Monday, March 2, 2015

Recreating Antique Quilts Blog Hop

Welcome!  I'm so glad you stopped by for this hop.  When Wendy asked me if I'd be interested in participating, I jumped at the chance.  I've known Wendy for many years (where did the time go?!) and had the opportunity to test several of her patterns in the past so knew making something from her book would be fun. 

I am very impressed with Wendy's book "Recreating Antique Quilts" for several reasons.  It's not only beautifully photographed but includes full color schematics to guide you as you construct the project.  There's also tips to help make piecing more accurate which means no unpicking and resewing.  Applique templates are full size which means no wasting time and money at the copy center.  Quilting diagrams are also included for several projects.  All this and more for only $24.95.

 
Photo courtesy of Landauer Publishing.
 
If you're in the US or Canada and would like to purchase a copy of the book, click here.  If you'd like to purchase a copy signed by Wendy, click here.  If you're outside the US or Canada and would like to purchase a copy, please ask your local shop if they will carry the book.  If they won't carry the book, you can order directly from Landauer or Amazon.
 
I love, love, love to applique.  I piece so I have a background on which to applique.  Wendy knows this so I'm sure was expecting I'd choose an applique project.  Instead, I chose a pieced project:  Patches and Crosses Table Runner.  I was drawn to the symmetry of the project and interested in how the half blocks would work.  I wasn't disappointed as the pattern instructions clearly explain how to achieve perfectly pieced half blocks. 
 
 

Here's the pattern as shown in the book.  Photo courtesy of Landauer Publishing.


If you look closely, you'll notice several differences between the runner Wendy made and mine.  Notice the white inner border in Wendy's runner?  I omitted that border; I felt like with my fabric choices the white inner border would overwhelm my piece.  I also used two different fabrics for the border.....was that a design decision.....or an "I don't have enough fabric" decision?   I could spin a tale and go on about how using two different border fabrics was planned during the design phase but, honestly, I didn't have enough of either fabric for the border so thought it would be fun to use complementary fabrics.  I really like the additional interest the border adds to the piece. 

 

I used Lynette Anderson's Time with Friends fabric line for my project (photo courtesy of Lynette Anderson).  I chose the blue colorway for a nice spring look.  I have sewn with Lynette's fabrics many times in the past and love the feel of the fabric.  I also love the fact her lines can be interchanged.  You can see the entire range of Time with Friends here.  While you're there, be sure to check out her other fabric lines.

 
My table runner was beautifully quilted by Darlene at Sew Graceful Quilting.  I'd planned to quilt it myself but was very pleased when Darlene asked if she could quilt it for me.  Her quilting doesn't become the quilt -- it adds dimension and interest but allows the beautiful fabrics to remain the focal point.
 


What's next?  Now that I've finished a pieced project, it's time to move on to an applique project.  I'm drawn to 4 block applique quilts and think the urn of flowers on the Floral Fancy Wallhanging (photo courtesy of Landauer Publishing) would be beautiful as a 4 block quilt.  I think I'll set the urn on point with the pots meeting in the center.  What do you think?

 
 
I'm excited to see what my fellow bloggers created using Wendy's book.  Here's a link to the other blogs. 


Lisa: http://lovetocolormyworld.blogspot.com/
Doreen: http://treadlemusic.wordpress.com/
Karen: http://karensquiltscrowscardinals.blogspot.com/


Landauer has graciously offered to give away a copy of their book.  Leave a comment by March 13 and I'll draw the name of a lucky person. 

Thanks for stopping by.  If you'd like to follow my blog, I'd love to have you join.  Since my mother passed away, I've been pretty hit and miss in posting but thanks to Wendy I'm motivated to post more often. 




66 comments:

  1. I love to get a new to me book. More inspiration is better, right?

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  2. would love a chance to win this book for more inspiration, ever sine I saw the cover quilt I have wanted it.

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  3. I would love to win that book. Love the fresh approach to antique quilts.

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  4. I love Wendy's work, and have followed her blog for several years for her great FMQ tutorials. The colorway you chose for your table runner is so subtle and gorgeous. That is a pattern I'd also like to make from Wendy's book.

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  5. Would love to win this book....great quilts

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  6. I love your version of the runner and wish ihad more applique confidence!

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  7. I would love to win this book!

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  8. This book looks awesome and the projects are all fantastic! Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  9. Wendy is amazing! Your runner looks beautiful. I love the fabrics that you used. I already have the book so please do not add my name. ;-)

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  11. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a wonderful book - love her quilts. Condolences on the lose of your mother......
    sascott4@hotmail.com

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  12. The half blocks on your runner look absolutely perfect! I would love to win a copy of Wendy's book. Post on your blog when the time is right for you. The grieving process for each of us is different. . . .I know, first hand.

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  13. I think the urn block would look fantastic with four set on point.

    Would love to win Wendy's book. I enjoy her free motion quilting tutorials. Her quilting is amazing.

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  14. I love your interpretation of the runner--very pretty! I'm so sorry for your loss. My mom passed away last Easter Sunday--it's going to be a bittersweet spring--sending cyber hugs.

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  15. I love the colorway on your table runner. It's always amazing to me how different quilts look with just a change of fabric.

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  16. Love this book, thanks for the chance

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  17. So much inspiration, so little time. CDahlgren at live dot com

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  18. This looks like a great book and I love your idea for the applique quilt!

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  19. This looks like a fantastic book. Love your version of the Patches and Crosses Table Runner.

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  20. I like the changes you made to the tablerunner. Your fabric choices are really nice.

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  21. I really like your table runner. I think your appliqué ideas for the Flora Fancy are great.
    Your blog is very interesting. Winning the book would certainlly make my day!

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  22. Love the table runner- those blues are beautiful. This book looks fun- thanks for the chance to win! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  23. I love the fabric colours you've chosen for your table runner. Thanks for the chance.

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  24. I hit return to quickly and just wanted to send my condolences in the loss of your Mom. I lost mine 2 years ago and say take all the time you need to heal. Take care of yourself.

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  25. Hi Kay - No need to put me in for the book - I just wanted to stop by, say "Hello" and admire your sweet table runner. It is darling and I love the way you made it your own. I admire your creations from afar and have bought more than one kit from the shop - love your designs. If you're going to Spring Market this year I would love to meet and say hello. Happy we hopped with Wendy together today. Take care, Karen

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  26. Great table runner! I can't wait to see more of the projects from Wendy's book. I also loved that you used different fabrics in the border. It certainly changes things. Good idea on that! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  27. Oh, beautiful table runner, and lovely fabric! I am makng Towne Square, a quilt with her fabric, and am just finishing the last border. I have really enjoyed making it, and your table runner might be the next thing on my to do list!

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  28. Love everything! Especially the Floral. D.G. L

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  29. Love your fabric choice! Beautiful.
    Pat C
    Cruellaplc@aol.com

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  30. Your version of wendy's pattern is so pretty.

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  31. Your version of wendy's pattern is so pretty.

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  32. I love your make it do attitude. I think the two colors in the border is great, as it keeps your eyes moving around the quilt.

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  33. Just love the colors you used...so soothing!

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  34. Thanks for the opportunity to win Wendy's book. Love her work.

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  35. Wendy has so much talent! This would be a great book! thanks!

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  36. I really like the look of the runner both ways. The fabric you have used I really like a lot. It's very pretty

    I'm sorry to read about your Mother. That is such a hard thing to deal with. I lost my own Mother when my first son was born. He was her first grandchild so it hit me really hard.

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  37. I really like both versions of the table runner.

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  38. Both versions are wonderful. This will be a must have book.

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  39. Lovely book, thank you for hosting the giveaway. weitay at gmail dot com

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  40. I agree with you, Floral Fancy would be stunning as a 4 block wall hanging. Your applique work is stunning. Thank you for a chance to win Wendy's fabulous book.

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  41. Looks like a fabulous book - Wendy's designs are delightful.

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  42. Love this! Thanks for a chance to win.

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  43. This looks like an interesting new book. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

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  44. I would love to make the cover quilt Oh Happy Stars!! I esp love that red bird on the cover.

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  45. I would love to win this book - it looks so good! I am a newbie quilter and thanks for the chance to win!

    merryorganic at gmail dot com

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  46. THANKS FOR SHARING A GREAT GIVEAWAY!
    LOVED YOUR POST+SUCH A PRETTY PROJECT!
    HAPPY STITCHING!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  47. I would like to win one of the books

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  48. I love the colours you've used in your table runner!

    wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com

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  49. I like your two-colored border. :)

    I think I'm not a no-reply, but just in case: jhunsberger (at) gmail (d0t) c0m

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  50. So sorry to hear about your Mum. There is never anything you can say to make someone feel better about losing their mother except that the good things about her she passed on to you. All Mums are special!
    Loved your runner by the way!

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  51. Your project is great as usual. I have admired Wendy's work for a long time. I would love to win the book.

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  52. I also love using books and patterns as a starting point for my own inspiration.

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  53. That is such a pretty quilt on the front cover!

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  54. Thank you so much for the chance to win. Your quilt is beautiful! I signed up to follow you. sarah@forrussia.org

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  55. I loooove Both Runners...very Pretty! Goood jobs!

    Would love to win this Book! Thanks for the chance! :)

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  56. I love your touch to an old favorite. I, too, am always looking for ways to add my own personal touch to time-honored beautiful patterns. I would love to add this book to my library.

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  57. Your table runner is simply stunning. I tend to lean towards the blues. Sorry about your Mother. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  58. Love your colourway in the table runner. This looks like a great book.

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  59. Wow these quilts are beautiful! I would love a copy of the book so I can whip up my very own recreation.

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  60. This book looks great, I'd love to win a copy.
    jen.barnard@btinternet.com

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  61. Really looks wonderful I am always interested in what Wendy does and would love to have a copy of her book.

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  62. I liked your table runner and I'd love to win a copy of this book.

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  63. I love seeing different versions of the same quilt. That urn of flowers is gorgeous.

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