcher1214@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love Belle. Your quilt is beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration. My favorite decade has to be the 30's I love the fabrics. Thank you for the giveaway. janie(dot)mccombs(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYour squirrels are wonderful. I have been quilting for 60 years so I have seen a lot of changes. Now is the best. So many great products, fabrics and quilters. I can't hardly sleep with anticipation for each day.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite decade is now - because it offers the options of all the previous decades. I like the Civil War quilts, but I also like the current improv quilts and modern quilts, etc. I started quilting in the late 70's/early 80s and quilting fabric was scarce, I didn't know how to use the rotary cutter then, and all the patterns had templates. I don't want to go back to templates for squares. But I do like the quilts from the 70s.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite decade would be the 1910's and 1920's Amish quilts.
ReplyDeletethis decade is the decade for quilting! with the wide web at our fingertips, everything quilting is at hand whenever we want or need anything. I have pattern favs across the decades; how can i say which is best?
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about this question! I believe I like this decade, because there is so much readily available on the web. I can find a pattern or just surf around for inspiration. Never ending supply of inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteAs a newbie, I'd have to say that I like THIS decade
ReplyDeleteIt would have to be this decade as there are so many fabrics, patterns, tools, information, etc. at our beckon call. If we had to go back to the "tools" of the 20's, and 30's, not too many would be quilting!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite decade for quilting is 2010 as there are such quality fabric lines to choose from and sewing machines offer so many techniques that are helpful to the modern quilter.
ReplyDeleteI love the current decade. Not only does it offer more modern updated ideas but can also base quilt patterns on traditional blocks. The best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteTHIS decade because I love the fabrics and the modern quilts. And I love the colorful tails on all your squirrels! It's a beautiful array of colors throughout the quilt, but i have to be honest and say I'm not sure I could ever sleep under a squirrel quilt. LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteFavorite decade? Right now. Love the modern vibe.
ReplyDeleteI love 1930s fabrics, but tend toward modern designs. Like to mix t up!
ReplyDeleteNow - I love modern quilting!
ReplyDeletegillwatson at mailbox dot co dot uk
I like the current decade as well.
ReplyDeleteBev Leischner
bmleisch@gmail.com
Such a cute squirrel. My favorite decade is now, love the combinations of styles now.
ReplyDeleteI really like modern quilts and quilts that make a picture, so that would put "the present" as my favorite decade!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely this decade, I love modern quilting
ReplyDeleteNow...Love all the modern innovation. debrahulseman@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love Bella. My decade would be the 30's.
ReplyDeleteI liked the early 2000's when modern quilting was just starting to take off and it was fresh and new. vkoh159 (at) mchsi (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThis decade is my favorite time for making quilts because I now create my own designs. No more traditional quilts for me. -- soparkaveataoldotcom
ReplyDeleteI like the current decade of quilting. So many new things to try. I find myself drawn to some of the fabrics from earlier days though - sometimes the current colors are just too bright for my taste. wtulloch@town.harwich.ma.us
ReplyDeleteI loved the early 2000s when I first had lots of time to shop and sew!
ReplyDeletei love the older quilts
ReplyDeleteNow, is time i like best. I started off doing traditional style quilts but have evolved into a more modern style and use more solids and some modern patterned fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI love the 30's and now!
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post? I just love your quilt! I'm having lots of fun with this decade - lots of new techniques to try, bright colors to choose from. ive been making quilts for 30 years and it's been fun to step out of the box a little.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love modern quilting, quilts and fabric from the 30s are some of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteMy decade is the best. But it's good to see what our grandmother did in their own time.
ReplyDeleteBelle the Squirrel is so cute. Can't wait to get a look at The Applique Book. Thanks for the chance of winning one. my fingers are crossed.
ReplyDeleteOh! I'm so in love with your Belle quilt! It's stunning! My Cherokee name translates to 'Red Squirrel'. I've never thought about my favorite decade but I love the quilts and fabrics from the Civil War era. However, I love the tools from today, hehe.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having Belle included in the book.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I consider myself a modern quilter, but I have a real soft spot for 30s fabrics ... Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work
ReplyDeletecrkapralos@hotmail.com
Defiantly a traditional quilter
ReplyDelete