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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Inspired by Tradition Book Review

Can you believe I'm in the van and using my laptop?  I feel like I'm on the Spaceship Enterprise with Captain Kirk.  We have wireless internet through Verizon and it's mobile....but there has to be service near to use it.  While at the cabin in Wyalusing there was little chance of any internet service much less phone service so I've really been out of touch. 

I had planned a visit to MJ's house (my "Master" needle turn applique and hand quilting girlfriend) for some fun and some time to improve my needle turn applique skills.  Naturally I had to bring several books for inspiration and thought this would be a great time to tell you about Inspired By Tradition by Kay Mackenzie. 
As you can see, I have little yellow post it notes in all the designs that I want to make.  I love the designs Kay has put together and including the CD is a real gift.  I don't like to trace designs if I don't have to....I'm fussy about the design being accurate and I'm not the best at tracing. 
The designs are traditional but no one says you have to use traditional fabrics to make the blocks.  You know me....I really like those bold bright fabrics.
Kay offers a "Gallery of Ideas"...this is where I found this wall hanging.  Smaller projects really appeal to me...I stand a much better chance of finishing and not adding to my UFO pile. 

After all the beautiful designs, Kay gives readers some hand applique tips, information on hand stitching, raw edge machine applique and even has a question and answer section.  

I think Inspired By Tradition is an excellent book.  Guess I'm not alone either.  Back in March, SewCalGal reviewed Inspired By Tradition and there are links in her post to other bloggers reviews of this book....click here to check them out for more great information and ideas.

Wanna check it out for yourself?  Leave a comment on this post telling me why you would like to own this book and I'll let the random number generator choose a winner on Thursday July 14th. 

Good luck in the drawing!

Smiles,
Kelly

46 comments:

  1. Rhonda the RamblerJuly 10, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Maybe if I had this book I could actually learn to do applique. Lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. WoolenSailsJuly 10, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    I just got my copy of the book from a giveaway and love what I have seen.
    I always take my books to the docs with me, then I have time to read them;)

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  3. StitchinByTheLakeJuly 10, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    I just posted yesterday about an applique project I want to start - I have the pattern for it but I'd really like to personalize it a bit. I bet I could use many patterns and tips from this book! blessings, marlene

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  4. Donna~~July 10, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Looks like a great book--I like the idea of a CD--so much easier! I would use it to look for an idea for a block to replace one on an applique quilt I am making, but don't like. I need a good idea, and this book looks like the place to find one!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lisa EnglandJuly 10, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    I followed the earlier blog hop about this book. It looks like such a great resource for applique! Like you, I love that it has a CD. I want to make my quilts a bit more special by adding applique touches and I think this book would give me plenty of ideas. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  6. DebrafromMDJuly 10, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    I'm always looking for more applique techniques to add to my tool belt. i love that the book comes with cd for the patterns. I hate tracing patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  7. BarbJuly 10, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    You give away the most fun things!!! I love it...I love applique....that is why I deserve this book...HA!! Thanks for the fun giveaways!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Marcia W.July 10, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Learning to do Applique is something I've wanted to do - what has kept me away - fear and not knowing where to start. If you say this is a good book, then it must be - I'm in for the drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Marcia W.July 10, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    I would like to win this book because want to learn to applique. You say the book is good, so must be! Perhaps it will help me get over my fear and uncertainty as to not knowing where to start. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beth@IHaveANotion.comJuly 11, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Your vacation sounded so relaxed and fun for the whole company!!! Like you I prefer to have my stuff ready to go in the size I'd like to do... the CD really makes that possible!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. DebJuly 11, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Hi! I recently drooled over this book at a quilt shop. I really liked the patterns...and I LOVED the idea of a CD to have different size patterns...and was thinking...maybe I could print the patterns on freezer paper in my printer? And then maybe I could learn to do really nice hand applique?!! Yes?
    Thanks!
    Deb from clutteredquilter.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. susis quiltsJuly 11, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    i would love to have this book because i love to applique and one can not have inspirations enough,susi

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  13. Terri in BCJuly 11, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    I love the idea of having a CD for the patterns - I hate tracing as well. I've done a little bit of machine applique, but would love to try handwork. Maybe this book would help!

    ReplyDelete
  14. SunnybecJuly 11, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    I have only just started doing applique so this book would be a big help to me, thanks for the giveaway. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  15. JudyCinNCJuly 11, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I have been wanting some fresh new ideas as I have been itching to do some applique. This would be a most perfect opportunity to win this wonderful giveaway. Looks like my kind of book. Judy C in NC

    ReplyDelete
  16. Me and My StitchesJuly 11, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Glad you're back in the electronic world! The book looks awesome - boy do I need to learn some applique skills!

    ReplyDelete
  17. cntrywaysJuly 11, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Looks like a really great book!

    Rosemary
    cntryways@att.net

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  18. BeachQuilterJuly 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    This book is at the top of my wish list, I've seen wonderful reviews of it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    This looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance to win. Will you show us some of your applique when you return? Or are you just experimenting on some techniques while you are away?
    Jacque in SC
    quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. cburkham6July 11, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    With a lung disease, I am finding myself confined to my recliner a lot. I cannot just sit here and do nothing, so I am trying to learn to do needle turn appliqué. This book would be an excellent resource for me.

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Wow, looks like the book that might actually take me from "thinking about quilting" to getting around to trying my first quilt.
    What swayed me? the CD... like you I hate tracing and like accuracy so this had always been a stumbling block to getting started. Oh, and yes I am a procrastinator too, which might also have something to do with it LOL.
    Looks like a book worth having and I'm enjoying your in-depth honest reviews. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sheryl F.July 11, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    A new book always inspires me. I love hand applique and try to always have a project going.
    Fan4may at aol dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    I *love* that appliquer at heart wall hanging! It uses my favorite fabrics -- Count me out on the book thingy. Just wanted to say hello and enjoy the time with your mentor.

    That way when I come visit you can teach me what you learned. Bwahahahaahaha... miss you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. JackieJuly 11, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    I'd love to have a copy of this book as I love, love hand applique. My hubby gets to watch whatever he wants on TV and I applique so it's a win win.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Love this site! Please count me in for the drawing!
    Phyllis

    ReplyDelete
  26. gabJuly 11, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    This looks like a great book, and what a bonus to have the cd. I love applique, but do most of it by machine. Would like to learn of her tips for hand applique.

    ReplyDelete
  27. KarinJuly 11, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Mmmmm....the things I could do with that CD! I can sew, but I can't draw a lick, so that CD would sure help me out! I just love the wall art you showed us - I'd love to see YOUR finished product!

    We use our Verizon aircard all the time while we travel - we scope out interesting sights in new towns as we travel and use it to find geocaches to visit (oh, your boys would SOOOO love that - have them look up http://geocaching.com - I *promise* it IS safe), and yes, blog & check email, especially for IHAN posts! :)

    Glad you got to get away! I've got nuthin to get away from, so every day here is a GREAT day, but the days spent sewing are tremendous!!

    kcallander989(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Needled MomJuly 11, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    I am impressed - using the computer in your car!!! Wow! We've come a long way!!!

    I would love to try out some of that applique.

    ReplyDelete
  29. M and M plus 3July 11, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Applique is my fav! Most shy away from it calling it the *A* word. I think most just needs to take the time to learn really how relaxing it can be.

    ReplyDelete
  30. JoannaJuly 11, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    I follow her blog, All About Applique, because I have hopes of getting good at this art. Her designs have the kind of charm that is so pleasing to look at. That's why I'd love to win her book. Thank you for the giveaway. The blue and red table runner you show is so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  31. evelynJuly 11, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Hello Starship Enterprise
    Sounds like you are having a great time.
    Would love to win this book. I appliqued my grandkids names on their first quilts. They are now all teenagers. Lo and behold I have a NEW grand baby ( 4 months ) I would love to do more than her name on her next quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  32. KathleenJuly 11, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I wuld love this book to help me with my applique....do you have the Verizon (usb) stick that you plug into your computer? I want to get one of those since I am using my laptop more and more...how do you like it..is it as fast as your desktop..sorry for the questions but I wanted to find someone who has the "stick" so I could ask their opinion...thanks for the giveaway..

    ReplyDelete
  33. CoryJuly 12, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Kelly, I love applique and would love this book and cd combo. I follow Kay's blog and she is an excellent appliquer. Thank you for the chance to win her book. Take care and God bless, Cory

    ReplyDelete
  34. Cheryl's Teapots2QuiltingJuly 12, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Look at all your postit notes. I do the same thing. I've only done a small bit of needle turn applique so far. I liked it best out of all the applique I've done. There is something satisfying about sewing it by hand, not machine. I've been thinking about trying more, since I've been seeing such pretty work on blogs. Thanks for the giveaway, and have fun with your sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  35. LuAnnJuly 12, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    This book is new to me, and I love what you've shown. I love to applique', and having the patterns on the CD would definitely be a plus. I was driving down the interstate the other day with my daughter in the car, and she was on the internet on her netbook. I can barely get used to the idea that I can check my mail from my phone. I'm surprised noone said, "Beam me up Scottie!"

    ReplyDelete
  36. Diane HJuly 12, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    I would love to get into proper applique and this book looks fantastic. Thanks for a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  37. JaneJuly 12, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    I love all of these traditional designs! I am very much an old fashioned quilter as far as the quilt patterns go and would love this book! The addition of the CD would be heaven! Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  38. ReenieJuly 12, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    I have only recently started using appliques and those have been machine stitched. I am in awe of those that do it by hand and I would love to add that to my list of accomplishments! Thanks so much for a generous giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. SewCalGalJuly 13, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    I'm amazed you could do this in your van! Great review.

    I've posted insights on your review & giveaway on my page where I share insights on contests & giveaways: http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Average QuilterJuly 13, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    I have been bitten. I've started one applique and have my mind on another. Plus I've got one in the works using my embroidery machine. I would love to have this book to help me along. thanks for the chance -- averagequilter.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. DeannaJuly 13, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    I need this book to help me get going on applique. So many beautiful ideas and inspiration. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Quilts And PiecesJuly 14, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    This book looks absolutely wonderful! I"m sure I could use those applique blocks in so many ways. I make lots of gifts for friends with applique blocks,or applique on the project and this would give me so many wonderful choices!

    ReplyDelete
  43. jmjJuly 14, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    I hope I'm not too late. I'm having surgery on my foot in two weeks so won't be able to do anything but sit for 4-5 days and my plan is to finally do some needle turn applique. I can't say I don't have time since I really won't be able to do much else. This book looks perfect for the type of patterns I like. Thanks for your reviews; I've learned so much from you. Joan in Bowling Green

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  44. Catskill QuilterJuly 14, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    I just love applique! These look like wonderful designs!

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  45. RustyBirdJuly 14, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    It looks like a great book. I'd love to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. j.g.prescottJuly 17, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    I would like one. Even tho they are traditional designs, they appear to be a little simpler. And the CD would be a bonus. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading the IHAN Blog. I love getting and reading every comment that is left here; however I may not be able to respond to all comments left during giveaways. There are times when I am juggling many tasks at one time and may not reply to all comments. Please e-mail me at quiltnotions@gmail.com if you need a reply quickly. I thank you for your understanding and-
More Later-Beth