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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Blog Hop and Book Giveaway - Recreating Antique Quilts

Welcome everyone!

I'm Karen from Redbird Quilt Co and I'm thrilled to be sharing the stage with some wonderfully talented ladies for Blog Hop Round #2 celebrating Wendy Sheppard's latest book:  

Recreating Antique Quilts

You're going to Love this book!
Be sure to jump to each person's blog today - see their beautiful projects, and get signed up for the book giveaway -- 4 books will be shared during the hop!!

Lisa: http://lovetocolormyworld.blogspot.com/
Doreen: http://treadlemusic.wordpress.com/
Kay: http://kayharmon.blogspot.com/ 

Many thanks to Landauer Publishing for sponsoring this hop and giveaway!
Image Credit Landauer Publishing
If you've been following along on Instagram or Facebook you'll know that I've been sharing some teasers about my latest project from Wendy's book.
Well, the time has come to tell you about the book and reveal my project!!

Wendy Sheppard according to Karen:  

Let me first say that Wendy Sheppard is one of the most talented designers and domestic free motion quilters that I know!

I've been motivated and inspired by her awesome designs and free motion quilting classes and tutorials for several years now.  Matter of fact, Wendy, in her sweet and graceful way, has encouraged me to become a better designer and quilter and I'm so very grateful for that.
(Thank you friend). 

One awesome thing you'll find on Wendy's Blog (www.ivoryspring.wordpress.com) is Wendy's free motion quilting tips, Thread Talk.  If you FMQ then you must check it out!  All the most fantastic tips and tricks for quilting on a domestic machine!!  Really -- Thread Talk has helped me out of more than one FMQ jam.

Thread Talk

To learn even more about Wendy check out this blog post by Landauer Press and also this interview with Pat Sloan!  Woot! Woot!

Recreating Antique Quilts Review:

(From Blog Hop Round #1 ~ My original review ~ Nov 2014)

Recreating Antique Quilts is all about re-interpreting antique quilts for the quilters of our time using contemporary fabrics and methods.  It's pretty neat to see antique quilt designs recreated with fun and modern fabrics in sizes that 
won't take forever to complete. 

Here is the book cover,
isn't it just beautiful?
Fresh colors, a beautiful bird, love!
Book Cover ~ Image Credit Landauer Publishing
The 96 page book contains patterns, complete instructions, full-color images, and full-size templates for 5 quilts, 2 table toppers/runners, 1 pillow, and 2 stunning wall hangings.   WOW!! 

In typical Wendy Sheppard style, the designs are fresh and unique and each pattern contains applicable cutting, piecing, applique and quilting tips including an awesome writeup sharing Wendy's machine applique methods.  Sweet!

In all, the book contains more than 27 full-color quilt images!   I love this because you can see full view images of the quilts that inspired Wendy's designs along side her updated design.

There are detail images that show you the beautiful piecing and applique along with the fantastic quilting stitched on Wendy's domestic machine.  
Wendy's Garden Lattice ~ Image Credit Landauer Publishing
You'll also love the detailed and helpful applique templates and quilting diagrams.  

The applique templates are full-size, color coded, reversed where applicable, and easy to follow.

The quilting tips, notes and diagrams are equally impressive.

I was excited to see a page dedicated to quilting an Off-Centered Feather Wreath.
I can see my FMQ skills improving already!


Blog Hop Round #1 Creation: Karen's Feathered Garden Lattice:

Here is a quick recap of what I created for Blog Hop Round #1.
Shown is Wendy's Garden Lattice quilt design - so beautiful!!  
Image Credit Landauer Publishing
And I interpreted the design like this:  Karen's "Feathered Garden Lattice".
You can read my Blog Hop Round #1 post and see more of Feathered Garden Lattice by clicking here:    What a fun project!!

Here we are!! Blog Hop Round #2  

I was thrilled and honored when Wendy invited a few of us to the 2nd round of her book Blog Hop -- it means creating yet another design from the book!  Woot!  Woot!

Of course I was drawn to this applique,  
Ivory Baltimore Wall Hanging.  
It's a mini -- 17" x 21"
It was first on my list of things to make.  
Isn't it beautiful?  
Ivory Baltimore ~ Image Credit Landauer Publishing
Wendy wrote an exceptional overview of how and why she created Ivory Baltimore -- you can read it by clicking here.

I was excited to adapt Ivory Baltimore to wool applique using somewhat more traditional Baltimore Album colors....
and here it is...  my Wool on Flannel version of Ivory Baltimore Wallhanging:
As I did with Feathered Garden Lattice, I decided to jump outside of my comfort zone with this project.  Although I rarely use fusible methods - it sure came in handy on this petite little applique wall hanging.
 For the background fabric I used Primitive Muslin Flannel (by Primitive Gatherings for Moda) and various and sundry pieces of hand dyed wool for the applique.  I used Heat 'n Bond Lite to prepare everything except the stems, baskets, and 3D flowers.  I was happy with how things anchored using the fusible (but you know me, generally I wouldn't use fusible or glue based products).   
 I used Aurifil Mako Cotton 12Wt Thread (and a little Valdani 12Wt) to hand stitch the wool pieces to the background.  I find it relaxing to hand stitch #slowstitching.  
If you want to create this design with machine applique (like Wendy did) and wool, the fusible would help stabilize the wool for you -- so you can machine blanket stitch it. 

I used a combination of a blanket stitch and an overhand stitch on the applique and added a little batting to the wool flowers to give them dimension. Where Wendy used YoYo Flowers, I had fun creating something a little different with wool!!
For the quilting, I paired the quilt top with a layer of Quilters Dream 100% Wool batting, a layer of 100% cotton batting and a flannel backing.  I used Aurifil 50Wt Mako Cotton for the quilting with a size 90/14 needle (because of all that batting).
I *LOVE* the way Aurifil thread stitches (hand and machine). 

 Don't you just love the look and dimension quilting adds to the overall pattern?
I could go on all day showing you pictures of Wooly Ivory Baltimore, but I want to be sure you have time to get to all the blogs that are reviewing and giving-away Wendy's book today.

Use the image below to see Wendy's main blog hop post from today:  And don't forget to hop to the other blogging friends...
Image Credit Landauer Publishing

Now how about that Giveaway!

The great folks at Landauer Publishing are giving away one copy of
Recreating Antique Quilts
at each blog hop stop today!

The book giveaway is open to United States and Canadian followers -- however, if an International follower is chosen, I would be happy to share a PDF copy of my Spring Basket pattern - so please everyone, join in the fun!

 To enter the giveaway, leave a comment and let me know what you thought about the book review or the projects in the book -- just let me know whatever you like!

The Giveaway will remain open through March 12th and the randomly drawn winner will be announced on March 13th.
 
In summary, I couldn't be more pleased with Wendy Sheppard's new book  
Recreating Antique Quilts.

The designs (and variety of designs), patterns, instructions, diagrams, layout, colors - just everything about the book is beautifully done.

Here are a couple of helpful links:

You can order the book from Landauer Publishing by clicking here.  

You can order a signed copy of the book from Wendy Sheppard by clicking here:
You can also find the book on Amazon.com or ask your favorite Patchwork shop to order it in.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a blessed week!
Karen

80 comments:

  1. Shirley sascott4@hotmail.comMarch 3, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    Love Recreating Antique Quilts and the Feathery Formation Quilt is my favorite - so simple and elegant.

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  2. Wendy is so creative, I love the little quilty sneak peaks she gives on her blog. She makes designing look so easy! Love your Baltimore wool version.

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  3. I've been following Wendy's blog for many years and she always comes up with something inspiring.

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  4. I love your wooly version of Wendy's Baltimore wall hanging--so cute! It looks like there is a lot of inspiration in the book--thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  5. I have read good things about this book and would love to have a copy.

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  6. Beautiful book, thanks for the chance

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  7. I'm hopeful to win the book! I love the cover quilt.. your work is amazing and gives me much to aspire to!

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  8. I love all the quilts in the book. Wendy is such a gifted quilter. CDahlgren at live dot com

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  9. Your choice is done beautifully!!! I so love working with wool/felt and your application is so nice. I'm still blown away by your "Feathered Garden Lattice", however! Your treatment/stitching technique on the center fabric and borders is breathtaking!!!! I thought so when you first posted it and I feel even more so now. The whole 'feel' and execution of the quilt is totally dreamy!!!!!

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  10. Your version of the Baltimore Album hanging is incredible. I love the colors, the stitching, everything.
    I like seeing different interpretations of the same pattern and Wendy does beautiful work.Her Talking threads posts have been so helpful to me.

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  11. I love seeing what you have done with the designs from Wendy's book. I have bought this book and I enjoy looking at the before and after versions - good to see the interpretation process. (hers and yours!!)

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  12. This looks like a great book, thanks for sharing and the chance to win! Your projects are beautiful! I'm still drooling over the quilting on that feathered quilt!

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  13. Both of your pieces are wonderful. I am drawn to the off center quilted wreath in Wendy's book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

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  14. This book looks fantastic. Love your version of Wendy's Baltimore wall hanging. I have been following Wendy's blog and find it so inspirational.

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  15. I have loved Wendy's quilts and quilting for some time. Your rendition of her Baltimore wall hanging is wonderful. How I'd love to have a copy of this book.

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  16. So beautiful! I love seeing how different quilters interpret patterns and quilts- so fun to see each one's personality and style come out! This book looks really interesting- I love vintage quilts. Thanks! Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  17. I love your interpretation using wool, it added another dimension to the design. I love everything Wendy does and would love to win a copy of her book. Thank you for the chance.

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  18. Great job! I'm looking forward to all the info in the book, from the inspiration photos, Wendy's designs and instructions to make it easier, and the tips on quilting. She's such an inspiration! Thanks.

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  19. The book looks Super..definitely would looove to Win! :)

    You do the most AMAZING creations!!! Love your Baltimore in Wool! AWESOME!!

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  20. Karen! Your wool Ivory Baltimore is stunning! I LOVE it! The fmq in the bg was perfect for it. Gorgeous!
    xo jan

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  21. Karen your quilt is fabulous. I love all the projects in the book. Wendy is so talented.

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  22. Karen your quilt is fabulous. I love all the projects in the book. Wendy is so talented.

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  23. You did such a marvelous job with your piece ( I actually like it a wee bit better than the original!). Love the dimension with the quilting too. Thanks for sharing!

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  24. Your quilting is awesome! I cannot imagine ever getting that good! Thanks for the opportunity to win Wendy's book.

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  25. Your review of Wendy's new book was great...very informative. You have made me really want my own copy!

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  26. I have taken one wool class and would like to do more. Great information.

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  27. There is not just one word to describe this beautiful wonderful book and the creations that are coming from it.

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  28. I just love the quilt you have recreated using wool. The flowers are really great looking. They really stand out. Just a beautiful job you've done.

    I have been following Wendy's blog for a few years now and just love all her work. I can't honestly say that there's been one of her quilts that I didn't like. They all seem to be the type I like a lot.
    As far as my favorite from Wendy's book, it is definitely the cover quilt. I absolutely love that quilt.

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  29. Wendy has so much talent! I would love a copy of her book! thank you!

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  30. The machine quilting on Feathered Garden Lattice is drop dead gorgeous! Wow!

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  31. It's so fun to see your wool variation on a book project.

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  32. Love the reviews and different interpretations I've seen. I would love to have a copy of this book!

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  33. Some great reviews on the book. I am absolutely in love with your little quilt! Just amazing! I would love a copy of this book!

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  34. I love your project. The review is great and I love how Wendy gives FMQ help. This will be a must have for the year.

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  35. I simply love everything about Wendy's book that it would be impossible to choose just one or two projects. She is my hero and is always a great inspiration. Many thanks for the chance to win.

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  36. I love how you used the wool for the spring applique project!

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  37. Wendy has inspired me since I first began getting serious about learning to quilt on my domestic a few years back.

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    1. I love your piece, I would love to make this for one of my newly finished walls (in wool)!

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    2. I love your piece, I would love to make this for one of my newly finished walls (in wool)!

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  38. I've been following Wendy's blog for several years now, and her Thread Talk series has been such a godsend for my FMQ efforts. I loved seeing the photos of her featured projects and your interpretations in these two blog hops. I love those wool flowers you made!

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  39. Wendy has inspired me since I first began getting serious about learning to quilt on my domestic a few years back.

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  40. Wendy designs lovely quilts with a traditional flavor with a bit of a twist - love them

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  41. love the ivory Baltimore!! fingers crossed!

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  42. Beautiful! Would love to get my hands on this book. As others have said, the pieces look like a great twist on traditional ideas. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  43. Great review, beautiful quilting and this looks like a terrific book.

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  44. I love the quilt on the cover and the bird, too. I'd love to make that one!

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  45. Your version of Baltimore is breathtaking! I would love to win this book.

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  46. I love your Trapunto-style wool flowers. Would be curious if you cut your flowers larger to accommodate the extra batting? The embellishments are lovely too.

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  47. I would love to win this book - it looks so good! I am a newbie quilter and thanks for the chance to win! I love your detail in the blog post.


    merryorganic at gmail dot com

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  48. BEAUTIFUL APPLIQUE ON THE WALL HANGING>JUST SO PRETTY! THIS BOOK LOOKS SO INTERESTING!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  49. wow, what a pretty book, I love recreating antique quilts and blocks, and I love your rendition of one of the quilts! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  50. Thanks for a very thorough review of this book. Love everything that Wendy does. Your wooly Baltimore Album is beautiful. robinshelor@earthlink.net

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  51. Thank you, loved your review. The book looks amazing.

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  52. Recreating Antique Quilts looks amazing. I love the whole idea of the book!

    wlinda_ca at yahoo dot com

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  53. The book looks fantastic. I think that it is just my style. I love antique and vintage quilts, but I like to add something a bit more contemporary to them to make them my own. I always like Wendy's patterns in magazines she has such great ideas. I would love to win. thank you!
    My email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com

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  54. Thanks for the chance to win this great book giveaway. Love your Ivory Baltimore wallhanging.
    lbcookie1@gmail.com

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  55. Book reviews are always helpful and your's is excellent. I particularly like that you have actually tested patterns. Your Feathered Garden Lattice is wonderful because we all have (or at least I have) some beautiful large prints that we don't want to cut into pieces. It looks like Wendy's book will provide some great ideas to use those fabrics!

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  56. Wendy's work and her book are both incredible.

    I LOVE your piece! The applique is wonderful with the wool and those 3D flowers. Your attention to the details is perfect and it makes such a stunning little quilt. Great job and nice review.

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  57. Your quilts are gorgeous. I'd love to win Wendy's beautiful book. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

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  58. Loved your adaptation from the book. I love old quilts and would love to have this book as part of my collection.

    Elaine
    carneyes@msn.com

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  59. I love seeing the different projects in the book and how they are used as a starting point for so many other ideas. That makes a great book.

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  60. I adore the quilt on the front cover. Your work is amazing!

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  61. The book looks fantastic! I would love to look through it. Thanks for such a great review. sarah@forrussia.org

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  62. I love the traditional quilts with bright modern fabrics, this book looks perfect for my library!

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  63. I love classic looks that are always claasy, just like everything you revealed in your book review. The statement you made about it all being recreatable in smaller sizes really hit home with me! I'm putting this book at the top of my must have list! Thanks, Gayle
    Gayle@gayleballinger.com 206-799-0521

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  64. I've loved Wendy's work and followed her blog for a few years now. Your review of her book is spot on, and your recreation of her Baltimore is beautiful.

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  65. Wow! That's the best review I've ever read! The book looks incredible and I'll waste no time adding it to my 'must have' list!

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  66. Great review! The projects in the book look wonderful! I love how you did the wool applique! Thanks for sharing!

    Emilie

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  67. It would be far easier to list what I don't like about this book and all the projects.....nothing! I love it all! I follow both blogs and you are both an inspiration!

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  68. Great book review - have read your previous comments about it too. Love Wendy's designs and your fantastic versions of them! You gals amaze me! Very inspiring!

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  69. I love your Wool on Flannel. You used my favorite goto background filler, the loop do loop. Prefer it much more than stippling. I also love your 1st project, simple piecing and fun stitching. Looking for a large print that I can do that with to practice my feathers and outlining. So fun. I would love to win the book.

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  70. Beautiful book...had a look when it first came out. Thanks for the review

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  71. I am always looking fir quilting inspiration which is what I struggle with all the time. Making the project is fun but when it comes time to quilt, I get brain block. It looks like this book offers many quilting designs as well

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  72. Wendy's is just awesome!, as are your creations here.
    I would feel so lucky to win this book.
    Thank you

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  73. Thank you for this great giveaway for this great book. Your quilts are gorgeous!! Just gorgeous!!

    Have a super great sewing and stitching day!

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  74. Thanks for the chance to win Wendy's book I have long been an admirer of her work and would love to try some wool work.

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  75. Thanks for the chance to win Wendy's book.

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  76. So many beautiful quilts. I love the wooly version of the Baltimore quilt.

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  77. Love Wendy's quilting. I really need this book!

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